11-19-2020 HPC MINcity of
Elk
River
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Special Meeting of the
Heritage Preservation Commission
Elk River City Hall
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Chair Lance Lindberg, Commissioners Zachary Griffiths, Tony
Mauren (via Zoom), and Debra Mortensen
Commissioner Joshua Fox
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 November 19, 2020, Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Mortensen and seconded by Commissioner Griffiths
to approve the November 19, 2020, agenda as presented.
Motion carried 4-0.
4.1 Minutes of September 17, 2020, Heritage Preservation Meeting
Moved by Commissioner Mortensen and seconded by Commissioner Mauren
to approve the September 17, 2020, meeting minutes.
Motion carried 4-0.
5.1 Discuss Website Articles
Mr. Carlton asked if the commission had any additional comments on the Steve
Rohlf article and clarification about the accuracy of the census figures.
Chair Lindberg explained his research in the census figure data accuracy referenced
in the article, stating he wasn't sure where Mr. Rohlf came up with the population
figure of 723. Chair Lindberg himself pulled data from Wikipedia showed in the year
1880, the area of Elk River population was 635 but showed Sherburne County
Heritage Preservation Comrnission Meeting
Elk River City Hall
November 19, 2020
population in 1870 was 2050. He felt population numbers should be clarified if they
were to be included at all.
After a lengthy discussion, it was proposed to change the sentence to read "After the
Civil War, the population Elk River was 635 by 1880."
The commission then discussed using a particular style and citations in website
articles. The consensus was to include the use of citations to ensure data accuracy.
Mr. Carlton requested the commission provide him their changes to him as soon as
possible.
Mr. Carlton asked if there were any other articles available.
Commissioner Mauren explained he is working on an article about the history of
aviation in Elk River, gathering details and many stories from the Growing Up in Elk
River Facebook page. He asked if any commissioner members had anything to add
on the subject.
Commissioner Mortensen discussed a few stories she knew of regarding pilots and
activities of aviation.
Commissioner Mauren also discussed a story from a newspaper clipping from
February 15,1951, and a motor vehicle accident involving the actress Katharine
Hepburn. He asked if that could be added to the city's website. He stated he paid for
the clipping and will ask for permission to use it in city postings. The commission
will discuss how to use this story at the January 21, 2021, commission meeting.
5.2 HPC Initiatives and Updates
Mr. Carlton updated the commission on the water tower project and stated
construction plans and paint colors were approved with painting to take place next
spring. There was a COVID extension of grant funds to allow the project to be
completed by the end of 2021.
Commissioner Mauren asked about the role of HPC with signage at the water tower.
He suggested using either signage like what is used for park wayfinding or using a
similar kiosk like the Rivers Edge Commons kiosk. He asked if this is an area the
HPC can get involved in. He asked about a budget for signage.
Mr. Carlton explained how the city's wayfinding plan, completed by Graphic House,
outlines the color scheme, style, and look of all city signage. He stated the signage
and kiosk for the water tower would follow that proposed design criteria and the
HPC would be involved in its content. Mr. Carlton stated the sign guidelines and
standards are followed by whomever manufactures the sign and a budget is unknown
at this time. He stated the HPC will have more discussion on this topic in the spring.
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting
Elk River City Hall
November 19, 2020
Commissioner Mauren asked about the open seats on the commission and wondered
when those would be filled.
Mr. Carlton stated the city will be advertising for these openings as well as other city
commission openings and request interested parties apply. He stated those seeking
reappointment will also be considered at this time.
Commissioner Griffiths indicated he will have a perspective draft of the proposed
documentary available for the HPC to review at the January meeting. He stated it will
include the source material and a draft script.
Commissioner Griffiths asked the HPC if a journal could be done by the HPC of all
the items they publish on the city website. He explained that other groups similar to
their commission have formed and exist outside of the commission to publish their
findings in an electronic journal to show mutually supportive work being done. He
asked if they could filter their textual findings into an HPC journal, allowing it to be
open to the public and allow the public to submit their own work. He stated he felt it
would alleviate the stress of putting articles together and would make them more
official coming from an official journal. He stated he will provide examples to the
commission of things he has seen in other communities.
6. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Lindberg adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Heritage Preservation Commission at 7:02 p.m.
Minutes )re re by Jennifer Green.
Tina Allard -
City Clerk
Lance Lindberg L
Heritage Preservation Commission Chair