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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Preservation - 06/15/1998Minutes Heritage Preservation Commission June 15, 1998 APPROVED MINUTES HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION Monday, June 15, 1998 7:30 p.m., City Center Prairie Room A/B 8080 Mitchell Road Commission Members: Timothy Colliton, Chairperson, Deborah Barkley, Kathie Case, Jane Hession, Jan Mosman, Lori Peterson-Benike, and James Wilson Student Representatives: Jenny Freemyer, and Kristin Kelly Staff: John Gertz, Historic Preservation Specialist, and Rebecca Belz, Recording Secretary I. ROLL CALL Chair Colliton called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Deborah Barkley and Jane Hession were absent. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Kathie Case moved, seconded by James Wilson, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. III. APPROVAL OF MAY 18, 1998 MINUTES The following corrections were requested of the May 18, 1998 Minutes: > To correct the spelling of the word Prairie in the title of section IV on page 2. > To correct the spelling of Hamline University in the third paragraph under section IV on page 2. > It was noted that the motion on page 4 regarding the recommendation to proceed with the Glen Lake Children’s Camp plans was an illegal motion since Kristin Kelly is not a voting member of the Commission. This will be revisited under the discussion item during this meeting. > To change the word “efficiency” to “evidence” in the second sentence under letter E. of Old Business on page 5. > To correct the spelling of the word “Evidently” in the last sentence of letter C. under New Business on page 6. Minutes Heritage Preservation Commission June 15, 1998 James Wilson moved, seconded by Lori Peterson-Benike, to approve the minutes of the May 18, 1998 meeting of the Heritage Preservation Commission as amended. Motion carried unanimously. IV. REPORTS OF THE EDEN PRAIRIE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Commissioner Case reported that the Eden Prairie Historical Society attended the June 8, 1998 School Board meeting to discuss their concern regarding the Consolidated School’s plans to convert the gymnasium into office space. Several past graduates of the Consolidated School were present to also discuss their disappointment in destroying what has been such a large part of the school’s heritage. Commissioner Case reported that the School Board did not take any action but seemed open to renovation ideas. The Commission brainstormed several fund raising ideas as well as how community awareness could be heightened on this and many other topics. It was also reported that Mr. Gertz and Chair Colliton would be meeting with Dr. Gaslin next week to discuss how to proceed. Then fund raising schemes will be further identified and the possibility of hosting a booth for the July 4th celebration will be investigated. The Commission also identified that a designation is currently being worked on for the Consolidated School, which could further assist in preserving the site. V. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF A. Update on the Historic Preservation Element: Mr. Gertz reported that the revisions for the Historic Preservation Element of the City’s Guide Plan are well underway. He reported that the element will be greatly simplified and will also include archaeological information, illustrations/graphs, and sites eligible for designation. Drafts should be available for review in July and will be mailed to the Commission under separate cover. B. Riley-Jacques Granary Shingle Repairs: Mr. Gertz reported that several shingles from the granary fell or blew off and some were cracked due to poor spacing. Mr. Diethelm was contacted for the repairs and the work was complete June 2, 1998. C. CLG Grants: Mr. Gertz reported that the Minnesota Historical Society notified the City of its approval of the Fiscal Year 1998 grant request of $4,000. He reported that the current grant project drafts are close to complete and due for review by the city June 15, 1998. From the City office, they are due to the SHPO by July 15, 1998 where they have 60 days to comment. Minutes Heritage Preservation Commission June 15, 1998 Mr. Gertz also reported that he spoke with Pat Nunnally regarding National Register nominated for the School. Mr. Nunnally was not sure whether it would be eligible, but suggested to proceed with an application. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Settler’s Ridge: Mr. Gertz reported that this property has become a very complex issue that now includes the involvement of several government agencies. He will be meeting with Jim Jones from Minnesota Indian Affairs; Dan Herbst, the Developer; John Anfinson from the Corps of Engineers; a representative from the State Historic Preservations Office; and Mark Dudzik, State Archaeologist Wednesday to discuss the property further. Mr. Gertz explained for the Commission that though 20 Indian burial mounds had been reported on the property, only mounds 12 and 14 possess potential cultural features. Further excavation will be done on these and have now been properly roped off for testing. The habitation site north of the mounds has been found to be significant and plans are to excavate it for data analysis. Mr. Gertz will report back. B. Fredrick-Miller Spring: Mr. Gertz reported that the drawings for the new spring would be complete soon. He distributed a brochure with pictures demonstrating how the new concrete tank will look using a simulated wood cast. C. Glen Lake Children’s Camp: Mr. Gertz reported that Friendship Ventures was unsuccessful in obtaining property as a gift from the railroad. Since this was denied, Friendship Ventures has submitted an alternate plan, which has also been forwarded to SHPO for comment. Mr. Gertz also recapped some of the changes discussed at the last meeting such as the hip style roof, changes to the concession stand, etc. Mr. Gertz also reported that he is working on a National Registration for the property but wants to time it appropriately to avoid any unnecessary obstacles. There was also discussion regarding the motion made at the last meeting to support Mr. Gertz’s recommendation to proceed with the plans. It was identified that the motion Minutes Heritage Preservation Commission June 15, 1998 was not legal since Kristin Kelly is not a voting member of the Commission and a new motion was made including information discussed at this meeting. Lori Peterson-Benike moved, seconded by James Wilson, to go forward with the alternate plans presented June 15, 1998 for the Glen Lake Children’s Camp and to support the plan submitted by Friendship Ventures including John Gertz’s comments as discussed at the May 18, 1998 meeting with the SHPO office. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Programs: 1. Eden Prairie Garden Club Flower Sale: Commissioner Mosman reported that the Cummins-Grill House was opened for the Garden Club participants and noted that the house is in nice condition. She reported that the participants worked extensively on the peony garden and added that there is much more work to be done. She reported that there are huge numbers of plants but many will die if not properly taken care of. She requested Mr. Gertz to investigate several items for the garden including: * Purchasing a mower for the grounds and also supply a gas can. * Wood chips for around the peonies. * Peony cages for the plants. * A small amount of funds to plant blooming perennials for Sunbonnet days in September. In closing, Commissioner Mosman noted that the garden club would return to the property July 21 to continue work on the garden. B. Eden Prairie Magical History Tour II: Mr. Gertz reported that the first History Tour was so popular that it was decided to have another one this year. The History Tours will be July 21 and July 28. Sandy Werts, from the Parks and Recreation department is organizing the event. C. Sunbonnet Day: Mr. Gertz reported that the Commission would be somewhat involved in planning this event which is scheduled for September 20, 1998. D. Reconstruction/Rehabilitation Cost Estimates for the Riley-Jacques House and Smith-Douglas-More House: Minutes Heritage Preservation Commission June 15, 1998 Mr. Gertz reported that Bob Mack will visit the properties to put together an estimate for repairs. The estimates will be similar to the one prepared for the Glen Lake Children’s Camp and will help in the budgeting process. Mr. Mack’s fee will range from $600 to $800. The Commission was in favor of this idea and voted in support. Kathie Case moved, seconded by Jan Mosman, to support the recommendation of John Gertz to hire Bob Mack to prepare cost estimates for rehabilitation and reconstruction projects for the Riley Jacques and Smith- Douglas-More Houses. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Gertz also discussed with the Commission that Brian Middleton of City staff volunteered to do carpentry work at the Cummins-Grill House and would like the Commission to help. Mr. Gertz will contact members once the date has been set to see if they would be available to help. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Having no other business to come before the Commission, James Wilson moved, seconded by Kathie Case, to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.