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4. HPM 10-17-2013 DRAFT MINUTES OF THE ELK RIVER HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION Thursday, October 17,2013 HPC Members present: Chair Lance Lindberg,Marilyn VanPatten and Stephen Rohlf HPC Members Absent: Vice Chair Debra Mortensen and Joshua Fox Staff Present: Suzanne Fischer,Director,Community Operations and Development Chris Leeseberg,Planner Zach Carlton,Planning Intern Others Present: Debbi Rydberg,Executive Director,Elk River Chamber of Commerce Don Heinzman,Former Editor of the Star News Annie Deckert and Tim Dolan of the Decklan Group Fred McCoy,McCoy's Pub 1.) Meeting called to Order Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission was called to order at 6:10 p.m. by Chair Lindberg. 2.) Pledge of Allegiance 3.) Consider October 17,2013 HPC Agenda MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA WITH THE ADDITION OF THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF THE HPC BY COMMISSIONER ROHLF AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER VANPATTEN.ALL IN FAVOR.MOTION CARRIED. 4.) Consider September 19,2013 HPC Minutes MOTION TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 19,2013 MINUTES BY COMMISSIONER ROHLF AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER VANPATTEN. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. 5.) GENERAL BUSINESS 5.1.) Sign Ordinance City planner Zach Carlton gave a presentation on the proposed sign ordinance amendment in relation to the Decklan Group proposal to place an electronic message board sign near Granite Shores in downtown.The Decklan Group distributed letters of support from Representative Nick Zerwas,Pik ur Flik,Soul,Elite Media Design of Elk River,Antiques Downtown,McCoy's Pub, Avalon Salon,Edward Jones and the Elk River Chamber of Commerce (attached). Commissioner Rohlf questioned the dimensions of the sign proposed by the Decklan Group.Tim Dolan stated that was conceptual and that they would be willing to work with the City on dimensions as needed. Discussion followed on what exactly the'historic district'is and comment was made that Granite Shores does not meet the criteria,but the adjacent block and the area of Main and Jackson Streets do.MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ROHLF TO PROTECT THE NATURE OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT BY NOT ALLOWING CABINET SIGNS;BUT PERMIT WALL SIGNS UP TO 15%OF THE FACADE AREA,WINDOW SIGNS UP TO 80%OF AN INDIVIDUAL WINDOW AREA,AND FREESTANDING SIGNS AT DISTRICT ENTRANCES. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER VANPA'I EN. MOTION CARRIED. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Elk River City Hall October 17,2013 Don Heinzman'.c item moved up on agenda in consideration of time. 6.)Jack Bade Memorial Don Heinzman shared information on the military heroism of former Elk River resident Jack Bade. He provided background information as well as providing historical and military documentation (attached). Mr.Heinzman expressed his interest and desire to honor this man with a sculptured head and shoulder likeness and possibly display it at City Hall,the library or the American Legion Park. Discussion followed and additional location areas for consideration included the War Memorial on Highway 10,lions Park,or the downtown farmer's market lot which offers a prebuilt pedestal site with wiring if needed for lighting.Another option if available would be to name a park after him(i.e.) 'Bade Memorial Park.' Mr. Heinzman sought input and guidance from the HPC on if and how to proceed.The commission fully supports Mr. Heinzmans'efforts and encouraged him to continue talks with the Bade children, community leaders and possibly the Park and Recreation Commission. Commissioner Rohlf told Mr. Heinzman to return to the HPC if he needs a formal recommendation. 5.2.) SCSU Commissioner VanPatten stated that she and Commissioner Mortensen were at City Hall to meet the students on the evening of October 2nd however the students were unable to attend. SCSU Professor and his students did visit Elk River the following day to gather information for a walking tour of downtown. Commissioner VanPatten indicated that Commissioner Mortensen should have an update at the next meeting as it was her understanding she had talked with the Professor. 5.3.)Water Tower Funding Status Suzanne Fischer shared the information received from the MHS on the likelihood of receiving a grant large enough to fund restoration of the city's historic water tower. HPC supports restoring the water tower and provided we have in-kind services,grant funds,donations through a 501c3 and some financial assistance from ERMU,the estimated$400,000 in restoration cost is an achievable goal.This issue will be addressed further at the next HPC meeting. 5.4.) Comprehensive Plan Update None. 5.5.) Goals and Priorities HPC Goals and Priorities discussed at the September 19th,2013 meeting were finalized as submitted. 5.6) Future Direction of the HPC Commissioner Rohlf questioned who would be the staff liaison for the commission going forward. Suzanne stated that she is the contact during the interim until the Environmental and Planning positions are filled which is planned to occur before year end. Commissioner Rohlf stated his belief that the HPC fits best under the Planning division so they can provide input to the Planning Commission as needed on historical preservation issues. Additional discussion followed on the frequency of meetings and commissioners agreed that quarterly and/or as needed meetings is more practical that the current monthly meetings. This schedule complies with HPC bylaws which require the commission meet a minimum of four times per year. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 16,2014 at the Elk River City Hall in the Upper Town Conference Room at 6:00 p.m. Discussion items include: • Sign ordinance • SCSU Project Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Elk River City Hall October 17,2013 • Water Tower funding options • Comprehensive Plan 8.)Adjournment The meeting was adjourned by Chair Lindberg at 7:45 p.m. Minutes prepared by Suzanne Fischer. Tina Allard City Clerk Chair Lindberg Heritage Preservation Commission Chair