10-20-2011 HPC MINHeritage Presen-ation Commission Meeting
Elk River Citv Hall
October 7A, 7A11
MINUTES OF THE ELK RIVER
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Thursday, October 20, 2011
HPC Members present: Chair Lance Lindberg, Debra Mortensen, and Matk
Konietzko
HPC Members absent: Stephen Rohlf
Staff Present: Environmental Administrator, Rebecca Haug
Others Present: Michael Brubaker, Sherburne History Centex
Denny Chuba, Elk River Area Arts Alliance
Meeting called to Order:
Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission was called to order at 6:08 p.m. by Chair
Lindberg.
2) Consider October 20.2011 HPC Agenda:
MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA BY COMMISSIONER MORTENSEN AND
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KONIETZKO. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION
CARRIED.
3) Consider August 18, 2011 HPC Minutes:
MOTION TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 18, 2011 MINUTES BY COMMISSIONER
KONIETZKO AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORTENSEN. ALL IN
FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
4 P) fanning Commission Items
Ms. Haug stated there aze no Plamiirlg Commission items at this time.
5) 2011 Preservation Conference
Ms. Haug and Commissioner Mortensen shared their thoughts on the Preservation
Conference. The keynote speaker, Bob Yapp, has restored 162 homes and was particularly
entertaining. Ms. Haug's presentation regarding the Archaeological digs went well.
6) 716 & 720 Main Street update
The HRA (Housing and Redevelopment Authority) met on October 3~ and authorized
moving forward with the demolition process. Ms. Haug introduced Mr. Denny Chuba, who
is present representing the Elk River Area Arts Alliance, which currently occupies 716 Main
Street. The Arts Alliance was given November 7`s as a deadline for eviction. Mr. Chuba
discussed that the four photos in the memo to the HRA were all the same truss. Mr. Chuba
operates a construction business so he had the opportunity to review the building
approximately 1.5 years ago. His opinion is that it would have taken approximately $150,000
to bring the buildings up to code. His question is regazding the uxgenry. Mr. Chuba
Heritage Presen~ation Commission Meeting
Elk River City Hall
October 2Q, 2011
commented that 716 Main Street is structurally sound, but the roof leaks. It would be
possible to save, but 720 Main Street is substandard. Per Mx. Chuba, the chance for
catasrtophic collapse is fairly remote and if the truss were fixed, the chance would be very
remote. The Arts Alliance needs time to find a new location and the holiday season is their
busiest time fox sales so moving is not in their best interest at this point.
Discussion followed regarding the basement configurations and time frames fox eviction,
etc. Chair Lindberg offered a letter of support from the HPC to keep the buildings and
extend the lease.
The meeting was adjourned by Chair Lindberg at 7:12 p.m.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER KONIETZKO AND SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER MORTENSEN TO HAVE A LETTER DRAFTED BY STAFF TO
PUSH FOR RE-EVALUATION OF THE BUILDINGS. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION
CARRIED.
71 Oral History Update
Comtxusssionex Mortensen commented that she has seven tapes to transcribe yet. Ms. Haug
reported that she was approached by Charlotte Strei, RSVP coordinator and that volunteers
are interested in doing oral histories again if given training by Michael Brubaker. An updated
list is needed to give to Ms. Suei. Commissioner Mortensen commented that Mx. Stan
Wheaton was awesome to interview. Chair Lindberg commented that Joyce Hudson
(Norxell) would have a LOT of stories to shaze. Dan and Doris Anderson would be good to
interview. Commissioner Mortensen is plazming to interview Pat Dwyer. Other people to
add to the list include: Leroy Toth, Ken "Cow" Lockwood, Phil Hals, and Doug Johnson.
81 Other
The Plamung Manager is reopening the downtown redevelopment plan and will have a
meeting on November 14~'. Chair Lindberg will represent the HPC. A new HPC
Commissioner, Joshua Fox will be interviewed at the upcoming City Council meeting.
91 Adjournment
The next meeting is scheduled to be held on November 17s', but will be cancelled.
Therefore, the next meeting will be held on December 15th at 6:00 p.m. in the Uppertown
Conference Room at City Hall. Ms. Haug will bring the annual report to the next meeting
that goes to the State.
Heritage Pxeseroation Commission Chain