10-15-2009 HPC MINNOTES OF THE ELK RIVER
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Members present: Chair Lance Lindberg, Kristin Harris, Kurt Kragness, Debra
Mortensen, Mark Konietzko, and Stephen Rohlf
Members absent: Councilmember Matt Westgaard and Matt Christiaansen
Staff Present: Environmental Administrator, Rebecca Haug
Environmental Technician, Nicki Blake-Bradley
1) Meeting called to Order:
Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission was called to order at 6:08 p.m. by Chair
Lance Lindberg. Welcome and introductions to the newest HPC commissioner, Mark
Konietzko.
2) Consider October 15, 2009 HPC Agenda
Commissioner Rohlf added the Kelly Farm discussion under Other.
3 Consider Ma 21 2009 and A
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MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES BY COMMISSIONER KRAGNESS.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HARRIS. COMMISSIONER ROHLF ABSTAINED
DUE TO HAVING BEEN ABSENT AT THOSE MEETINGS. ALL OTHERS
PRESENT VOTED AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
4) Historic Neighborhood Update
The informational meeting scheduled for October 1 at 6:00 p.m. at 201 Norfolk Avenue
was very successful. There was a full house and everyone was interested in hearing about
the possible designation and moving forward to get more information, although two
people were opposed to creating a district. Environmental Administrator Haug and
Commissioner Kragness described the historic area to Commissioner Konietzko. The
Horseshoe District was platted in the 19-teens (WWI era). Commissioners Kragness and
Harris are interested in being part of a "task force" created to learn more about historic
districts. Three residents will be part of the task force as well.
Environmental Technician Blake-Bradley will set up a tour of St. Cloud's Historic
District(s). The task force will (hopefully) talk with residents who live there and were
part of the process.
Ultimately, a survey of the neighborhood will be necessary. Funds for this could come
from the Legacy grant. For $7,000 or less, no match is necessary. There is a match for
$7,000 - $50,000 though. Apre-application is due by the end of January or February.
Possible cities to tour with historic districts would be St. Cloud, Redwing, and Hastings.
They each have different types of historic districts.
5) Book Proposals Update
The book is at the publishers. Commissioner Mortensen stated that it will be available at
the end of February now. The proof was delivered in August. No reason has been given
for the delay. Books will be available through the History Center, bookstores, Kemper
Drug. Marketing materials were discussed. Commissioner Rohlf suggested adding the
Kelly Farm to the list of venues. The publisher markets the books themselves for $21.99
each. The HPC thanked Commissioner Mortensen for all of her hard work on this project.
Commissioner Mortensen mentioned writing a second book from 1921 -present. The
idea was very well received.
6) Planning Commission items
Environmental Administrator Haug discussed the Planning Commission items and
explained the process to Commissioner Konietzko.
7)Water Tower Discussion
The water tower is eligible for National Registry! It was inventoried during the Hwy 10
study and researched thoroughly at that time (as well as by Commissioner Kragness). On
Tuesday, November 10th, at 4:00 p.m. Environmental Administrator Haug will be going
to the Utility Commission meeting to ask for support to have it listed. Once listed, the
tower will qualify for grant funding for maintenance. Unfortunately, the pump house has
already been removed. Environmental Adminstrator Haug invited all the commissioners
to attend the meeting to show support.
8 Other
Commissioner Rohlf discussed the Kelly Farm. It is up for this bonding session. They
plan to redo the Visitor's Center. This is a tough budgeting time. $300,000 has been spent
for planning. Now the Historical Society is applying for bonding to implement the plan.
A question was raised as to whether the Kelly Farm could apply for Legacy grant funds.
The possibility of a resolution from the HPC supporting the Kelly Farm was discussed.
The Energy City Commission and the Chamber of Commerce have both done one.
Environmental Administrator Haug will draft a resolution and bring it to the next meeting
for discussion.
Commissioner Kragness discussed the Legacy grant system briefly. There are/were 8
regional workshops on funding. Guidelines have been laid out for the $22 million. There
is a lot of opportunity for acquisition, restoration, etc. Fast track grants have no match,
they're approved monthly, for up to $7,000. For grants from $7,001 - $49,999 (mid-
sized), there is a grant match required. This is strongly recommended and applicants have
abetter chance of getting one but the funds must be spent during the biennium if
approved.
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Environmental Administrator Haug requested that HPC members sign a thank you card
for the Ernharts for hosting the historic neighborhood meeting.
10) Schedule Next HPC Meeting and Identify Agenda Items
The next meeting will be held on November 19, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Uppertown
Conference Room. Commissioner Rohlf will not be able to attend. Commissioner Harris
may not be able to attend as well. Items will include the Historic Neighborhood, Book
promotion, Planning Commission items, Kelly Farm Resolution, and Historic Water
Tower discussion.
11) Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by Chair Lindberg at 7:04 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Nicki Blake-Bradley
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