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8.3. SR 07-06-2015 ��i Eof lk — - Request for Action River To Item Number Mayor and City Council 8.3 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by General Business July 6, 2015 Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director Item Description Reviewed by Naming of Houlton Property Cal Portner, City Administrator Reviewed by Action Requested Approve,by motion,the official naming of the Houlton Farm property to the William H. Houlton Conservation Area. Background/Discussion The Houlton Planning Committee was tasked to suggest an official name for the property for which the Committee sponsored a naming contest. The contest rules required sensitivity to the property's primary conservative values. A total of 77 names were received and are attached. It was important to the Committee that the name conveyed a historical perspective and promoted conservation. After review, the Committee recommends ililliam H. Houlton Conservation Area. The winning submission came from a Committee Member who wishes to stay anonymous and requests that the $100 prize money be donated to the contestant whose submitted name most closely matches the winning name. We did receive an entry for "William H. Houlton Nature Preserve." That individual requests to donate the prize money for property improvements. The city's Parks and Facilities Naming Policy requires staff to review and authenticate the historical perspective of proposed names. A brief historical background on the name is attached. A public notice requesting a public meeting for naming was posted and published in the local paper 10- days prior to the June 10, 2015, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Staff has reviewed the submission and finds that it meets the criteria for naming as outlined in the Parks and Facilities Naming Policy. Financial Impact Staff is proposing that any new sign follow the city's wayfinding program. Attachments ■ Houlton Farm Property Naming Contest Rules ■ Naming Contest Entries ■ William H Houlton name history ■ Parks &Facilities Naming Policy ■ Public Notice POWERED 9r UREI Houlton Farm Property Naming Contest Rules The City of Elk River has recently acquired a 335 acre parcel of land that is just west of downtown. It is currently being referred to as the Houlton Farm property. The land area is about 1/3 forested and 2/3 open farmland and has over 2 1/2 miles of combined Mississippi and Elk River frontage. The city is currently working on a management plan for the property in conjunction with the Friends of the Mississippi River. The Houlton Farm property was acquired with funds from the Outdoor Heritage Fund with the express purpose of being managed for high quality native habitat for wildlife. The property is currently closed to the public and will remain so until the anticipated opening in the fall of 2016. Once opened, it will be open to the public year round for passive, non- motorized recreational uses such as hiking,snowshoeing, cross country skiing, bird watching, fishing, and limited hunting. Hunting opportunities will follow MN DNR seasons and be tightly regulated in adherence with a hunting plan approved by the DNR specifically tailored to this unique property. The City of Elk River is seeking the public's assistance in the naming of the property and is having a contest to solicit names. The rules of the contest are listed below. 1. The contest is open to everyone. 2. A $100 prize will be given to the winning entrant. 3. The winning entry will be the name that is approved by the Elk River City Council. 4. If more than one individual submits the name that is ultimately selected for the property, a winner selected at random from the pool of identical names will be the sole contest winner. 5. The word"park" may not be used in the name. Naming should be sensitive to the properties primary use. 6. If an appropriate winning entrant cannot be picked from the submitted names, the Houlton Farm property planning group will propose a name for the property and forward it to the Parks and Recreation Commission for its recommendation to the Elk River City Council for final approval. 