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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Preservation - 11/16/2015APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2015 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER Prairie Rooms A & B 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSION MEMBERS: Steve Olson (Chair), Ed Muehlberg (Vice Chair), Cindy Cofer Evert, Pamela Spera, Mark Freiberg, Tara Kalar, Paul Thorp STAFF: Robert Vogel, Pathfinder CRM, LLC Lori Creamer, Staff Liaison Heidi Wojahn, Recording Secretary STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Zeinab Hussen, Alexander Modeas, Natalie Higgins I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Chair Olson called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Vogel, Muehlberg, and Student Representative Higgins were absent. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Creamer added Items VII. C. and VIII. B., Cofer Evert added Items VI. E. and IX. B., and Olson added Item IX. C. to the agenda. MOTION: Cofer Evert moved, seconded by Spera, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Thorp stated the event he was referring to in the fourth paragraph of Item VI. C. was the Battle of Shakopee and requested the minutes be changed to reflect this. MOTION: Thorp moved, seconded by Kalar, to approve the October 19, 2015 minutes as amended. Motion carried 6-0. IV. HISTORIC OVERLOOK SITE DISCUSSION WITH JAY LOTTHAMMER, PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR Lotthammer thanked the HPC for the involved nature of its members and the Commission’s accomplishments. Lotthammer distributed renderings for Lookout Park, and said it was named as such so as not to be confused with the historic Overlook site nearby. Fifteen years ago, a nature trail HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES November 16, 2015 Page 2 was proposed in the area of the pass-through at the end of Charlson Road because it was viewed as a gateway to Fish and Wildlife (FW) property. Previous conversations were met with resistance by FW because the prairie was considered too significant and in too pristine of condition for a public pathway. Changes in staff and the realization it is better to have people in the landscape instead of just looking at it have brought about a shift in the thought process. The quality of the prairie is also not as high as originally believed. Now there is potential funding for a new overlook with the possibility of a path leading from it to the prairie. Trail connections have been made along the river in Bloomington and Shakopee, and Eden Prairie is the missing link. The City owns the right of way and could do the project on its own, but staff prefers to work with FW on funding, completing the trail connections, and interpretation. The area offers spectacular views of the river valley as well as good viewing of historical sites and the old Overlook site. Staff has taken photos of the historic Overlook. Its location under the north/south runway of Flying Cloud Airport makes resurrection of the site for public use unlikely. It is possible, however, to respect the site as it stands and reinterpret it in a new location using materials from the former site in the construction of a new overlook while allowing access to the river area and a lookout. Interpretation could be done in the form of sign panels and photos showing what is across the river, historic sites, and the current overlook. Ultimately the goal is to work with FW, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The City has a contract with a historic preservation consultant to help navigate through the process, and capital improvement funds have been set aside for the type of facility shown in the renderings. A meeting with SHPO is in order to gather feedback on whether it is feasible to use materials from the current overlook in the construction of a new lookout. Once done, a better sense of direction will develop and designs can be further refined. SHPO and FW are being considered as possible funding sources and the bulk of the work engaging those organizations will take place early next year. Biking and walking are increasing in popularity. Upping usage in the area will likely reduce vandalism as well. Kalar said concepts 1 and 3 don’t follow the pattern of the historic overlook. The circular pattern of concept 2 more closely aligns with that of the current structure which would be important in terms of pursuing grants for historical projects. She noted the absence of the plaque from the wall at the current site. Kalar inquired about the 1820s oxcart trail path. Thorp said it follows the alignment of River View Road, and it would be neat to recreate it. Kalar stated she wants the HPC to be involved in the process of creating the kiosk and its content. She is also happy to continue working to establish good connections with MAC. The HPC has gotten positive feedback from them on moving portions of the monument. Lotthammer said we need to check what SHPO’s stance is on removing material from the site. Olson asked Lotthammer to address parking at the proposed site. The old overlook had parking on-site and it appears the new one will require people to park elsewhere and walk to the lookout. Lotthammer said rather than recreating the old site, the plan is to memorialize and interpret what was there while acknowledging it will never exist again. Because of lack of use and size, it is not feasible to put money into restoration of the current site. The Overlook is to the left of where the trail goes under the road and comes out by the traffic light at Charlson. The trail, with a little bit of a switchback, would head down to where River View Road comes through. Cofer Evert said she expects this will HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES November 16, 2015 Page 3 become a popular spot in terms of attracting people and asked if there were plans to add parking. Lotthammer, said he didn’t think so. On-street parking is available at Charlson. Cofer Evert stated she likes concepts 2 and 3 better than 1, but concurred with Kalar’s vote of concept 2 as the best choice in terms of how it echoes the current structure and how the expanse of it allows groups of people to enjoy different angles of the view simultaneously. Lotthammer said he envisions three