4. DRAFT HPC MINUTES 01-19-2023
Meeting of the
Heritage Preservation Commission
Elk River City Hall
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Members Present: Chair Lance Lindberg, Commissioners Michele Cole, Zachary
Griffiths, Tony Mauren, and Debra Mortensen
Members Absent: Commissioner Mike Hangaard
Others Present: Senior Planner Chris Leeseberg
1. 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 17, 2022, Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Mauren and seconded by Commissioner Mortensen
to approve the November 17, 2022, agenda.
Motion carried 4-0.
4. Minutes of July 21, 2022, Heritage Preservation Commission meeting
Moved by Commissioner Griffiths and seconded by Commissioner Mauren to
approve the July 21, 2022, meeting minutes.
Motion carried 4-0.
5.1 Elk River Documentary
Commissioner Griffiths indicated the interviews are complete, the completion of
documentary is up to his editing and schedule, and the music is nearly done. He
expects the final version of the Elk River Documentary to be approximately 30-45
minutes in length.
Commissioner Mauren asked where the documentary would be distributed.
Commissioner Griffiths stated the only place he was aware it would be available to
view would be on the city’s YouTube page.
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting
Elk River City Hall
November 17, 2022
5.2 HPC Booth at the Farmer’s Market (Recap)
The commission stated it was a positive experience and they would be willing to do it
again. The documentary was well received. They discussed ideas on how to get
people into the booth such as a wheel they could spin to win something and would
follow with ideas to Zack Carlton. The commission also indicated interest in
attending Elk RiverFest.
5.3 Additional Projects and Updates
Commissioner Mauren highlighted his time attending the State Historic Preservation
Office Conference from September 14-16, 2022.
A tour of Glensheen Mansion.
Sunsetting of historic tax credits for preservation.
The Reconnect Rondo initiative working to restore an African American
community in St. Paul which was divided by the construction of Highway 94
in the 1950s.
Restoring Fire Station 24 in Minneapolis, home to an all-black fire crew
dating back to 1907.
Bringing more diversity to Minnesota's National Registry of Historic Places
through research.
Repurposing the railroad depot in Northfield as a community space.
Commissioner Maurer asked if the HPC could do a fundraising for a kiosk for the
water tower. The commission discussed previous plans for a green space with a
bench and kiosk explaining the history of the water tower. Mr. Leeseberg indicated
he will ask Mr. Carlton about this.
Chair Lindberg stated he did a downtown tour for the Leadership Elk River and
mentioned John Houlton had a great presentation with photos explaining the history
of Elk River.
Mr. Leeseberg asked the commission to consider a mural on the wall in Uppertown
Conference Room and come up with some ideas of what historical image could be
done. He asked if the commission members could email Mr. Carlton their ideas.
Chair Lindberg suggested a mural called Stations of the Cow on the meat market
building, showing panel images of the cows being led to the meat market in a trailer,
being unloaded off the trailer, being shot in the head, butchered, and serving a family
a steak dinner.
Chair Lindberg asked who is responsible for maintenance of the downtown murals.
Mr. Leeseberg will ask Mr. Carlton for the answer.
Chair Lindberg stated Dave Anderson asked if anyone is interested in helping with
ongoing maintenance at the Orono cemetery since Jim Nystrom passed away.
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting
Elk River City Hall
November 17, 2022
6. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Lindberg adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Heritage Preservation Commission at 6:52 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Chris Leeseberg.
Tina Allard
City Clerk
Lance Lindberg
Heritage Preservation Commission Chair