7. Members of the Houlton Farm property planning committee, the Elk River City Council, members of City Commissions, and City of Elk River Employees may submit names, but are not eligible for the contest prize money 8. If the wining entrant is ineligible for the $100 prize, the prize money will be given to the eligible contestant whose submitted name most closely matches the selected name. 9. The contest will run from April 13, 2015 through May 8, 2015. Property Naming Contest Name Entries: Two Rivers Nature Preserve Orono Landing William H. Houlton Conservation Area Orono Nature Preserve Elk River Woods and Water Nature Area Houlton Park River's Edge Conservation Area Pierre Bottineau Wildlife Management Area William H. Houlton Nature Preserve Pierre Bottineau Conservation Elk River Woods Nature Area Pierre Bottineau Wildfife Management Area Riverview Refuge Houlton Park Elk Sanctuary Elk River Heritage Farm Houlton Heritage Enclave Two River Acres Walter's Fields Houlton Farm, Woods and Shores Riverside Destiny Two Rivers Preserve Houlton Meadow Recreation Area Houlton Preserve Houlton Meadow Nature Preserve The River Refuge The Historic Sam Houlton Red Barn Reserve Elk Point River Refuge & Recreation Area High Tuv Elk Freedom Valley Elks wild life, Elks got talent or Elks area Walter's Fields Rivers Crossing Down town nature trail Chief Great Marten Elk River Homestead Houlton Uppertown Preserve Two Rivers Recreation Area "Wick a wan" Houlton's Century Farm Nature Preserve Elk River Conservation Area Houlton Acres Nature Preserve Houlton's Riverside Houlton Homestead Reserve(or Preserve) Riverside Park Houlton Homestead and Reserve Houlton Nature Trails & Heritage Recreation "Battle Point" The Mississippi-Elk Nature Preserve Houlton Farm Sportsman's Preserve Elk River Nature Preserve Monarchs by the river The Houlton Farm Nature Preserve Houlton Farm Nature Preserve The Houlton Farm Houlton Farm Conservation Area The Houlton Farm Scenic Wildlife Area Houlton Recreation Preserve Houlton Farm Scenic Wildlife Area Elk River Houlton Farm Houltan's Haven Orono Wildlife Recreation Area Fowl Feathers Farm Houlton Wildlife Recreation Area Houlton Farm Preserve Houlton Recreation Area Houlton Landing Houlton Farm Landing Orono Recreation Area Orono Dam Recreation Area Orono Dam Wildlife Area Mississippi-Elk Nature Preserve Orono Dam wildlife Preserve Mississippi Landing Mississippi-Elk Landing Elk River Landing N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2015\06-10-15 PRC Packet\5.2\Houlton Naming Contest Entries - 1 zr. The First National Bank as it appeared in 1986 l - i William H. Houlton, founder of Houlton's Bank, Zimmerman office of the First National Bank.Built and opened in 1978. predecessor of the First National Bank of Elk River.He was also one of the first directors of the Bank of Elk River. the staff had grown to nine and in 1986 included 60 full Ellingson,long-time employee,cashier and executive and part-time employees.The bank also appointed its first vice-president,was president until his death in 1964. women officers in the mid-1970s. He was succeeded in 1965 by a grandson of the One thing has not changed since W. H.Houlton started founder,Kendall(Bud)Houlton,who had joined the the bank's philosophy at its opening. "We shall endeavor staff in 1952,held that position until 1984. to deal as liberally with customers as is compatible with ab- Stanley R. Wheaton, son of one of the first direc- solute safety." tors, joined the staff in 1937 and after working his Houlton was born in 1840 at Houlton, Maine, a town way through the ranks became cashier and later ex- founded by his grandparents and named in their honor.As ecutive vice-president, a job he held until his semi- a young boy he came to Minnesota with his father and set- retirement in the early 1980s. tled on a farm near Monticello.he was a member of the 8th Richard Gongoll, who joined the bank in 1963, is Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers and tools an active part currently president of First National Bank of Elk in the Civil War. River. Coming to Elk River in 1866 he entered into a partner- Officers at this writing were K. S. Houlton, chair- ship with his brother, Horatio, and conducted a general man-, Richard Gongoll, president; Stanley R. store. Later he was engaged in both flour and sawmilling. Wheaton, senior vice-president;Donald S.Ellingson, The Houlton mill was one of the first roller mills in vice-president and auditor; Duane Kropuenske, Minnesota. vice-president; Thomas J. McNair, vice-president; He served as treasurer of Sherburne County from 1870 Gwen McGhan, cashier; Carol Johnson and Tom to 1874 and was prominent as a member of the state senate Pieri, assistant vice-presidents; Jan Hidde-Hooker, from 1879 to 1986. Mr. Houlton was one of the founders assistant cashier;Lona DeMars,manager of the Zim- and charter members of the Union Congregational Church merman branch; and Patsy Kropuenske, manager of in Elk River, now the Union Church, United Church of the mortgage division. Christ. He was superintendent of the Minnesota State Directors were John H. Bailey, Richard