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07-16-2020 HPC MINr Meeting of the Heritage Preservation Commission Elk River City Hall Thursday, July 16, 2020 Members Present: Chair Lance Lindberg, Commissioners Joshua Fox, Zachary Griffiths, Tony Mauren (via Zoom), and Debra Mortensen Members Absent: None Others Present: Planning Manager Zack Carlton I . Call Meeting to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Heritage Preservation Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Lindberg. 2. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Consider July 16, 2020, Agenda Chair Lindberg requested to add item 5.4 Oral Histories. Moved by Commissioner Mortensen and seconded by Commissioner Fox to approve the June 25, 2020, agenda with the addition listed above. Motion carried 5-0. 4.1 Minutes of January 16, 2020, meeting Moved by Commissioner Mortensen and seconded by Commissioner Griffiths to approve the January 16, 2020, meeting minutes. Motion carried 5-0. 5.1 Jackson Street Water Tower Update Mr. Carlton reported the consultant is finalizing the water tower construction plan set documents with the 90% plan set ready by the end of the week. He noted the consultant will go out for bids soon with the goal of completing the repainting of the water tower this fall. The city council 2021 budget includes $7500 to hire a landscape architecture firm to prepare a phased site plan for the entire property for future improvements. He noted this will allow them time to apply for grants to install a Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Elk River City Hall July 16, 2020 kiosk. Mr. Carlton spoke to ERMU water superintendent Dave Ninow who indicated their budget includes $25,000 towards an informational kiosk in addition to the $90,000 towards the water tower improvements. Commissioner Mauren indicated if a firm timeline of completion could be finalized, the future utilities general manager, once hired, could assist in planning a community ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Dietz and the HPC to celebrate completion of the improvements. Commissioner Fox asked about the budget $25,000 and if that is specifically earmarked for an informational kiosk or could it be used towards park creation. Mr. Carlton stated Mr. Ninow indicated the $25,000 was for a kiosk or whatever ERMU intended the funds to be used for. He stated a discussion with the city council will answer if park dedication funds would be available. He and Commissioner Mauren also discussed with the potential architect identifying in the plans a future kiosk location with possibilities of educational and historical content. Commissioner Mauren asked if Parks and Recreation will take on this property. Mr. Carlton indicated if the city takes ownership of the property, it becomes a public asset that will need to be maintained and be placed on the city's maintenance schedule. Commissioner Mauren stated he took photos showing graffiti on the top of the tower and asked how to prevent future graffiti and securing access to the tower to keep it safe. Mr. Carlton stated that has not yet been discussed and will discuss with Mr. Ninow. 5.2 Discuss Website Articles Mr. Carlton stated he will forward the Steve Rolfe/Rohlf article that Commissioner Mortensen sent for review and proofing before posting on the website. Commissioner Mauren stated he sent Mr. Carlton an email about the Facebook group "Growing Up in Elk River" and they have some interesting 8mm downtown Elk River video. Commissioner Fox stated he is a member of the Facebook group. Mr. Carlton asked about September's article. Commissioner Fox stated he could have the second phase of the Hungarian immigration story ready for September. The commission discussed the website and Mr. Carlton requested any feedback on site organization and content location. Chair Lindberg will try and set up interviews with John Toth and his sister, Lucille Abraham but they are both in their 90s so they may be quarantining. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Ell: River City Hall July 16, 2020 5.3 Adopt HPC Bylaws Mr. Carlton reviewed the draft bylaw document for the HPC to review. He explained the preamble was added and was written by former employee Rebecca Haug. Chair Lindberg requested to a change in 1.5) Membership - to modify the three remaining Commissioners to have the option of being from outside the community. Mr. Carlton stated he would make that language change. Commissioner Mauren stated there was the potential of having a quorum of 4 members with 3 members having the potential of being from outside the community of Elk River. Mr. Carlton stated it could potentially happen but as an advisory board, all final approvals would still come before the city council. The Commission discussed modifying the resident status of members and the consensus of the commission was to modify the language to "can be non-residents" 'and changed the number from 5 resident members and 2 members with the option of being from outside Elk River. Commissioner Mauren asked if the HPC could advertise the open seats for the commission before the bylaws were finalized. Mr. Carlton stated if the commission wanted to approve the bylaws with the two changes noted. Commissioner Fox voted and Commissioner Griffiths seconded to approve the Heritage Preservation Bylaws with the change in 1.5) Membership- The HPC shall consist of seven commissioners. Fou Five of which shall be residents of the City of Elk River with the remaining Commissioners with the option of representing areas outside of the city. Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner Mauren stated he felt there would be some interested people in applying to serve on the HPC from the Sherburne History Center. Mr. Carlton stated he will check with the City Clerk to check if they could advertise the open positions before the Council approved the bylaws. 5.4 Oral Histories Chair Lindberg reviewed the oral histories he has completed and how well they are working out by recording them in the Uppertown conference room. He intends to complete as many as he is able. The transcription services are done by Sherburne Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Elk River City Hall July 16, 2020 History Center. Mr. Carlton stated he will add the completed interviews on a jump drive for Chair Lindberg to take to the Sherburne History Center. 6. Adjournment There being no further business, Chair Lindberg adjourned the meeting of the Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission at 6:34 p.m. Minutesprep d by Jennifer Green. -4 Tina Allard City Clerk Lance Lindberg Heritage Preservation Commis N...'