08-11-2005 HPC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
THURSDAY August I I, 2005
Members Present: Lance Lindberg, Kurt Kragness, Larry Farber, Cliff Lundberg and Matt
Christiaansen
Members Absent: Pat Dwyer, Jeff Gongoll and Molly Nadeau
Staff Present: Stephen Rohlf and Mara Anderson
1. Call Meeting to Order
Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission was called to order at 6:10 p.m
2. Consider HPC Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KRAGNESS AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER CHRISTIAANSEN TO APPROVE THE AGENDA. MOTION
CARRIED G-0.
3. Consider 6/09/05 HPC Minutes
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KRAGNESS AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER LUNDBERG TO CONCUR WITH JUNE 9th, 2005 MINUTES.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
4. Consider Items on Planning Commission 8/23/05 Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KRAGNESS AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER CHRISTIAANSEN TO ACCEPT PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED G-0.
5. Discuss Ideas and Vision for Downtown
Joint meeting of HRA, Planning Commission, and HPC scheduled for September 13~h 2005
to get everyone on the same page regarding the future of downtown Elk River. Where
exactly is redevelopment planned and what guidelines are set to facilitate the changes while
protecting historically significant sites was discussed. Concern for the older buildings was
expressed and financial incentives available to keep them standing were brought up.
Commissioner Farber stated that local businesses have parking problems already and doesn't
see the downtown redevelopment as alleviating but exacerbating the issue. Rehabilitation
before redevelopment was thought an important theme. Design the new buildings to look
historic, designate specific districts for the redevelopment.
Discuss Archaeological Dig
Heritage Preservation Comrnission
January 8, ?004
Page 2
Findings were discussed and final report from Dr. Rothaus is highly anticipated to give
significance and context to the event. Public turnout was great and a repeat event next year
might be worthwhile. Video footage was taken and maybe used for an educational cable
piece on erTV channel 12. Staff will work on a script for the potential program.
Doug Birk Zebulon Pike expert to speak at Lion's Park Center
Commissioner Kragness offered the HPC to co-sponsor with the Sherburne County
Historical Society the guest speaking of Doug Birk to commemorate the 200 Anniversary
of Zebulon Pike's expedition. The lecture will be held on October 18~ at 7pm at Lion's
Park Center.
COMMISSIONER LUNDBERG MOVED TO CO-SPONSOR THE TALK AT
LION'S PARK, COMMISSIONER CHRISTIAANSEN SECONDED. MOTION
CARRIED G-0.
Discuss 26~ Annual Statewide Historic Preservation Conference
The multifaceted event will be held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
(DECC) September 14, 15 and 16~h 2005. Preservation Alliance Awards given too during the
conference. Mr. Rohlf encouraged participation by HPC members. and reminded their
tuition and board could be paid for with HPC monies. The MN Historical Society will also
be offering scholarships for up to $625 per local governmental unit. More details can be
found on the Internet including a daily schedule for the conference. Emails will be sent out
to confirm individual participation.
Other Business
Commissioner Kragness notified the HPC of a silent auction and fundraiser to be held at
Bluestone Restaurant in Becker for Sherburne County Historical Society. Last year it was a
good time.
Being that the Planning Commission is hosting a joint meeting with the HRA and HPC on
September 13~, 2005 no meeting was scheduled for September. Emails will be sent out to
schedule November's meeting.
10. Adjournment
Having no further business meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m.