Gongoll, Reformatory at St. Cloud from 1986 to 1900. The history K. S. Houlton, Murray M. McNair, Richard L. of the 8th Volunteer Regiment was written by him and Nelson, Jordan C. Odegard, John Plaisted and S. R. published by the state in"The History of Minnesota in the Wheaton. Civil and Indian Wars." (Parts of this article were excerpted from an article The first directors of the bank were R. E. Dare, M. C. by Elaine Anderson in the Sherburne County Star Blanchett, Andrew Davis, Charles S. Wheaton, George C. News of July 21, 1977,and an article in the Diamond Hill, W. H. Houlton, and his son, Sam R. Houlton. Jubilee special Edition of the Sherburne County Star Another son. Lewis K. Houlton, became president of the News of July 23, 1931) bank when his father died in 1915 and held office until his death in 1950. His brother Sam served as president until his death in 1959 when Roland K. Wilson was elected by the board and served a short time before his death. R. A. stumps had to be dynamited and grubbed from at the age of 86 about 1934 she was the last sur- Sam was an active member of Sherburne the land before it could be used for planting viving charter member of the Union Church. Lodge No.95,A.F.&A.M.for 54 years;a mem- crops. The dairy herd, horses, pigs, chickens, Although in old age her health confined her to ber of Whittemore Chapter,Order of the Eastern ducks,and geese needed lots of hay and grains to her home at what later became the site of the Star, and the Elk River Commercial Club. He feed them all. The men butchered hogs, veal First National Bank in Elk River,her mind was was also a director ofthe Twin City Milk Produc- calves, or cattle as needed for the family table. keen and she recalled many interesting events of ers Association for 27 years and a vice-president They also smoked their own hams, bacon, and early life in Elk River, of that organization for 14 years. sausages in our smoke house. The women 'She and W.H. Houlton had three children, Always a quiet, studious man, Mr. Houlton canned various meats,as well as vegetables and Sam R. Houlton, Lewis K. Houlton, and Ruth used many of his leisure hours for reading. He fruits from a large garden and orchard.John,Jr., Houlton.The two sons and their father founded was also interested in keeping abreast of the lat- and Andrew saw service in the United States Houlton's Bank in 1902,and it became the First est developments in agriculture, banking, and Army during World War II,and Peter and Louis National Bank in 1907.Miss Ruth Houlton was other unrelated fields such as the then-young sci- were home helping with the farm work, a graduate of the University of Minnesota ence of atomic energy.His wide-ranging general Mother died in September of 1937 at the age of School of Nursing. She served with the Red knowledge and unassuming personality.made 47;father died in December of 1956 at the age of Cross in Europe in World War I and later became him the real friend of hundreds of Elk River busi- 76. Both are buried in St. Andrew's Cemetery the Executive Director of the Visiting Nurses nessmen and farmers as well as in banking and near Elk River. Association of the United States located in New agricultural circles in other parts of Minnesota. John,Jr.,was a carpenter and married Lil Lig- York City. Helen Wheaton earned a degree in education man who had two sons,but they had no children Footnote: Freddie Houlton was the wife of and home economics at the University of Minne- together.They lived in Elk River until she died in William H. Houlton, founder of the First sota after her graduation from Elk River High June of 1960.Peter was single and stayed on the National Bank of Elk River. His story appears. School. She also attended St. Cloud Normal farm,continuing as a dairy farmer.John moved elsewhere in this book under the history of the School to hone her teaching skills. Before her back to the farm after Lil died and farmed with First National Bank. marriage to Sam Houlton in 1923 she taught ele- Peter.They sold their dairy herd in 1975 but con- mentary school in Keewatin,Ely and Elk River, tinued crop farming.Peter died in September of and home economics in Elk River and Kalama, 1980 and John died in June of 1981. SAM AND HELEN WHEATON Washington. She was an active member of the Andrew is an electrician and had Andy's Elec- HOULTON Union Church Centennial Society, Elk River tric Shop in Elk River for many years.He mar- Community Club, and Whittemore Chapter, ried Donna Braun of Monticello,and they have Sam R.Houlton was a banker in Elk River for Order of the Eastern Star. two children:Carolyn and Donald. 57 years,and was also widely known as an agri- She died in 1983 at the age of 92 after living Louis married Lois Weisz of Becker,and they culturist who once managed a 2,000 acre ranch, two years in the Elk River Nursing Home follow- have one son David.After farming near Elk Riv- where he raised prize sheep and shorthorn cattle, ing hospitalization for a hip fracture. er for several years, they sold that farm and and developed one of the nations outstanding Sam and Helen Houlton had two children; bought one near Santiago, where he still farms registered milking shorthorn herds. Helen Irene and Kendall(Bud). with his son. Mary married Michael Hoffer,and they have a , THE I£ENNETH EARL AND NANCY three sons:Mike,Jr.,John,and Richard,and are HUBBARD FAMILY still crop farming in Meadowvale. f Kenneth Earl Hubbard was born at Becker. The John Horvath farm was sold in 1984 to 4. Weldon Schulze and Sons who have a large hog t � Minnesota,on January 30, 1939,the son of Earl raising M. and Lucille Guentzel Hubbard. His grand• operation there.Mary E.Ho "', 'r, parents were Joseph and Mary Etta Benson Hub- a. bard of Tuttle, North Dakota and August and [•'. Lillian Polesacker Guentzel. He was baptized FREDDIE LEWIS HOULTON May 20, 1948 by Father T.S.Ziolho kski at the Becker Immaculate Conception Catholie Coming to Minnesota from New York at the Church.Ken had eight brothers and sisters:Lav age of 11 was quite an experience for Freddie ern,Shirley,Lois,LaRayne,Dale,Coleen,Carol, Lewis.Nearly 80 years later she still recalled the and Sharon. He attended school in Becker 1859 trip she made with her parents by train to farmed with his father just west of Becker,ther LaCrosse, Wisconsin and then to St. Paul by farmed alone on the place for nineteen years.Ir boat.She remembered that it was late in the fall 1977 he sold the farm to Northern States Powei and that her father was afraid the river would Sam and Helen Houlton and moved his family to a farm northeast o: freeze over before they reached St.Paul. Milaca.There he farms the land and has a largf His wife,Helen Wheaton Houlton,pursued an herd of Holsteins.Ken is civic-minded and take: elementary and secondary school teaching an interest in the affairs of the towns, enjoy: career before her marriage and was active in the bowling and snowmobiling,is a good mechanic Elk River community as she devoted her life to and at one time rode his horses in both local ane her home and family. state events in which he won many trophies an( A" Both grew up in the Elk River community and both graduated from Elk River High School and 1 4! i the University of Minnesota. Born in Elk River January 5, 1878,Sam was u the son of the prominent Elk River landowner, ;i developer and businessman W.H.Houlton and =ii Freddie Lewis Houlton. After graduating from 1 , Elk River High School with honors in 1896 he became an honor graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture, where he received his B.A. degree in 1901 and his B.S. degree in1902. a For the next 20 years he managed the"Houl- ton Ranch",owned by the Houlton Investment I Company he and his father and brother had orga- nized after his graduation from college.Later he 3 turned his attention to his own farm within the Elk River village limits and furthered the devel- opment of the shorthorn herd until a dispersal sale was held in the mid-1940s. Later the farm was operated on shares with Walter Abraham but Mr.Houlton took an active Freddie Lewis Houlton part in management of the farm until his death in 1959. � But they did arrive not only in St.Paul but set- While pursuing his agricultural interests,Mr. tled at Monticello and 11 years later,Freddie Houlton was also director of the First National became the wife of Elk River pioneer landowner Bank in Elk River,which he and his brother and ; and businessman,William H.Houlton, father had founded in 1902 and named"Houl- Mrs.Houlton was prominent in.the social cir- ton's Bank."He served as a vice-president from 1 cles of the early day Elk River and took a great 1926 to 1950,and was president for the remain- Ken and NancyHubbard—Married June 14,1958. interest in church work.At the time of her death der:of his life. 160 City of Parks & Facilities Naming Policy Elk .fiver Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to establish a systematic and consistent approach for the official naming of parks and recreation areas and facilities. Objectives: • Ensure that parks,recreational areas and facilities are easily identified&located. • Ensure that given names to parks,recreational area and facilities are consistent with the values and character of the area or neighborhood served. • Encourage public participation