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12-05-2006 HPC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL Tuesday, December 5, 2006 Members Present: Lance Lindberg, Kristin Harris, Jeff Gongoll, Kurt Kragness, and Molly Peterson Members Absent: Matt Christiansen and Steve Rohlf Staff Present: Rebecca Haug and Nicki Blake-Bradley Others Present: Scott Clark (Community Development Director) Call Meeting to Order Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission was called to order at 6:05 p.m. 2. Consider HPC Agenda Rebecca requested that item number 6 (discussion regarding the task force) be moved up on the agenda to the first item of discussion. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER KRAGNESS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GONGOLL TO AMEND THE AGENDA AS REQUESTED. MOTION CARRIED. Agenda was approved as amended. 3. Consider November 8, 2006 HPC Minutes Minutes were approved as submitted. 4. Discuss Goals and Priorities for Redevelopment Task Force Scott Clark was present to give a "brief' overview of the framework of re-development for the downtown area. The area encompasses the core area of downtown and has included two neighborhoods, the recreational areas within or adjacent to them, and the river corridor. It is a very complex situation. Scott began by stating that re-development isn't just about tearing down and rebuilding but encompasses all aspects of re-vitalizing an area (whether that is rebuilding, rehabilitating, restoring, etc.). Having a policy plan in place will give the HPC a context for the direction the commission wants to go. The end product from the task force may be a comprehensive plan that will re- define the area to preserve its historic character (through preservation or by bringing back the design standards). Scott discussed the stiff competition that the downtown faces due to commercial development on TH169 and Otsego and handed out a map showing the areas of focus. He described the map to the commission. Scott explained that the task force was asked how many of the new residents within the last year (approx. 8,000) view downtown as the heart or point of historical interest of the town. Generally, the task force agreed that the model of the town has changed and the old model is no longer viable. Heritage Preservation Commission Page 2 December 5, 2006 He then described the phased approach the task force will take. The first part will be an educational piece with the second being a visioning piece. One main question is if historical character is critical, how does the Ciry get there? Scott asked the commission what they would like to see from a policy standpoint. He described several options they could choose..r~;cly,~~iir;~~._a.. `.`r~c~__c;17;~i:~;c" s_t;~z:iciint~~~.t,,_;17fa;t;.._~cc;>.~_t; caut:i.otled ghat: lic: te~rsc~c~s <-hari~~c. tilircctx~cl 1tc.,cra t}u. "1'Gt~IL 1 e>.txx:l and what he saw as a potential advisory direction from the HPC to the task force. `icoir: su, se5tc:d that: the }-~,?{; idetztift~ what "sl?ecit~ccs" ~~-ere. im ~orr.,ctit rv ~reseri_i~_a«ch as which buile~in~s c~3r hc>nlew sllc>uld sta~~,,,~~~hat~Ccattare:~.._a.rc;..ir~~i>c3rt~x~_t;,ctc,._Other questions were posed to answer questions of what the Commissioners feel are critical to preserve (features, buildings, etc.), what programs should be implemented, and/or what should be re-introduced or re- established relevant to the historic character. Scott asserted his opinion that the HPC has the biggest stake in this process. He added that, with regard to the single family homes, the focus is not or may not be about redeveloping those areas but more about maintenance, rehabilitation, or code enforcement. Scott's suggestion would be to focus upon getting a polity position now rather than working on an ordinance. He feels that it's important for the HPC to establish a framework to work around. Commissioner Nadeau questioned whether the HPC should be working on these things concurrent with the Task Force. Scott responded "yes". Commissioner Kragness asked Scott to clarify what part of the old model for downtown isn't working. He questioned whether it concerns not maximizing the economic ends. Scott stated that he cannot speak for all the Task Force members, and his comments may not necessarily be the viewpoint of all. Scott stated, as an example, that current lease rates appear not to be reflective of the market and that private re-development may occur in the near future. Downtown as the town center may not be viable, but everyone wants to make sure that it survives. Questions are then raised such as "Does it need to be a different land use?", "Should there be less commercial business?" and "Should some of the retail give way to residential development?" These are discussion points for the Task Force. Commissioner Kragness questioned whether there is enough income to re-invest in the downtown buildings if there is a false economy there. Another question would be whether this is the time to make it down town. Commissioner Kragness asserted that it should be down town out of interest. Rebecca questioned whether Scott would be willing to come back and give updates periodically to the HPC on the project. He said he would be willing to do that. Commissioner Kragness questioned whether the HPC should put together a series of resolutions. He stated that he is trying to get a sense of what carries more weight. ~cc3t:i. :~tr.<~ssc:ci t:l~at: 1:lic~ 1:1).'C; shtrt.tlil 1:7c: 4 ~ccil::tc: a1~c:~xFt: t~ltat: tlic t~ 9:e:el is .rc:~tll .irn x:>.t-t~t.ttt to s%t~c~. 1lc' ad<.tc;d... Scott responded that everyone has sensitivity to what this is, which is not just designing buildings. The Task Force wants to create areas that can be attractive... which Heritage Preservation Commission December 5, 2006 Page 3 might mean "re-claiming" the Mississippi River (view). The area needs to prosper, which will be a challenge. Scott discussed birding books that Elk River is referenced in by Vernon Bailey (1893... chief biologist for the Smithsonian at the time) and/or T.S. Roberts (1932, Birds ofMinnerota). He stated that he would provide that information to Commissioner Kragness. Scott was thanked for attending and providing the update for the Commission. He left the meeting. Commissioner Gongoll questioned Commissioners Lindberg and Nadeau as to how the meeting was, and whether the members listened to each other. Commissioner Lindberg responded that it was a fair meeting. Each person was asked what the downtown area means to them and each person was given time to speak. Commissioner Gongoll questioned where the HPC can help the representatives on the Task Force (primarily Commissioner Lindberg). Rebecca commented that her understanding is that the HPC needs to have actual, written policies. Commissioner Nadeau specified what Scott said. Rebecca