4.1. DRAFT HPC MINUTES 11-16-2023
Meeting of the Elk River
Heritage Preservation Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Members Present: Chair Lance Lindberg, Commissioners Linda Campbell, Zachary Griffiths, Mike Hangaard,
Tony Mauren, Mary Stoutenburg
Members Absent: None
Council Liaison: Councilmember Cory Grupa
Staff Present: Community Development Director Zack Carlton, Engineering Project Manager Brandon
Wisner
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission
was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Lindberg.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Lindberg led the commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Consider Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Mauren and seconded by Commissioner Griffiths to approve the
September 21, 2023, Heritage Preservation Commission agenda.
Motion carried 6-0.
4. Consider Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Campbell and seconded by Commissioner Mauren to approve the July 20,
2023, Heritage Preservation minutes.
Motion carried 6-0.
5.1 Houlton Conservation Area Shoreline
Mr. Carlton introduced Brandon Wisner, who explained the staff report and answered project questions.
The project would be proposed for winter 2024. A prior consultant quoted a project cost of approximately
$100,000 and a different consultant will come out to the site in the next few weeks for the Phase II portion
and will provide an updated project cost at that time. A grant opportunity for the HPC would be favorable
for covering the work of this project as it has historical architectural features on the site, and a consultant
can assist with staff while writing the grant. After reviewing the Phase II study, the Army Corp of Engineers
would determine if the site were historical and deem it as such after review, placing the site on the national
registry.
Commissioner Mauren asked the differences between the Phase I and II studies.
Mr. Wisner stated from what he understood, Phase I was merely gathering site facts and information and
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they are not on site. Phase II will be more intensive on-site and digging/preserving and sent in for
consideration as a historical site. The DNR has a different site disturbance protocol than the Army Corp
and so it will be a balancing act between preserving the shoreline and having to disturb the historical areas in
order to do so. To function property, there will be some disturbance of the historical areas to preserve the
shoreline.
Commissioner Mauren asked about the consequences if nothing was done to the shoreline.
Mr. Wisner explained there would be concern with the bridge and some safety concern, concern with the
loss of conservation land, and keeping out solids from getting into the river, which isn’t good for the
ecology of the waterway.
Chair Lindberg asked if Mr. Wisner if he knew what the purpose of the pilings were as the old dam and
bridge were smaller.
Mr. Wisner stated he’s still going through the historical information and was not sure.
Commissioner Griffiths didn’t feel the river came that far south to the pilings and if it did, it was narrower.
Commissioner Campbell asked if there will be anything done to the submerged historical pieces.
Mr. Wisner stated that was a good question and is still trying to determine that part. He said the main thing
is to leave alone what is historical which restoring the shoreline.
Commissioner Mauren asked if any archeological artifacts were found, what would happen.
Mr. Wisner indicated an archeologist would be required to be on site during the restoration.
5.2 Elk River Documentary
Mr. Carlton indicated the documentary is completed and will be posted on the city’s YouTube channel. He
will talk with communications staff to promote on the socials and will send a link to the commission when
it’s uploaded.
5.3 Farmers Market Recap
Mr. Carlton asked the HPC for their feedback on the event and if they would want to repeat next year.
Successes: August was a good month, people enjoyed the trivia, good engagement with the public, Plinko
board and candy was fun and photo backdrop drew people in.
To do: kids trivia or easier (tiered) trivia. Interview those people with history stories, how can we connect
with them? Use a clipboard to obtain contact information with people willing to talk about their “era” of
expertise. QR code to find historical information on social media.
5.4 Discuss Elk River’s “History Minute”
Mr. Carlton asked if someone was interested or had topics. Commissioner Griffiths offered to be the next
volunteer.
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The HPC discussed the Lake Orono drawdown, scheduled for October 4, and whether that would be a
good History Minute topic. Staff will check with Cable TV staff if they’re available to get some footage.
5.5 Other Business
Commissioner Mauren reminded the commission new ideas, stories, photos, etc. are always welcome. The
commission discussed doing a history buff open house and bus tour. They also discussed the Itasca
community in Elk River/Dayton across from the Kelley Farm.
6. Adjournment
Moved by Commissioner Hangaard and seconded by Commissioner Griffiths to adjourn the
meeting of the Heritage Preservation Commission.
Motion carried 6-0.
The meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green.
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Lance Lindberg, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk