07-18-2024 HPC MINMeeting of the Elk River
t9 Heritage Preservation Commission
Held at the Elk River CityHall
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Thursday, July 18, 2024
Members Present: Chair Lance Lindberg, Commissioners Linda Campbell (6:05 p.m.), Jayne Dietz, Zachary
Griffiths, Tony Mauren
Members Absent: Commissioner Gavin. Tuckey
Council Liaison: Council member Cory Grupa
Staff Present: Community Development Director Zack Carlton
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 Dietz to approve the July 18,
2024, Heritage Preservation Commission agenda.
Motion carried 4-0.
4. Consider Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Dietz and seconded by Commissioner Griffiths to approve the May 16,
2024, Heritage Preservation minutes.
Motion carried 4-0.
5.1 HPC at the Farmer's Market
Mr. Carlton asked the commissioners for their feedback following their attendance at the Farmer's Market.
Commissioner Mauren felt it went well. He felt there was less visitors at the market, the date was earlier in
the season, and there was no concert that evening, so less of a crowd attending. He also felt the trivia
questions were too difficult for people to answer. Commissioner Dietz felt Commissioner Mauren and the
others did a good job of educating visitors. Commissioner Campbell felt the event went well, and there were
a good number of people who stopped by and were interested. The questions were difficult, but she felt
they all learned something. Other HPC members noted the weather was cooler and it seemed more
attendees were from out of the area, especially from southern Minnesota.
Heritage Preservation Commission Minutes
July 18, 2024
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Mr. Carlton made notes for next year to schedule their attendance at the market later in the growing season
on a concert night, and to avoid a date prior to the Sherburne County Fair or Elk RiverFest (July). He will
email the commission some photos Commissioner Dietz took during the event.
5.2 Downtown Small Area Plan 2024
Mr. Carlton updated the commission regarding a recent RFP for the Downtown Small Area Plan, which was
awarded to Bolton & Menk. He outlined the parameters and topic area to be included in this update, which
was last completed in 2012 as the Mississippi Connections. He said the city will use this plan as a vision for
what the city wants the area to look like and outline action steps to achieve it. He asked if an HPC
commissioner was interested in serving on a 7-member subcommittee meeting monthly for approximately
6-9 months to help shape the plan and provide feedback to guide the project.
Chair Lindberg offered to volunteer for the subcommittee. Commissioner Campbell offered to be a back-up
committee member.
Commissioner Campbell asked some questions how walkability and if that topic will be reviewed.
Mr. Carlton stated one of the components will be multi -modal traffic. He would appreciate all the
commissioners provide feedback for the plan. He stated the HPC will have an opportunity to review the
plan prior to it being approved by the City Council. After the plan is completed next spring, the city has
funds set aside for infrastructure items such as sidewalks and streets and allows incorporating the ideas from
the place for things like pedestrian spaces, sidewalks, parking, multi -modal, and vehicles. The consultant will
set up a link through the city's website to provide regular communications throughout the review process
and will push the information out to the public through social media channels.
Commissioner Campbell asked if her son, who lives in Norway, could provide feedback as be has a passion
for this type of project. Mr. Carlton stated anyone can provide a review and offer feedback.
5.2 Other Business
Mr. Carlton stated Commissioner Campbell and he received an email from Ted Specht regarding four
historic hitching posts and if the city would be interested in utilizing them, he would donate them. He asked
the commission to think about a strategic location for placing them should the city wish to accept them.
It was the consensus of the HPC to accept the donation. They will discuss ways of incorporating the
hitching posts into a public space in the city.
Commissioner Griffiths asked about improving the area around the downtown water tower.
Mr. Carlton stated he will add that item to the 2025 budget. He stated the locale was also included in the
Small Area Plan.
Mr. Carlton stated the HPC bylaws will be updated, and a new format will be reviewed and adopted at the
next HPC meeting. He explained the content of the bylaws and noted the commission will now be required
to provide an annual work plan and annual report to the city council. A joint meeting with the city council
would be held. After some discussion, the HPC decided to have the joint meeting the first Monday in
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Heritage Preservation Commission Minutes
July 18, 2024
February where they will review the previous year's activities with the city council and set up a plan for the
next year.
Cotntnissioner Griffiths updated the commission regarding digitizing some of the Elk River Library items of
historical value. He contacted Margot Berry from the library and is waiting to hear back from her for
direction. Margot was excited to hear the HPC had interest in digitizing these artifacts and asked if an
outside party would be doing the work, as the library owns the artifacts. Commissioner Griffiths stated the
Minnesota Historical Society has a list of companies they work with for digitizing, and he will email the
commissioners a link to the list of companies. Costs would depend on the items and number of pages.
Commissioner Tuckey was reaching out to the Sherburne History Center for digitizing The Growth of
Sherburne County. Commissioner Dietz stated St. Cloud State has affordable digitizing services.
Commissioner Mauren discussed having John Houlton provide a recording of the historical presentation he
does for the Chamber Leadership.
Commissioner Dietz suggested putting a hitching post by the windmill at the library.
6. Adjournment
Moved by Commissioner Mauren and seconded by Commissioner Dietz to adjourn the meeting of
the Heritage Preservation Commission.
Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
Minutes p�4.,pared by Jei fer Green.
f .ance Lindberg,
Tina Allard, City Clerk
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