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i ~ <br />~,tY or <br />Elk. <br />River <br />MEMORANDUM <br />TO: City Council <br />FROM: Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator <br />DATE: December 7, 2009 <br />Item # 5.4. <br />SUBJECT: Update on Jackson Street Water Tower <br />Discussion <br />At the September 9, 2008 Elk River Municipal Utility (ERMU) Commission meeting, the <br />Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) was granted one year to research funding <br />opportunities to save the Jackson Street Water Tower. Staff spoke with Michael Koop, <br />Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office, and was informed that during the last Highway 10 <br />study, it was determined that the water tower is eligible to be on the National Register of <br />Historic Places. <br />The Jackson Street Water Tower has been identified as being significant in American History as <br />it embodies the distinctive characteristics of a period, type, or method of construction. It was <br />also determined that is has excellent integrity of location, design, materials, workmanship, <br />feeling, and association. <br />Next Steas <br />On November 17, 2009, staff asked the Utility Commission to consider applying fora "Fast <br />Track" Legacy Grant through the State Historic Preservation Office in order to hire a consultant <br />to prepare the National Register nomination form. Staff anticipates the cost to be around $5,000. <br />The Commission agreed to apply for the grant. The Fast Track Grant allows the Utility <br />Commission to apply for up to $7,000 to cover the cost of the consultant. The grant does not <br />require matching funds. <br />The HPC is aware of a few consultants who can do this work. Staff recommends utilizing the <br />HPC to research and contact potential consultants to complete the nomination form. Staff will <br />complete the grant application as directed by ERMU. <br />Once the water tower is listed on the National Register, there are additional grant funds available <br />through the Legacy Grant and the Minnesota Historical Society (some which may require <br />matching funds) to cover the costs to restore the water tower. <br />Attachments <br />^ MN Architectural History Inventory Form <br />^ National Register of Historic Places FAQ <br />^ Page 2 of draft November 17, 2009, Utility Commission meeting minutes <br />