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<br />Planning Commission <br />May 8,2001 <br />Page 3 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />that a professional do a context study. A context study will help the City to <br />understand what we have. The Heritage Preservation Commission consists of an <br />archeologist, Sherburne County Historical Society Coordinator. and a number of <br />long-time residents that know the history of Elk River. Mr. Rohlf reviewed the 8 <br />categories to determine historic significance, as taken from the City's ordinance. <br />He cited examples from the map of possible locations of historic significance, <br />such as the hitching posts from the 1800's, and other sites as described in his <br />memo dated May 8,2001. <br /> <br />Mr. Rohlf strongly encouraged the City to authorize the context study. <br />Commissioner Baker asked how much the study would cost. Mr. Rohlf stated that <br />the study would cost between $10,000 - $15,000, with the actual cost being closer <br />to $10,000. The City has applied to become a certified local government through <br />the State Historic Preservation Office. He felt that approximately one-half of the <br />cost of the study could be funded by a grant, reducing the City's cost to $5,000- <br />$7,000. City Administrator Pat Klaers asked how long it would take to do a study. <br />Mr. Rohlf stated that he was unsure. <br /> <br />Mr. Franz asked if any of the downtown buildings may be eligible to be on the <br />National Historic Register. Mr. Rohlf stated yes. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Ms. Mehelich thanked staff for their help in the downtown evaluation. She <br />distributed copies of a Downtown Elk River Planning & Improvement History - 1970 <br />- 2000. Ms. Mehelich noted that consistent themes through the history included <br />(1) utilizing the river for public space and recreation, events and activities, and <br />also business attraction such as restaurants, art centers, (2) historic or small-town <br />character in both rehab and reconstruction through design standards. She noted <br />that design standards were mentioned numerous times but were never drafted <br />and implemented; (3) safer pedestrian and vehicle movement (pathway for <br />riverwalk, parking ramp, etc.) <br /> <br />Larry loth, HRA Commissioner, asked for clarification on possible traffic generators <br />for the downtown. Mr. Thompson reviewed his recommendations for retaining <br />the post office, locating a restaurant in the downtown, the potential riverwalk, <br />and conducting events to bring people to the downtown. <br /> <br />Ms. Bujold felt that events can sometimes overtake the downtown. <br /> <br />Mr. Toth asked how issues with park could be resolved. Ms. Bujold suggested that <br />shared parking options and writing specific ordinances for parking in the <br />downtown. City Administrator stated that if the parking lot property were <br />developed, there would be a parking problem in the downtown. He noted that <br />there is parking across Highway 10 but it is very difficult to get people to use it. <br /> <br />Cliff Lundberg suggested ramping the existing parking lot behind Kempers and <br />build a skywalk to parking on the north side of the highway. He had concerns <br />regarding building on the east City parking lot. He felt this would close off the <br />new view to the river. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Commissioner Baker suggested working on a couple significant ideas such as <br />parking. Cliff Lundberg suggested bringing back the 1950's fac;ade of the <br />