4.2 HPSR 08-15-2013 Ji
City of
Elk MEMORANDUM
River
TO: Heritage Preservation Commission
FROM: Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator
DATE: July 10, 2013
SUBJECT: Jackson St. Water Tower Restoration
The water tower was placed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on May 23,
2012. In the summer and fall of 2012, staff solicited quotes for the cost of restoring the
water tower. The quotes ranged from$190,000 - $400,000. The contractors have indicated
that the costs could be higher depending on what the fees are to abate the lead based paint.
This information was shared with the HPC at their September 20, 2012 meeting. Since the
September meeting, the HPC has been discussing and researching fundraising and grant
opportunities. Setting up a 501c3 or working with another entity to collect funds from
fundraising activities may be the best option as many of the ideas the HPC brings up for
fundraising are not allowed by the City.
Staff has identified one grant that could be used for the water tower restoration. At the
March 21, 2013 HPC meeting, applying for grant funds through the State Capital Projects
Grants-in-Aid program through the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) was discussed. The
grant funds range between$10,000 and the maximum amount of$100,000 depending on
funding for the year.A 25% match is required. This grant would not cover the entire costs
associated with the restoration of the water tower so additional funds are needed.
The HPC recently started its water tower fundraising efforts through the donation letters
that were sent out by staff to solicit donations for the Archaeological Dig, History Day and
the Water Tower Restoration. The HPC also had a booth at ArtSoup and displayed a replica
of the water tower. Next to the water tower, the HPC placed a jar for people to donate
funds for the restoration.
Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) has had funds in the amount of$35,000 budgeted for
the water tower. These funds were either going to go towards the restoration if the HPC
could raise the additional funds or go towards tearing it down.
Currently, the city holds the funds that have been raised through the fundraising efforts.
The money that has been received by the City for the water tower restoration will be tracked
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separately through the capital outlay reserve fund. The current balance in the fund is
$858.53. If a 501c3 is created or another entity is interested in supporting the fundraising
efforts, the money could be transferred.
The HPC needs to complete a comprehensive plan going forward so the matching funds will
be in place during the 2014 winter grant cycle through the MHS. An update also needs to be
presented to the ERMU and City Council on the status of the fundraising efforts and to
receive authorization to continue the fundraising efforts.
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