referred to the goals from October 11, 2004. Commissioner Nadeau stated there is a need to be detailed. Commissioner Lindberg commented that he felt there were two main areas. He objected to such broad areas. Discussion followed regarding areas to have within the scope of the project and a progression (through prioritization). Commissioner Gongoll questioned whether it could be stated that all residential areas need to be preserved within the scope of the project due to their historical character. Rebecca stated that she doesn't feel that would be detailed enough. Commissioner Lindberg discussed the Comprehensive Plan and information within a study conducted several years ago. Commissioner Kragness suggested the City research funds for updating homes that could entice the local finance community. He mentioned the Preservation Alliance of MN and suggested Commission members check out their website if they've never heard of it before. Commissioner Lindberg stated that one of his objections is that the residential areas are now "on the table" and he questioned what is wrong with the zoning as it is now. He added that very few homes are in tough shape. Commissioner Gongoll questioned why the zoning would be "messed with". Discussion followed that the commissioners would like to see the neighborhoods preserved as residential, single family homes. Commissioner Gongoll commented upon the residential homes along Jackson Avenue. He stated that he doesn't feel that they are as critical as some other areas and asked if the area is zoned commercial. Rebecca checked the zoning and stated it is zoned as PUD (planned unit development) with some commercial area. Discussion followed that neighborhoods need to be defined. Preservation can be helped with design guidelines. Heritage Preservation Commission December 5, 2006 Page 4 Rebecca commented that her understanding is that the HPC's policies, etc. need to be in place by February. Commissioner Gongoll stated he would like to have the entire Commission present for approving guidelines, etc. Commissioner Kxagness suggested doing a windshield survey of neighborhoods since the date of platting is known for many of them. First generation homes should be the focus for initial preservation. Rebecca discussed St. Cloud's Historical District Overlay. She suggested that this maybe the path the HPC wants to take. Commissioner Lindberg commented upon what HPCs in other areas have authority over. It was agreed upon that identifying districts must be the starting point. Commissioner Gongoll stated that without a specific inventory, he's not comfortable. Commissioner Lindberg stated his opinion that it should be neighborhood specific. Commissioner Nadeau questioned the age that neighborhoods should be. Commissioner Kragness stated there should be a critical mass concerning the number of homes that meet the criteria of first generation homes... with their design specifics. Character and integrity of early neighborhoods was discussed as well. Commissioner Kragness outlined his ideas for how the HPC should proceed to take a position and make policies. He discussed creating guidelines, formulating rehabilitation options, and finally discussed an ordinance. Rebecca commented that one goal is to bring more people down town. Commissioner Harris commented that residents complain about a lack of parking down town. Discussion followed that down town areas are generally designed to have pedestrian traffic (with the stores designed around that) and in most down town areas, people have to pay to park. A comment was made that the main objective would be to preserve neighborhoods through the use of a historic overlay district. Commissioner Kragness stated that he is willing to work on a document through a workshop session. A comment was made that this topic should be the only thing on the agenda for such a workshop so that both the downtown and the neighborhoods can be focused upon. The workshop could focus on downtown first (what is critical to preserve, then retaining character, etc.) and the neighborhoods second (to define and classify facts for when they should be preserved). Rebecca suggested meeting with Rich Kelly at the Historical Center in Becker. Commissioner Nadeau commented that she is in favor of that if it can be a productive meeting which helps form an initial position. Commissioner Gongoll commented that he expects the HRA and EDA to look at the retail or commercial values. Commissioner Lindberg discussed a Maxfield study, which focused upon the downtown area. Rebecca recommended forming a subcommittee to discuss the workshop with her and Commissioner Kragness. She questioned the commissioners present whether they would be Heritage Preservation Commission Page 5 December 5, 2006 interested in participating on the subcommittee. No one was able to volunteer. She will contact either Commissioner Rohlf or Commissioner Christiansen to see if they are interested. Rebecca stated that she will forward a copy of the Maxfield Study to each of the Commissioners who do not have one. Commissioners Lindberg and Nadeau both have one already. Commissioner Nadeau recommended only making a copy of the executive summary and conclusion (the study is 80+ pages long). Commissioner Lindberg commented that the study advocates incremental versus cataclysmic change. Commissioner Gongoll stated that he feels the HPC is sitting at a point where it can help direct the way the community looks for the next 100 years. He discussed a transformation. 5. Consider Planning Commission Items for December 12.2006 meeting The proposed plat, Cranberry Ridge, came up as a low probability site on the archaeological model. However, it has a State SHPO site (21-SHS) on it. Commissioner Gongoll questioned whether the standard recommendation would be attached. Rebecca said it would. She added that she has been trying to contact the State to find out why it's on the register. So far, she has had no luck. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GONGOLL AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HARRIS TO APPROVE THE STANDARD CONDITION. MOTION CARRIED. 6. Listen to an Oral History Interview Portions of several tapes were listened to, since one of the interviewers complained that the quality was poor. The interviewer that complained had poor quality sound, while another tape (from a different interviewer, with the same recorder) sounded wonderful. It was determined that either the tape is bad or the recorder was set up improperly. Nicki will listen to other tapes to try to determine whether they are all poor or not. 7. Schedule next HPC meeting and Identify Agenda Items The next regularly scheduled meeting for the Heritage Preservation Commission will be held on Wednesday, January 10th at 6:00 p.m. Adjournment Commissioner Lindberg adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m.