3. HPSR 08-18-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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done on behalf of the tower and suggested afollow-up meeting ox discussion with the Utilities Commission. Discussion of whether there should be a joint meeting followed. A suggestion was made to formally thank Chris Leeseberg for his work on the display. The display may be used at the upcoming suxnxnex concert series if Parks and Recreation will allow us to have a booth. ,5~ National Register U~ate for the Water Tower Ms. Haug met with Alexa McDowell last week. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) wants more information about how it grew Elk River (due to the fire suppression) We have until June 30`s to get the information and then SHPO will move forward. Perhaps this could be covered on the joint meeting with the HRA (Housing and Redevelopment Authority). 61 Aourove letter to HRA Ms. Haug discussed the letter/memo in the packet to the HRA xegazding the buildings at 716 and 720 Main Street (Arts Alliance and Old O'Reilly building) and asked fox input. Ms. Deckert commented that the lease renews every two years and the question is whether it will be renewed fox 2012. This is a good time to go to the HRA meeting to discuss the buildings. Commissioner Mortensen did research on them. The original building was constructed in 1900 and due to fixes was rebuilt in 1975 (with a room added in the back and walls moved internally) and essentially remodeled in 1985. In 1985 it was operated as a mini mall. The various retail stores over the years were discussed. The buildings themselves are not historic so the letter says "preserves historic chazactex". The foundation is there but the integrity is gone. Chair Lindberg commented that the "feel" of downtown could be lost. Commissioner Mortensen questioned how the City would justify spending tax payers money to tear down the buildings and blacktop the area during this time of economic hardship. Ms. Deckert explained that the HRA purchased the buildings fox the purpose of removal fox parking space. She discussed getting quotes fox keeping the meat market and added that there is a perception that there isn't enough parking fox businesses to consider locating downtown. A comment was made that if the buildings are tom down, there would be less reason to go there and the chazactex of downtown would be changed. Concerns about the longevity of the meat market if the other buildings were removed were discussed. Ms. Deckert commented that the HRA is not even dose to approaching the meat market to buy it. Commissioner Rohlf shared that the meat market has been used continually fox its original purpose fox approximately 125 years. Ms. Haug will revise the memo and send it out to the commission for review. Discussion of the modern buildings downtown followed.