05-25-1999 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes May 25, 1999 Page 2 . 6.2. Reauest by City of Elk River for Ordinance Amendment Section 900.08 - Definitions - Heritaae Preservation Commission and Site, Public Hearina Case No. OA 99-6 Reauest by City of Elk River for Ordinance Amendment to Section 9000.1 O{ 1 ) - Establishment of HPS {Heritage Preservation Site Overlay Zonina District!. Public Hearing Case No. OA 99-8 Request by City of Elk River for Ordinance Amendment to Section 900.12 - Heritage Preservation Site Overlav Zonina District, Public Hearing Case No. OA 99-9 6.3. 6.4. Staff report by Steve Rohlf. Steve explained that a group of local citizens are interested in creating a written history of Elk River. In order to legitimize this effort, the group has recommended that the city create a Heritage Preservation Commission. Steve indicated that staff recommends an ordinance amendment to allow a zoning overlay for historic preservation sites. Peter Beck, City A ttorney, reviewed the option of designating historic preservation sites, versus a zoning overlay. Peter noted there are some minor "housekeeping" changes in text of the proposed ordinance to provide consistency. Peter recommended that the authority to recommend rezonings and review permits should be included in the "powers and duties" section. Discussion followed regarding whether or not a Heritage Preservation Site Alteration Permit should be required for a change of color, or to move from or to another building, and if the Planning Commission should routinely review them. . Chair Cote asked if this committee would have power of eminent domain. Peter Beck indicated that the Heritage Preservation Committee would make recommendations to the City Council. Peter noted that the ordinance will be clarified to demonstrate which are powers and duties of the Commission and which issues the Commission makes recommendations to the City Council. Steve Rohlf indicated he felt the zoning overlay would allow the city the ability to make a stand, if the need ever arose. Chair Cote opened the public hearing. Ron Black, 913 Main Street, indicated he was a member of the original committee interested in Elk River's history. Mr. Black noted that he serves on Otsego's Heritage Preservation Committee. He encouraged the committee to look at their priorities, stating that he felt the most important goal is education and second is obtaining eligibility for grants. Mr. Black felt that establishing a Heritage Preservation Commission demonstrates to the citizens that their public officials are interested in preservation the city's heritage. He urged the Commissioners to recommend approval of the ordinance. . Clifford Lundberg, 400 Jackson Avenue, expressed support for the ordinance amendments to establish a Heritage Preservation Commission. He asked the Commission to carefully consider the language in the proposed ordinances. He stated that he felt an ordinance is only as useful as the bureaucrats who enforce it and it should not be used as a "club".