09-19-2008 HPC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Heritage Preservation Commission Page 2 September 18, 2008 ------------------------------------- 6. Planning Commission Items Nothing was on the Planning Commission agenda that pertains to the Heritage Preservation Commission. Environmental Administrator Haug updated the commission that the Adams’ proposal for the home on Main Street was denied on both the Planning Commission and City Council levels. It was essentially viewed as spot zoning and a parking issue was discussed. Environmental Administrator Haug added her opinion that the letter from the HPC concerning the project had an impact upon the commissioners and councilmembers, which then helped them reach their decision. 7. Historic Water Tower Discussion Community Development Director Gongoll and Environmental Administrator Haug th attended the Utilities Commission meeting on September 9 and requested that they consider postponing destruction of the water tower for one year (October 2009) to give the HPC an opportunity to save the tower. The Commission was receptive to the proposal but expressed concern that “ownership” of the tower change. They no longer wish to be responsible for it. Commissioner Dietz was in favor of returning the tower to its original colors. Environmental Administrator Haug felt it was encouraging that they are willing to let the HPC try to save the tower. Commissioner Kragness commented that the State has two grant programs which might be worth checking into. The first is for Local Government Units (LGU’s) only and pertains to capital projects. The “catch” is that the structure must be on the National Register as a property. He questioned whether the tower has a chance of becoming one. Discussion followed regarding historical references to meetings with people concerning national registration. Handke (Elk High Stadium) received funding from this program for the “pit” restoration. The second grant program is the Grants in Aid, which pertains to acquisition, restoration, and preservation. One more grant round will be conducted in January 2009. Commissioner Kragness suggested speaking with Mandy Scapallo who is in charge of funding. He commented that ownership will likely be a key issue for fundraising. Discussion of 501C-3 organizations followed. The City of Elk River does have one (for Parks and Recreation). A question of whether the Historical Center would want to own the tower was raised. Commissioner Kragness stated that the Historical Center currently maintains several buildings or structures beyond the main facility and would only be interested in accepting the water tower if there were funds for maintenance available (on a continual basis). 8. Grant Update Environmental Administrator Haug reviewed the grant application information and determined that the one regarding photos would not apply since the focus is toward preservation of existing photos. She added that the portion regarding publications would only apply if the HPC was actually publishing the work rather than having Arcadia do it. Environmental Administrator Haug added that she contacted someone regarding the grants and was told that a pre-grant application must be filled out to have any chance of being funded. Typically, no grants are awarded without one. A pre-grant application may be done before the grant round in January.