in the naming,renaming and dedication of parks,recreation areas and facilities. • Encourages the dedication of lands,facilities, or donations by individuals and/or groups. Definition: Parks, recreation areas and facilities —includes all property assets under the City's ownership and the Parks and Recreation Department control including buildings, structures, open spaces,public parks, natural areas,wetlands, environmental habitat and land. Naming Criteria Priorities to be considered in naming all city facilities,including parks and recreation facilities (in order of importance) shall be as follows: A. Historic Names. Names of historic events,groups organizations, or persons at the local, regional, or national level of major significance with special consideration given to Elk River's own history. B. Places and Feature Names. 1. Recognizable area or neighborhood. Names that aid in locating a facility are acceptable. If the facility is located on a park or school site, the facility need not share the name of the park or school site. 2. Assumed Names. Assumed names should be used only if the area has been known by that assumed name for an extended period of time. For example, the parcel of land known for decades as "Bailey Point," located near downtown at the south end of Morton Avenue at the confluence of the Mississippi and Elk Rivers. 3. Natural Features. Natural features, such as rivers, creeks, and terrain. 4. Horticultural Features. Horticultural features characteristic of a particular area. C. Individual, Groups, or Organizations. The following criteria will be used in evaluating the use of names of persons (whether living or deceased),groups, and organizations. 1. General Criteria. Names of persons,groups, or organizations having a longstanding affiliation with the City of ten (10) or more years of significant community service,involvement, or contributions beyond the ordinary interest level whose efforts have: a. Enhanced the quality of life and well-being of city residents; b. Contributed to the preservation of the city's history or culture; c. Made exemplary or meritorious contributions to the city or its residents; or d. Contributed to the acquisition, development, or conveyance of land, buildings, structures, or other amenities to the city or community. 2. Deceased Persons. To be considered for a naming opportunity, the individual must have been deceased for at least two (2) years. Such individuals may include: a. Historic persons. b. National and/or local heroes. Those who have given outstanding service to mankind or who have worked over and above any ordinary interest level. An Elk River area resident,who has attained local, state, or national recognition for parks and recreation work or work in the areas of public safety or public health, as appropriate to the facility,would be highly acceptable. 3. Living Persons. Facilities may be named after living persons only after a study has been completed relative to the individual's background and qualifications pursuant to the criteria in this policy. 4. Groups and Organizations. Facilities may be named after groups or organizations pursuant to the criteria set forth in this policy. 2 Procedure: A. Naming of Parks, Recreation Areas and Facilities 1. A request for naming of a park,recreation area or facility shall be submitted in writing to the Parks and Recreation Commission, through the Parks and Recreation Department. 2. Those submitting a naming request should show how the proposed name is consistent with the criteria stated in this policy. When naming after a person or persons, the application will describe the contributions to the city. Written documentation of approval by next of kin to be honored (if available/possible) is required as part of the proposal. City staff will review the proposal for adherence to the stated criteria and authentication of statements relative to contributions in the case of an individual before forwarding to the Parks and Recreation Commission. If the request is incomplete, staff will contact the applicant,in writing, and provide them with the opportunity to resubmit a revised request. 3. The Parks and Recreation Commission will offer the opportunity for public input on the proposed naming. A notice requesting a public meeting for naming of a park,recreation area or facility shall be posted and published in the city's official newspaper at least 10 days prior to the meeting. 4. The Parks and Recreation Commission shall forward their recommendation to City Council for final decision. 