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02-12-2008 HPC MIN • MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2008 Members present: Chair Lance Lindberg,Kurt Kragness,Debra Mortensen,Man Christiaansen,Kristin Harris.Molly Nadeau Peterson arrived at 6:07 p.m. and Steve Rohlf arrived at 6:10 p.m. Members absent: Councilmember Larry Farber Staff Present: Environmental Administrator,Rebecca Haug Environmental Technician,Nicki Blake-Bradley 1. Meeting called to Order Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission was called to order at 6:04 p.m.by Chair Lance Lindberg. 2. Consider February 12,2008 HPC Agenda MOTION BY COMMISSIONER KRAGNESS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CHRISTIAANSEN TO ACCEPT THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.ALL APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. 3. Consider January 8,2008 HPC Minutes • MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CHRISTIAANSEN AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HARRIS TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES AS PRESENTED.ALL APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. 4. Historic Neighborhood Update Ms.Haug informed the commission that she has not heard from John Babcock.She suggested keeping the item on the agenda for future meetings and stated she will send a Mr.Babcock a message before leaving on maternity leave and have him contact Kurt Kragness. Commissioner Kragness questioned what the next step would be if Mr.Babcock expresses interest.Ms.Haug stated that a public meeting would be planned with Michael Koop being a potential speaker to educate the residents on what a historic neighborhood means. 5. Book Proposals Update Rebecca found that the MN Historical Society has grant funds available for historical books,but the deadline for the proposals is February 22,2008.She suggested the option of changing the budget to allow use of some of the funds for the book The budget has $35,000 for the Archaeological Dig,Oral Histories,and the Historic Neighborhood District.Since not much is going on with Oral Hisrtories and the Archaeological Dig is a set rate,there would be the potential for using some funds toward the book Ms.Haug also stated that she doesn't envision a lot of cost to the book(mainly photocopy charges and the Federal Express fees). Commissioner Mortensen volunteered to write the book and contacted Paulie Skaja-Bell for information about writing it.Paulie told Commissioner Mortensen that it takes approximately 500—600 hours per book Commissioner Mortensen stated that she feels that she has the time • and she's willing to do it.She also thinks there maybe enough material for several books rather than just one,but she'll know more as she accumulates the data.Discussion followed that there Heritage Preservation Commission February 12,2008 Page 2 were two villages (Elk River and Orono) in addition to the township,which ultimately merged to • form the current city of Elk River. Commissioner Mortensen stated that she has a proposal form for Arcadia to fill out.Ms.Haug informed her that a proposal had been started earlier by staff and that she would e-mail what was already done to Commissioner Mortensen. Commissioner Kragness discussed an on-demand publishing company through the internet.He stated that one can order as many copies as needed,but the material must basically be camera ready when sent in.Books are bound and ready within one week A feature that is really enticing is the ability to change the book,altering it as new information becomes available (creating new editions).A single book would cost$8.43 with the cost being reduced as the quantity increased (for example 60 books would cost$7.47 each). A question was raised as to whether sponsors for the book could be found up front.Ms.Haug stated that no fundraising for the book is possible.The HPC cannot accept donations for the book either.Arcadia does everything toward publishing the book,we only have to have an author and the material,otherwise the HPC does nothing. Commissioner Kragness questioned whether a motion should be made for budgeting a certain amount for the book costs.Commissioner Rohlf proposed an amount up to$3,000. Commissioner Nadeau-Peterson concurred. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER NADEU-PETERSON AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ROHLF TO SPEND UP TO$3,000 FOR THE ARCADIA BOOK PROJECT FROM THE CURRENT BUDGET.ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. Commissioner Rohlf asked Commissioner Mortensen if she needs any assistance with an outline. He added that she will determine the flow,but Commissioner Kragness knows the overall history of the City.Commissioner Mortensen stated that she did intend to talk to Commissioner Kragness concerning this. Commissioner Kragness stated he is certainly willing to meet with her to discuss the history of the area,and Commissioner Rohlf added that he would be willing to meet as well.Chair Lindberg commented that there is a"History of Sherburne County" which could be consulted as well which contains newspaper excerpts from 1875- 1975.Commissioner Mortensen stated that she plans to check the plat books as well. Commissioner Rohlf commented that a plat map which is on display in the City Hall belongs to him.He would like his map back He would consider donating it to the Historical Society. Commissioner Kragness stated that the map is deteriorating due to the location it's in(receiving direct sunlight),and that it's a unique map (he's never seen another like it).Commissioner Rohlf received it as a gift and would be interested in donating it to the Historical Society. Commissioner Kragness stated that the Historical Society would be happy to accept it,but commented that it really should be moved from its current location no matter what decision is made.Ms.Haug stated that she will discuss the matter with the City Administrator. 6. Reminder about Dr.Rothaus'Presentation to City Council Ms.Haug stated that Dr.Rothaus will be presenting to the City Council on March 3rd at 6:30 p.m.and invited all the commissioners to attend. 7. Planning Commission Items • Heritage Preservation Commission February 12,2008 Page 3 Ms.Haug discussed two items coming before the Planning Commission this evening: - A Conditional Use Permit for Great River Energy(no know SHPO site on the property and low potential for an archaeological site from the City's archaeological model). - A request for a lot split by Kevin Anderson(no know SHPO site,but a high potential for an archaeological site from the City's archaeological model). Ms.Haug recommended placing the standard condition on both that would stop work if any item or condition is found that would indicate an archaeological site. Commissioner Rohlf requested maps of the areas to be affected for future meetings.Ms.Haug stated she will try to do that. 8. Other No other items were discussed. 9. Schedule Next HPC Meeting and Identify Agenda Items Ms.Haug stated that the City Council will vote next Tuesday to approve to change the regularly scheduled meeting date to the second Thursday of the month at 6:00.Commissioners Rohlf and Nadeau-Peterson stated they won't be able to make the meeting date. Discussion followed regarding the conflicts each commissioner has with the date.Ms.Haug stated that the Commission does not have to meet every month;meetings can be cancelled.She added that the reason first Thursdays don't work for the meeting date is that the Planning • Commission packets would have gone out already and the HPC's comments would not be able to be included. Commissioner Rohlf discussed the importance of having the HPC's comments included if a situation went to court. It was determined that the third Thursday will work for everyone for regular meetings. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER KRAGNESS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HARRIS TO CHANGE THE REGULAR MEETING TO THE THIRD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 6:00 P.M. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. The next meeting,following approval by the City Council,will be on March 20th. All but item #6 will be on the agenda. 10. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned by Chair Lindberg at 6:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Nicki Blake-Bradley Environmental Technician 11111