5.6. HANDOUT HPSR 01-18-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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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 a Restoration Analysis Report, which will consist of construction drawings for the actual restoration work. The city has again been working with Kodet Architectural Group, Ltd. to complete this work. An application for grant funding was completed 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. The city offered three guided walking tour facilitated by a member of the HPC. Despite the weather, each tour was well attended and received positive feedback. The is looking to offer more guided tours in 2018. 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 2017, HPC staff liaison BrieAnna Simon and Commissioner Mortensen 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. 2018 Proposed Projects Preservation of Jackson Street Water Tower The HPC plans to apply for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage large grant by May 25,2018 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. Oral Histories The HPC will continue to look for additional opportunities to interview residents for the oral histories project. History Fair Judging The HPC has participated in judging at the Salk Middle School History Fair in the past, and members of the commission will again have an opportunity to volunteer as a judge for the fair in February 2018. 3