4.7. SR 02-06-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The HPC utilized a CLG grant award from 2013 and hired Collaborative Design Group to complete a Condition Assessment of the tower. The report was completed in August 2015 and has been very helpful in preparing for the final goal of painting and repairing the water tower. The estimated cost to repair the structure was below previous estimates received by the city. The reduced cost was a pleasant surprise as Elk River Municipal Utilities, the current owner of the tower, has earmarked money for tower repairs. That money will be used for matching funds in a future grant application. The next phase of the project includes preparing construction drawings for the actual restoration work. The city has again been working with Collaborative Design Group to complete this work. An application for grant funding will be completed in fiscal year 2017 to help with the costs of the restoration and the timing of the improvements will be based on grant receipt and timing. Elk River Walking Tour The HPC worked with students and faculty at St. Cloud State University to prepare a self-guided walking tour of historically significant locations in Elk River. Late fall 2014 the city hosted a presentation from St. Cloud State University students where they presented a number of different draft brochures. The HPC has been utilizing these to prepare a mobile brochure on the city’s website. The city continues to work on getting the walking tour on the city’s website to increase the availability of the information. In 2017 the city will begin offering a guided walking tour facilitated by a member of the HPC. Oral Histories Commissioner Mortensen continues to seek out additional residents willing to be interviewed for the oral histories project. The HPC is also in the early stages of expanding this program to encourage additional members of the community to not only be interviewed, but interview other residents. 37th Annual Statewide Historic Preservation Conference In September 2016, HPC staff liaison BrieAnna Simon attended the Annual Statewide Historic Preservation Conference in Hastings MN. Houlton Farm Natural Area The City of Elk River worked with the Trust for Public Land, the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, and the Friends of the Mississippi to acquire the Houlton-Olson family farm and add it to the city’s park system as a conservation area. The 335-acre riverfront property is located west of downtown near the Orono Dam and has been in the family since the 1870’s. The park opened in the fall of 2016 and has been very popular. The HPC will look for opportunities to explore historical topics associated with the park. 2017 ProposedProjects Preservation of Jackson Street Water Tower The HPC will apply for a grant to assist with the restoration of the Jackson Street Water Tower. Matching funds are available, but the actual restoration will be based on specified grant timelines. 3