5. The Parks and Recreation Commission can initiate the naming process whenever deemed necessary and/or in the best interest of the city. 6. In the absence of any naming requests, the Parks Recreation and Commission shall adhere to criteria stated in this policy in recommendation of name. B. Renaming of Parks, Recreation Areas and Facilities Renaming of parks,recreation areas and facilities carries with it a much greater burden of process compared to initial naming. Tradition and continuity of name and community identification are important community values. Each application must meet the criteria in this policy,but meeting all criteria does not ensure renaming. 1. A request for renaming of a park,recreational area or facility shall be submitted in writing to the Parks and Recreation Commission, through the Parks and Recreation Department. 2. The request shall include the proposed name change, the purpose of the change, and how the proposed name change is consistent with the criteria established. When renaming after a person or persons, the application will describe the contributions to the city. Written documentation approval by next of kin to be 3 honored (if available/possible) is required as part of the proposal. City staff will review the proposal for adherence to the stated criteria and authentication of statements relative to contributions in the case of an individual before forwarding to the Parks and Recreation Commission. If the request is incomplete, staff will contact the applicant,in writing, and provide them with the opportunity to resubmit a revised request. 3. The recognized Neighborhood Association will be notified of the proposal when the Parks and Recreation Department receive a complete application. 4. The Parks and Recreation Commission will offer the opportunity for public input on the proposed naming. A notice requesting a public meeting for naming of a park,recreation area or facility shall be posted and published in the city's official newspaper at least 10 days prior to the meeting. S. The Parks and Recreation Commission shall forward their recommendation to City Council for final decision. 4 POLICY REVIEW HISTORY PARKS AND FACILITY NAMING POLICY Approved by City CounW November 99, 2092. 5 Ad Proof Enlarged ECM CITY OF ELK RIVER NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Elk Rnver Parks and Recre- ation Commission will conduct a Publishers Inc. public hearing on Wednesday,June 10,2015 at 6:30 p.m. at Elk River City Hall,13065 Orono Parkway,to consider the naming of the property m comonly known as Houlton Farm, -Public Notice Ad Proof- 1801 Main St.NW. General description of the sub- ject property is commonly known This is the proof of your ad scheduled to run on the dates as Houlton Farm;abbreviated legal description of the subject property indicated below. Please proofread carefully if changes,are needled, is Government Lots 3,4 and 6,Sec- please contion 4, Township 32; part of Gov- tact us prior to deadline at ernment Lot 2,Section 4,Township Cambridge (763) 691-6000 or email at publicnGtice@ecm-inc.com 32; Government Lot 5, Section 4, Township, 32 EXCEPT part de- scribed; Lots 1,2, 3 and 4. Block 6,ORONO,and Lot 5 and Easterly Half of Lot 4,Block 7 ORONO;part of West Half of Southeast Quarter of Section 33, Township 33; part of East Half of Southwest Quarter of Section 33, Township 33 de- Publications: scribed;part of Government Lot 1, Section 33,Township 33 described;, Star News part of Island F also known as Race Date: 05/26/15 Island, ORONO„ part of Govern- ment Lot 2, Section 33,Township 33 also known as part of Lot 2, Account M 370790 AUDITORS SUBDIVISION NO. 3; PART OF Governments Lots 2 and Customer; CITY ELK RIVER- LEGAL — 3,,Section 5,Township 32;Islands A, B and C; and parts of Govern- ment Lot 1, Section 32,Township 33 described;Range 26,Sherburne County,MN,(A complete legal de- Address: 13065 ORONO PARKWAY County, is available at City Hall). ELK RIVER Hearing impaired persons plan- ning to attend who need an inter- preter or other persons with dis- Telephone: (763)441-2052 abilities who require auxiliary aids Fax., should contact Tina Allard, City Clerk,ai:6354000 try June ii,2015. If you would like Information ire- garding the above-described pub- lic hearing notice, please call Elk River City Hall at 635-1000. All interested persons are invited to at- Ad tend the public hearing to express ID: 399228 their questons and/or comments. Copy Line: Houlton Farms June 101 hearing Michael Hecker Parks and Recreation Director Published in the PO Number: Star News Start: 05/30/15 May 30,2015 Stoll 05/3012015 399228 'Total Cost: $112.00 #of Lines: 60 Total Depth: 6.667 #of Inserts. 1 Awdl Class: 150 Phone# (763)691-6000 Email: publicnotice@ecm-inc.com Rep No: CA700 Contract-Gross