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04-21-2011 HPC MINMINUTES OP THE JOINT ELK RIVER HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL Thursday, April 21, 201 1 HPC Members present: Chair Lance Lindberg, Debra Mortensen, Stephen Rohlf, and Mark Konietzko HPC Members absent: Kristin Harris Staff Present: Environmental Administrator, Rebecca Haug Environmental Technician, Nicola Blake-Bradley Others Present: Michael Brubaker, Shexbume History Centet 11 Meeting called to Order: Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Chair Lindberg. 2) Consider April 21 2011 HPC Agenda: Ms. Haug requested the addition of delivering the oath of office to Chair Lindberg and Vice- Chair Mortensen as item 2(a). MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED AGENDA BY COMMISSIONER KONIETZKO AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORTENSEN. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. Chair Lindberg administered the Oath of Office for Commissioner Mortensen. Commissioner Mortensen administered the Oath of Office fox Chair Lindberg. 31 Consider February 17.2011 HPC Minutes: MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES WITH NO CHANGES BY COMMISSIONER KONIETZKO AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORTENSEN. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. 4) Recap of February 20.2011 Presentation by Bonnie McDonald Preservation Alliance of MN Ms. Haug felt it is important to discuss the presentation Ms. McDonald gave regarding the state historic tax credit along with other financing tools for historic structures. Her presentation also focused on adapting properties, creating jobs by restoring structures versus tearing them down, business creation and retention and heritage tourism. Ms. Haug stated that the HRA is considering tearing down properties at 716 & 720 Main St. Chair Wilson had reminded the HRA about Ms. McDonald's presentation during the HRA discussion. Ms. Haug added the importance of working with the HRA to pxo~ride the history of the buildings to encourage them to redevelop versus tear down. Commissioner Konietzko questioned how we can get that information. Mx. Brubaker asked whether the HRA (and City) would be open to the idea of Heritage Tourism. He added that far every dollar spent on restoration and redevelopment, the return is $1.85 from heritage tourism. Discussion followed regarding the reinvestment in Handke and the potential of the Jackson Street Water Tower. The City bought the buildings four years ago for parking space (and possible parking ramp) to accommodate the new buildings downtown. The Bluff building is being used as rental property now and there is only one pazking stall per unit. Commissioner Roh1f amved at 6:15 p.m. Further discussion concerning the buildings centered upon financial costs to heat and cool the building versus proposed use (parking). Chair Lindberg will have a letter drafted indicating the pros and cons of restoring the building and have it for the next HPC meeting. Oral History Update Discussion revolved azound the sad fact that many of the elderly residents whose oral histories were desired have akeady died and a sense of urgency is felt by the commission. Commissioner Mortensen is willing to conduct oral histories to continue to capture as much as possible. A suggestion was made to have school kids conduct histories to spark their interest but a concern about the quality of the result was also aired. 61 Water Tower Update Ms. Haug stated that she is waiting to hear if the Jackson Street Water Tower is on the National Register. A suggestion was made to formally thank Mayor Dietz fox his support. Ms. Haug agreed. She stated that she had gone to the Utilities Commission fox approval on the fast track giant and that Mayor Dietz (prior to being elected) had approved of the attempt to have the water tower listed on the National Register. Chair Lindberg delegated the responsibility to write the thank you to staff. Ms. Haug will write it and send it to the HPC fox approval and Chair Lindbexg's signatare. 71 Adjournment Ms. Haug questioned whether a meeting is necessary in May? The Commission is only required to have four per year. Items for the agenda were discussed. Chair Lindberg felt a May meeting is worth pursuing. A comment was made that it may make sense to approach the HRA for a joint meeting. The meeting will be scheduled and if it is not needed, it can be canceled. The next meeting will be held on May 19~' at 6:00 p.m. in the Uppextown Conference Room at City Hall. The meeting was adjourned by Chair Lindberg at 6:48 p.m. Minutes prepared by Nicola Blake-Bradley '<.p ~ y. 2 ~~ ~ ~ ~_ Tma :lllaTd City Clexk Hezitage Preservation CotnmiS's~~h Chair