panels: one covering wildlife interpretation and the significance of the river valley, another containing a three- dimensional photo with numbers pointing to historical sites, and a third referencing the historic overlook accompanied by photos. He expects the project will move forward. Wall blocks can be mimicked with a similar-looking material if the originals cannot be used. Creamer said she would like to be present when Lotthammer meets with SHPO. Thorp said he would like access to Indian Road addressed during talks with FW. The road has been closed. The Oxcart Trail, the road cut to the old ferry, and the warehouse site are also on the HPC’s radar and it would be good for staff to know they are on City property, as well. Creamer noted this is a possible survey site. Thorp stated there are existing foundation remnants on-site. Lotthammer confirmed the land is not slated for anything in particular, just nature trails. Cofer Evert inquired if any Native American communication would be required or if any mounds could be in the area. Thorp said it is possible but unlikely as the sites are mostly in the river bottom area. V. REPORTS OF STUDENTS A. OLD CITY STREET SIGNS – FUNDRAISER IDEAS Modeas reported the student representatives have had a difficult time coordinating schedules. They have not yet met to discuss fundraising logistics for the old city street signs but do plan to have something to report at the December HPC meeting. VI. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF A. COUNCIL MEETING, NOVEMBER 17, 2015 – DORENKEMPER SITE DESIGNATION PUBLIC HEARING Creamer reported Kalar will be presenting a brief Power Point to City Council at its 7 p.m. meeting tomorrow evening for the Dorenkemper Site Designation Public Hearing. Commissioners are encouraged to attend. B. COUNCIL WORKSHOP – JANUARY 19, 2016 Creamer reported she is working on a slide show Olson will present on the 2015 and 2016 work plans at the January 19, 2016 Council Workshop. Dinner will be served in the Heritage Room beginning at 5 p.m. Presentations will wrap up by 6:30 p.m. Commissioners are invited to attend. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES November 16, 2015 Page 4 C. JANUARY AND FEBRUARY HPC MEETING DATES Upon discussion, the January and February 2016 HPC meeting dates were changed to January 11 and February 22 respectively due to Martin Luther King, Jr. and Presidents’ Day holidays. D. CAMP EDENWOOD PLAYGROUND Creamer circulated pictures of the new playground recently installed at Camp Edenwood. Lotthammer reported C.H. Robinson withdrew its labor support for the equipment assembly but still provided financial assistance. Additional funds were provided via a Hennepin Youth Sports Grant. City staff from the Parks Department and maintenance staff from True Friends assembled the structure with oversight from a manufacturer representative. True Friends is happy with the result. E. CITY CENTER HISTORICAL PHOTO DISPLAY UPDATE Cofer Evert said feedback from the grant review process indicated a need to submit specific images with the final application. She is working with Kathie Case from the Eden Prairie Historical Society (EPHS) to obtain high resolution images. Cofer Evert, Case, and Creamer are meeting next week to collaborate before the grant deadline. EPHS will be providing input on a couple different themes to consider and related images to fit each strategy. Creamer explained the Legacy grant for this project was written in the way of presenting an idea or concept. Specifics were requested so the grant committee can provide commentary on the themes, photos, and writing. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. INVENTORY LIST STATUS UPDATE, STREET PHOTOS OF INVENTORY PROPERTIES - Thorp Thorp explained he assigned each inventory property with a number of 1, 2, or 3. Properties rated a 1 are either already designated or are have been identified by the HPC as a high priority such as the Consolidated School or the Overlook site. Those rated a 2 should remain on the list and require more research. The 3s are gone or are of little value. The Commission should get files from SHPO for properties rated a 2 and reevaluate them to see if the reasons prompting their initial identification still exist. Cofer Evert asked for a breakdown of the numbers. Thorp replied most properties fall in the 3 category. Olson inquired about the hangars at Flying Cloud Airport. Thorp said he left the hangars and camp unrated. The Commissioners thanked Thorp for all his work on the inventory. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES November 16, 2015 Page 5 B. 2016 WORK PLAN Creamer distributed a draft of the 2016 work plan which she explained incorporated suggestions from last month’s meeting. Cofer Evert suggested adding “City Center historic photo project” to first quarter in addition to second quarter. Olson said if the HPC pursues a CLG grant to help with Town of Hennepin research which should happen earlier than 3rd quarter. Creamer said she was not able to pinpoint a specific date for the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act but she did locate a list online of suggestions for commemorating the event. Olson asked if Riley Jacques Farmstead (RJF) was still being pursued as a location for community gardens. Lotthammer said there was a desire for community/church gardens in the area of Duck Lake Trail in the northern part of the city. Gardens have been started there, and there is room for growth. If the Pioneer Trail gardens are someday no longer able to remain on the MAC property, the City may need to look for an alternative site to replace those. The gardens continue there on a year-to-year basis, and RJF is not being considered at this time. The work plan will be finalized at next month’s HPC meeting. Commissioners are encouraged to provide additional ideas or revisions by December 10. Creamer said she will add grant deadlines to the work plan. Olson said based on feedback, it might be easier to get a grant for an archaeology project. The process for obtaining one should start at the end of first quarter or beginning of second quarter. C. LAKE RILEY TOURISM INTERPRETIVE SIGN Creamer stated she will forward the email she received from Bluestem Heritage Group (BHG) about the Lake Riley Tourism interpretive sign which is being funded via an Eden Prairie Community Foundation grant. BHG would like feedback on the direction of the content and HPC members to be part of a subcommittee for the project. Cofer Evert and Spera volunteered to serve. VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. CAMP EDENWOOD RESPITE CENTER - Creamer Creamer said the plans for the new respite center at Camp Edenwood were sent to SHPO, the Railroad, City staff planning, and 9-mile creek watershed district for review. Olson indicated the building was substantially bigger than the one proposed in the 2008 master plan. Creamer stated if she receives comments in time, she will have them accompany the planning and engineering comments - otherwise they will be sent separately. Cofer Evert asked if the plan indicates the HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES November 16, 2015 Page 6 building to come down. Creamer clarified the distinction between the current and proposed layouts. Olson pointed out the Master Plan document blueprints showed a 1900 square foot building and the current plans show it at 3100 square feet making the proposed building one and one-half times bigger than its original size. Olson read excerpts from the Best Management Practices (BMP) section on construction of new facilities. He voiced his concerns about massing and interference with existing public views of heritage resources. He would like to see feedback on the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application explaining how the design considered the elements outlined in a letter from the HPC in June. He doesn’t expect there will be zero impact, but it seems True Friends has not respected the master plan or BMP. The proposed building increased in size by 60 percent, yet the facility is gaining only two beds and that raises questions. Cofer Evert asked if it would block the view of the historical dining hall. Creamer explained the sketch doesn’t show context with the other buildings. Olson said it appears as though it would dwarf the dining hall. Thorp further clarified it would be from mass, not height. Olson said seeing it in context with the adjacent buildings is important. Thorp said it would not be difficult to shift the building to the east some so it is not any closer to the historic garage than the existing building and separation between the two structures is maintained. Spera said it would be helpful to know the advantage of increasing the building size. Creamer said because it is new construction, she will get a COA and updated plans. Cofer Evert said she doesn’t necessarily mind a bigger structure but is more concerned whether the design is complementary and whether the L extension of the building causes any obstructed views. Thorp said it is still one story. Creamer stated she will send Randy Boser of True Friends a COA to complete and request photos to see the proposed building in context with the other buildings. Freiberg agreed there may be a way to make it work if it is moved a little. B. SMITH DOUGLAS MORE KITCHEN UPGRADE Creamer stated the kitchen at the Smith Douglas More House (SMD) needs interior upgrades to meet the standards of a Dunn Brothers food line. The upgrades consist of the addition of ovens, a prep sink, fridges, and plumbing work. The upgrades would be in the part of the house added on for Dunn Brothers and would not be visible to the public. It would be in the back in the kitchen area. Kalar said she didn’t see any reason for the HPC to object. IX. FYI ITEMS A. DORENKEMPER HOUSE (DK) SHADES Freiberg stated he is unsure if the DK shades have been installed. Creamer said she learned from a recent meeting with city facilities staff that Kathie Case has selected the shades, but she is not aware if the order has been placed yet. She will follow up and report back in December. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES November 16, 2015 Page 7 B. GREEN ACRES AWARD Cofer Evert reported Green Acres recently announced winning The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” Award for 2015. This is an elite award and top honor in the wedding industry. C. POLLINATOR PROTECTOR MEETING Olson reported he had a meeting last week at the request of a couple individuals interested in a pollinator protection resolution or ordinance stating the City will not use herbicides with Roundup and similar products. They would like to address the HPC in January whether there is an overlap with the historic properties in Eden Prairie. Kalar asked if they also planned to meet with Parks. Creamer replied one of the individuals is a Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources commissioner and has been in contact with City parks staff about it. Olson said according to a recent City Manager’s report, the mayor has already been approached and there have been talks at the City about moving forward with a resolution or ordinance. Perhaps they are not aware this is already in the works, but their thought is historically the prairies have not been maintained with herbicides so perhaps there is overlap between historic resources and non-herbicide practices for gardening/prairies. Creamer pointed out many of the historic properties are located in parks and are currently maintained by the Parks Department. Kalar said if this is a historic issue, an ordinance is needed. The City has the ability to influence pollinator preservation by not using city resources to purchase materials, but it is more appropriate for City staff to handle this in the form of a city-wide policy. She has encountered something similar through her line of work requiring the State Bar Association not to use conflict-free minerals in procurements. Similarly parks might need to use an alternate list of products, but the HPC doesn’t have the qualifications to support such a program. Creamer agreed. Olson said if the ordinance goes through he believes their agenda will largely have been satisfied, but he is willing to hear them out. There are historic prairies and landscape plans so there is a connection. X. FUTURE MEETINGS/EVENTS The next HPC meeting will be Monday, December 21, 2015, 7 p.m. at City Center, Prairie Rooms A & B. XI. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Thorp moved, seconded by Cofer Evert, to adjourn. Motion carried 6-0. Chair Olson adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p.m.