01-15-2009 HPC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

A question of whether the Pub is a second generation building was brought up. Commissioner Kragness stated he will check the Sanborn maps (early insurance maps which show building footprints and materials). A question regarding whether additions to historic buildings affect their designation was also asked. Discussion followed regarding design issues, structure integrity, etc. A comment was made that any changes should be consistent with downtown standards. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER KRAGNESS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ROHLF TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE STANDARD CONDITION BE PLACED UPON THE PROPOSAL AS WELL AS A RECOMMENDATION THAT DESIGN STANDARDS BE FOLLOWED FOR THIS PROPOSAL. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. 7) Historic Water Tower Discussion Environmental Administrator Haug stated that the HPC still has the extension to try to save the water tower. One problem is that many grants require a cash match, for which the City has none available. It's hoped the Utilities Commission will postpone their final decision regarding the tower. Environmental Administrator Haug stated that Vance (interim director of Elk River Municipal Utilities [ERMU]) is looking for actual costs for maintenance. Two questions regarding this situation were posed: 1) What is the on-going maintenance cost? And 2) Does this maintenance really have to be done every five years? Commissioner Rohlf questioned whether the Rotary Club had been approached. Community Development Director Gongoll stated that Rotary has financial issues and thinks the tower would need further discussion. Discussion of what other cities have done to save their towers followed. Some cities have secured grants and there have been others with groups which have done fundraising. Costs vary based upon type of tower, shape, etc. The potential for placing a cell phone tower upon the water tower was briefly discussed. Environmental Technician Blake-Bradley mentioned the Clean Water Amendment which has a portion of the funds to be allocated to the Arts and Historic and cultural preservation and questioned whether that would be a potential source of grant funds. Discussion followed regarding the amount of funds available, who has the authority to decide where the funds go, and who can `apply' for the funds. Commissioner Kragness has attended a meeting regarding the funds and stated that he felt Historic Preservation Commissions will have as good a chance as Historical Centers for receiving some funds, but the Legislature makes the final decision for allocation. No one knows how political this will get. The earliest there may be some funds available for allocation may be 2010. A comment was made that if the HPC moves ahead with saving the tower by raising the maintenance funds and if the maintenance needs to be an on-going situation, the public • must be made aware of this from the very beginning. Commissioner Rohlf stated that was