7.1. SR 05-16-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

attached. One was from Amanda Gronhovd of 10,000 Lakes Archaeology and the other was from Dr. Richard Rothaus of St. Cloud State University. The reduced funding and changing the site location for the excavation happened after the city sent out the RFPs. Staff feels the two responses received can still be used to make a qualified decision on a consultant for the new altered project. The Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) reviewed the two proposals at their meeting on May 12,2005. Although there was not a quorum ofthe HPC, those present recommended the city retain the services of Dr. Richard Rothaus for the following reasons: ~ Experience - The original request required that field supervision for the excavation of the historic site (the mill floor) is conducted by person who meets the Secretary of the Interiors standards for historic archaeology and that the prehistoric excavation site be supervised by a person who meets the standards for prehistoric archaeology. Dr. Rothaus and Ms. Gronhovd meet both of these standards. However, Ms. Gronhovd's resume shows an emphasis on historic archaeology. With the public excavation changing to a prehistoric site, the HPC thought Dr. Rothaus was a better fit. ~ Knowledge of Elk River's archaeological resources - Having conducted the city's archaeological modeling and literature search in 2003 and also testing the model in 2004, Dr. Rothaus obviously has more knowledge of the city's archaeological resources than Ms. Gronhovd. The 10,000 Lakes proposal included literature and archival research, which has already been conducted by Dr. Rothaus. ~ Public Participation - Besides learning more about Elk River's past, the major reason for the excavation is to get people involved with and excited about our cultural resources. Dr. Rothaus' proposal seemed a lot stronger as far as involving the public. On page two of Ms. Gronhovd's proposal she talks about a public archaeology program that would take place over one two-day weekend with the possibility of limited public participation for the two days proceeding the program. Dr. Rothaus proposes two three-day digs with the public. Dr. Rothaus also has access to trained student labor, which will allow for greater participation by untrained public volunteers. ~ Additional factor - Dr. Rothaus has access to St. Cloud State University's Archaeological laboratory, a Cultural and Environmental Landscapes Laboratory and the Spatial Analysis Research Center (GIS lab). Bids Environmental Technician Rebecca Haug had conversations with Ms. Gronhovd regarding the change in the funding by SHPO and the potential reduced scope of the project prior to 10,000 Lakes Archaeology responding the city's RFP. 10,000 Lakes' bid reflects these changes and the reduced project scope. Dr. Rothaus' bid was for the original project, which included the excavation of two sites and conducting a Phase I Archaeological Survey on a third site. Regrettably, Dr. Rothaus is in Belize on an archaeological excavation at this time