03-21-2013 HPC MIN • MINUTES OF THE ELK RIVER
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Thursday,March 21,2013
HPC Members present: Chair Lance Lindberg,Vice Chair Debra Mortensen,Marilyn
VanPatten,Stephen Rohlf,and Joshua Fox
Staff Present: Environmental Administrator,Rebecca Haug
Others Present: Michael Brubaker,Sherburne History Center
Stewart Wilson,City Council Liaison
David
1) Meeting called to Order
Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission was called to order at 6:03 p.m.by Chair Lindberg.
2) Oath of Office
Chair Lindberg administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Fox.
3) Election of Officers
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ROHLF AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FOX TO
HAVE CHAIR LINDBERG REMAIN CHAIR AND COMMISSIONER MORTENSEN VICE
CHAIR ALL IN FAVOR MOTION CARRIED.
• 4) Consider March 21,2013 HPC Agenda
MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA WITH THE ADDITION OF TI IE WAFER
TOWER GRANT,CIVIL WAR HISTORY AND WALKING TOURS AND ROTARY
MEETING UPDATE BY COMMISSIONER FOX AND SECOND BY COMIVIISSIONER
MORTENSEN.ALL IN FAVOR MOTION CARRIED.
5) Consider January 17 and February 5,2013 HPC Minutes:
MOTION TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 17 MINUTES BY COMMISSIONER MORTENSEN
AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER FOX. ALL IN FAVOR MOTION CARRIED.
COMMISSIONER ROHLF ABSTAINED.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 5 MINUTES BY COMMISSIONER VANPAI"1'hN
AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORTENSEN. ALL IN FAVOR MOTION CARRIED.
COMMISSIONER ROHLF AND FOX ABSTAINED.
6) GENERAL BUSINESS
6.1) History Day Discussion
The HPC continued the discussion of"History Day" in conjunction with Art Soup which is
scheduled for June 15,2013 and the archaeological dig.Commissioner VanPatten met with the
ArtSoup committee and they are willing to allow the HPC to have a booth in the rotunda with the
plaza and pergola by the Granite Shores building. Commissioner Rohlf stated that the Living
History Society would put on a Fashion Show if the HPC can pay them$200. He also stated that he
may be to get the Color Guard to attend a lead a short parade through downtown. Staff Haug
suggested that for this first event,the HPC keep it small with the archaeological dig,fashion show,
town ball game and a display. Commissioner VanPatten suggested a poster contest of the water
• tower and the purchase of memorial bricks to begin the fundraising efforts for the Water Tower
restoration. The booth would also be an opportunity for Commissioner Mortensen to sell more
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting
Elk River City Hall
March 21,2013
books. Chair Lindberg suggested having old movies of Elk River playing at the booth. Council •
Liaison Wilson has a video that would be appropriate for this. Commissioner Rohlf indicated that
the parade could be very short,2 blocks and allow the public to participate if they have costumes
relative to the time. Commissioner Mortensen suggested the time period from the fur traders to civil
war be used. Commissioner Fox stated that the Old Town Ball game needs two teams. Mr.
Brubaker suggested contacting the local high school baseball team and teaching them how ball used
to be played. Commissioners Rohlf and Mortensen will also look into finding a team. Staff Haug
stated she would contact Charlie Blessner about reserving the Handke Stadium for the ball game,
determine an appropriate parade route,revise the duties list and create a draft budget.
6.2)Training Opportunity
Staff Haug discussed the training opportunities being provided by the Minnesota Historical Society
to HPC's. The three options are:
1. Local Designations:Best Practices
2. How to Run an Effective meeting
3. Design Review Preserving Heritage and Improving Physical Environment
MOTION TO HAVE A TRAINING ON LOCAL DESIGNATIONS:BEST PRACI10ES BY
COMMISSIONER FOX AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROHLF. ALL IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED.
7) Other
Water Tower Grant Deadline
Staff Haug informed the HPC of grant monies available for the restoration of the Elk River Water
Tower. The maximum amount awarded is $100,000 from the State Capital Projects Grants-in-Aid
Grants. The HPC discussed the need to find matching funds and decided to focus efforts in 2013 on 11111
fundraising and seek grant funds in 2014.
Civil War History Class and Walking Group Tours
Staff Haug informed the HPC that she had been contacted by Elk River Community Education
about having a class on Civil War History. Commissioner Rohlf indicated he would be willing to
teach the class. Community Ed is also interested in offering historic walking group tours of
downtown Elk River. The HPC indicated they would be interested in doing the tours.
Commissioner Rohlf will provide a script that is used for Elk River Leadership Class that could be
used. Community Ed would like to coordinate the walking tours with the archaeological dig.
Rotary Update
Staff Haug informed the HPC that she had spoken at the Elk River Rotary meeting and discussed
History Day and inquired whether the Rotary would be interested in helping with the planning and
also be willing to purchase a National Register of Historic Places plaque for the Elk River Water
Tower. She indicated that there was a lot of interest from the Rotary for the work the HPC is doing.
Council Liaison Wilson suggested the HPC come back to the Rotary after July 1 to request the water
tower fundraising be included in the Rotary's 2014 plan.
Commissioner Mortensen commented on the lack of fundraising the HPC has done for the water
tower. Mr.Brubaker suggested she write 10 letters every night requesting money for the water tower
restoration. Staff Haug indicated that the money would be considered a donation and the checks
should have water tower in the memo line. The City Council will recognize all donations at a future
meeting.
8) Next Meeting Agenda Items •
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting
Elk River City Hall
March 21,2013
• A next meeting was scheduled for April 18,2013 at the Elk River City Hall in the Upper Town
Conference Room at 6:00 p.m.The items to be discussed at the meeting include:
• History Day
• Training Opportunity
7)Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by Chair Lindberg at 7:54 p.m,
Minute repared b becca Haug
Tina Allard
City Clerk /
Chair Lind(erg r�r
Heritage Preservatio���.�sion Chair
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