03-19-2009 HPC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Commissioner Mortensen requested names and numbers of elderly people with historic knowledge so that she can interview them (if possible}. 7) Book Proposals Update Commissioner Mortensen brought a rough draft of the book for review by the commission. She chose to leave out the pre-history and is beginning with the oxcart trail forward. She felt it will make more sense this way. However, she will mention the pre- history information in the forward. So far, she has 24 pages of research. Currently, Commissioner Mortensen is compiling information on the Nickerson, Houlton, and Babcock papers. She stated that the Civil War piece will be bigger than originally expected. The second, fourth, and eighth regiments were all part of the history of Elk River whether men were enlisting from the area or coming to settle here following the war. Commissioner Kragness felt it is important to acknowledge the Native American history and suggested a paragraph from the History Center. Commissioner Rohlf agreed. Commissioner Mortensen is hoping to send in the completed product at the end of April. She has already sent in the initial information (last week). She expressed some surprise that she needed so many photos and has extended the timeline to 1920. • There will be 9 -10 chapters. Commissioner Mortensen stated that every time she thinks she is done, she finds more information. So far she has done all the research by herself. She was thanked for all her hard work by the Commission. 8) Historic Water Tower Discussion Environmental Administrator Haug handed out a Water Tower Plan and discussed the timeline and fund raising ideas. The Star News is interested in writing an article on the water tower. If grants are solicited, there must be a match (so fund-raising would be necessary). Commissioner Mortensen questioned whether funds from the sale of the books could be used. She added that books could be sold at functions like the concert series. One issue with this idea is that the City cannot make money on the books. Commissioner Kragness could potentially be the fiscal agent. A suggestion was made to have a fund at the Bank for Saving the Tower. The Library could possibly make a display. A question was raised as to whether we should wait until we know whether the tower is structurally sound before having an article written or a fund set up. It will cost approximately $128,000 to paint the tower (due to the lead based paint which must be mitigated first). The maximum "life expectancy" of the new paint would be 20 years, minimum of 15 years before it would have to be done again. A question would have to be asked of "what's the next cost?" associated with saving the tower. •