4. HPC DRAFT MIN 01-16-2014 MINUTES OF THE ELK RIVER
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
Thursday,December 12,2013
Members Present: Commissioners Joshua Fox,Marilyn VanPatten and Stephen Rohlf
Members Absent: Chair Lance Lindberg,Vice Chair Debra Mortensen
Staff Present: Suzanne Fischer,Director,Community Operations and Development
Others Present: Bud Hales and Scott Anderson of`BeThink Stories'
SCSU Associate Professor,Geography and Planning,Dr.Chuks Ugochukwu,PhD.
SCSU Students- DeMonte'Baker,Abshir Colad,David Duncan,Hayad Hassan,
Kristine Kahler,Reva Mische,Suleyman Nor,Abdirahim Osman and Brian Stoics all
with St.Cloud State University
1.) Meeting called to Order
The Elk River Special Meeting of the Heritage Preservation Commission was called to order at 4:15 p.m.by
Commissioner Fox.
2.) Consider December 12,2013 HPC Agenda
MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA BY COMMISSIONER ROHLF AND SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER VANPAI'1'EN.ALL IN FAVOR MOTION CARRIED.
• 4.) Consider October 17,2013 HPC Minutes
MOTION TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 17,2013 MINUTES BY COMMISSIONER VANPAIThN
AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ROHLF.ALL IN FAVOR MOTION CARRIED.
5.) GENERAL BUSINESS
5.2.) BeThink Stories presentation (item heard first as some of the SCSU students had not arrived yet)
Bud Hales and Scott Anderson gave a presentation on the services of`BeThink Stories'.
Their company gathers information on people,places and events in a story format accessible via a QR code.
A blend of photography,video and voiceover is used to produce stories about any subject.The code is laser
etched on a 2"x2" stainless steel chip and the information is accessed with an iPad or smart phone.The QR
chip provides a convenient method to share information and replaces the need for large plaques or other
printed materials.Mr.Hales commented that stories are custom designed and can be as long or short as the
customer desires.Common applications include bereavements,sporting events,historical landmarks and
ceremonies.Discussion followed on how this service could be used in Elk River.Bailey Point Park,park trails
and war memorials,such as one for Jack Bade,were mentioned.However the service could be applied
anywhere depending on community need and purpose.
Commissioner Rohlf asked the average cost to do a`story'.Mr.Anderson replied that a 3 minute story is $200
and the QR code reader is a free downloadable application.Commissioner Fox stated that this maybe
something the HPC could consider if a CLG grant through the Minnesota Historical Society was identified
for funding.
•
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting
Elk River City Hall
October 17,2013
5.1.) SCSU Student Presentation"Elk River Historic Walking Tour Guidebook"
Three groups of Dr.Chuks Ugochukwu student's presented their Walking Tour brochures and reported on
their content,design and features.The students had visited Elk River earlier this fall and drafted a walking
tour route from Lake Orono to Highway 10 and Main Street.Each of the brochures included pictures and
information on some or all of the following:historic sites,businesses,parks,Orono dam,restaurants,
churches,notable residences,Handke Stadium,cemeteries,etc.
The brochures also included a code chip that provided the same information via an i7'ad or smartphone as in
the printed document.Users had the option to link to other sites depending if they were searching for
different or additional information.The commission was impressed with the students'work and believed it
was a very good project for both them and the city.
The commission will review the student information more thoroughly at their next meeting to determine
what they want in the finished product. The Commissioners will provide feedback to the class on specific
information they would like included or expanded.The class has offered to revise and finalize the guidebooks
in whatever format the HPC desires.The guidebook will be distributed throughout the community to
increase awareness.It will also be printed on posters for downtown business where customers can simply
read the code and go on the walking tour with just their smartphone if desired.
The next meeting is 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:
• SCSU Project
• Water Tower funding options
• • Comprehensive Plan
Other— The commissioners were in agreement with the Elk River 2014 Board&Commission Meeting
Dates document and holding quarterly(and as needed) HPC meetings starting in January 2014.
6.)Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by Commissioner Fox at 5:15 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Suzanne Fischer.
Tina Allard
City Clerk
Commissioner Fox
Heritage Preservation Commissioner
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