12-17-2009 HPC MINMINUTES OF THE ELK RIVER
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Members present: Chair Lance Lindberg, Stephen Rohlf, Kurt Kragness, Debra
Mortensen, and Mark Konietzko
Members absent: Matt Christiaansen and Kristin Harris
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 6:04 p.m. by Chair
Lance Lindberg.
2) Consider December 17, 2009 HPC Agenda
Item #7 was moved to #4 since Commissioner Rohlf needs to leave early. Item #6 was
moved up to #5 since Chair Lindberg needs to leave early as well.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES BY CHAIR LINDBERG. SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER MORTENSEN. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
3) Consider October 15, 2009 HPC Minutes
MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES WITHOUT CHANGES BY
COMMISSIONER ROHLF. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MORTENSEN. ALL IN
FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
7) Kelly Farm Resolution -Stephen Rohif
Moved to item #4 on agenda.. .
Brief discussion was held regarding what the request was for since this was discussed at
the last meeting date without a quorum. The bonding bill, if approved, would update the
Visitor's Center.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER KRAGNESS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER
MORTENSEN TO SUPPORT THE BONDING BILL BY PASSING A RESOLUTION
IN FAVOR. ALL 1N FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
6)Water Tower National Historic Register Nomination RFP Update
The RFP (request for proposal) went out to a number of potential candidates. Three
• proposals were received. The proposals were reviewed. Dr. Richard Rothaus/Ms. Zellie
presented the most reasonable rate. Environmental Administrator Haug filled out the fast
track grant application. With the proposal from Hess, the fast track grant route would not
be possible.
A question was raised as to whether Dr. Rothaus has performed National Historic
Register Nominations before. His staff person has extensive experience and will work on
this for the HPC.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ROHLF AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER
MORTENSEN TO HIRE DR. ROTHAUS AND ASSISTANT TO PERFORM THE
NOMINATION PAPERWORK. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
4) Historic Neighborhood Update
Commissioner Mortensen, Environmental Technician Blake-Bradley, residents Fran Toth
and Kim Holmen toured Red Wing on December 2"d. It went well with a number of
questions answered for the residents. They were positive when the tour was over and
discussed how to convince the neighborhood this is a good thing. The next tour will be in
St. Cloud on the 6~' of January, then on to Hastings. After the two tours are finished, a
meeting will be set up with the neighborhood again. If the response is positive, a grant
will be applied for.
Discussion regarding exteriors fitting styles followed. A comment was made that the
commission needs to determine whether to continue without 100% approval. The main
issue appears to be fears concerning restrictions. Landscaping is not an issue, but
structural changes to the outside of the home would be.
Commissioner Rohlf left the meeting at 6:15 p.m.
A draft time line would be to get buy in from the neighborhood, then council support
followed by the survey, setting up guidelines and review by the neighborhood and HPC.
The HPC can use the MHS (MN Historical Society) grant funds as a match for the legacy
grant.
Chair Lindberg left the meeting at 6:25 p.m. and Vice-Chair Mortensen took over the
meeting.
A comment was made that perhaps the HRA (Housing and Redevelopment Authority} or
EDA (Economic Development Authority) might be interested in this. A question was
raised as to whether there should be a joint meeting with the HRA. Discussion followed
with the determination that the neighborhood needs to be on board first.
A comment that Planning Staff might be interested in going on the tours was made. Chris
Leeseberg and Jeremy Barnhart will be asked if they'd like to go.
5) Planning Commission items •
Environmental Administrator Haug stated there were no Planning Commission items.
• 8 Other
Commissioner Kragness commented that he was at a meeting with the Elk River
Citizen's League talking about the Legacy Grant. Mr. Blesner talked to Charlie Nelson
about the Handke school being eligible for National Register. Commissioner Kragness
stated that the Historical Society would support the nomination. A comment was made
that Michael Koop from the MN Historical Society should visit the school. Discussion
followed regarding applying for a grant for this as well.
Commissioner Konietzko questioned whether the HPC is getting guidelines from other
Cities during the neighborhood tours. He also asked what they think about and focus
upon. This may be discussed during the St. Cloud visit.
A comment was made that there was an article in the paper on the water tower. Currently,
there is a negative feeling about the water tower at the council level, but the Utility
Commission has voted for this path.
10) Schedule Next HPC Meeting and Identify Agenda Items
The next meeting will be held on January 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the Uppertown
Conference Room. The February 18th meeting will be cancelled because it will be the
evening of the Volunteer Recognition Dinner at the Senior Activity Center.
• Agenda items will include all but the Kelly Farm Resolution.
11) Adiournment
The meeting was adjourned by Vice-Chair Mortensen at 7:02 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Nicki Blake-Bradley
Tina Allard
City Clerk
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Lance Lindberg%° ~i'' rte; /~`~
Heritage Preservation Commission Chair