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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Preservation - 09/21/2015APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 6:30 P.M., RILEY LAKE PARK PAVILION 9180 Riley Lake 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 GUESTS: Mike Wilson, Flying Cloud Airport Manager Gary Schmidt, Metropolitan Airports Commission Ann Higgins, Eden Prairie Historical Society Karla Wennerstrom, Eden Prairie News I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Chair Olson called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. Muehlberg, Vogel, and Student Representative Higgins were absent. Introductions took place. II. WELCOME STUDENTS Olson welcomed the returning student commissioners. III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Cofer Evert added Item VIII. E. BYERLY’S UPDATE and Kalar added Item VIII. F. NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT 50th ANNIVERSARY to the agenda. MOTION: Freiberg moved, seconded by Cofer Evert, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 6-0. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Spera moved, seconded by Kalar, to approve the August 17, 2015 minutes. Motion carried 6-0. Commissioners convened near the new Riley Lake Park kiosk for a photo and brief question/answer period for the local newspaper. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES September 21, 2015 Page 2 V. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF A. GUEST SPEAKER – Mike Wilson, Flying Cloud Airport Manager 1. Scenic Overlook Site Kalar introduced Wilson and Schmidt and explained they were invited tonight to discuss options for preserving the Overlook site which falls partly in the Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) of Flying Cloud Airport. The Metropolitan Airports Commissions (MAC) purchased the site from the State of Minnesota in the 1970s. Since then, MAC has not maintained it and has closed off access to it. The area tends to draw partiers which causes a mess and liability issues. Kalar asked if they have an easement through the Bureau of Land Management. Wilson said they have a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to promote the growth of native prairie grasses and plants in the area. While they also do not maintain the Overlook, they do conduct regular controlled burns to maintain vegetation. Kalar asked if relocating the Overlook to the Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area was a viable option. Creamer said in August of 2013 the HPC and Parks and Recreation Commission conducted a joint meeting at a potential site near the current overlook in the vicinity of the tunnel. The concept included erecting a panel or map to reference the historic Overlook. The proposal was to build out from the nearby tunnel perhaps using some of the Overlook materials. It is still in the discussion phase. Shakopee and Bloomington both have trails in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife area, while Eden Prairie is the missing link for the trail connection. Schmidt noted the wall is crumbling. It may be possible to preserve portions of it but he is not convinced it can be moved in its entirety. They are not able to close the runway for an extended period of time, but they might be able to work out closing it temporarily so pieces of it can be moved. Cofer Evert asked if the protected area extends all the way to the culvert near C.H. Robinson or if there is space between the protected area and the culvert. Wilson said the culvert is clear of the RPZ. Olson asked if it would be possible to move the Overlook slightly to the east between its current location and the culvert. Wilson said there are access and parking concerns. Schmidt added it would be difficult from a maintenance standpoint due to access issues and parties. Freiberg asked about the possibility of having the City agree to take care of maintenance in that scenario. Schmidt said it would be required because they cannot maintain property off the airport not for aviation use. All their revenue must be used for aviation purposes. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES September 21, 2015 Page 3 Cofer Evert asked if MAC would entertain the idea of selling property around the RPZ. Schmidt said BFI owns the land adjacent to the RPZ and they have their own challenges. There is very little room in between. Such a transaction would need federal approval, and federal funds used to help purchase the property would have to be returned. Wilson said they wouldn’t release property running right up to the RPZ because of the potential for a future shift in the runway. Cofer Evert asked if the same amount of protected area existed on the other side of the RPZ. Wilson said the soccer fields are far enough off center to be out of the RPZ. There is a substantial amount of space between the two. Schmidt noted the runways are set back a ways to allow for the required safety areas. Cofer Evert asked the visitors if they had any other suggestions. Schmidt said the problem with restoring it on site is nobody would get to see it, but he didn’t see any reason for them to oppose moving it. It depends on the amount of time it would require. Olson mentioned the mature trees to the east. Schmidt said they try not to cut any trees they don’t have to. Kalar suggested the HPC develop some proposals for Wilson and Schmidt to respond to at a later date. 2. Historic Hangars Olson explained there are records at the Minnesota Preservation Office (MPO), formerly the State Historic Preservation Office, proposing not only historic hangars but also an entire historic district at Flying Cloud Airport. The Commission hasn’t seen the report or proposal but has an interest in it. Schmidt said he doesn’t recall or think this was followed through on. Wilson asked what criteria deem the hangars historic. Olson said the HPC doesn’t have an agenda but just wants to look at them to have a good understanding of resources in Eden Prairie. Schmidt said out of 74 hangars in the north area, 26 to 28 are new in the last seven years or so. Some old hangars have already been removed. The really old ones are T hangars and are still being used, but HPC members are welcome to come look at them. He doesn’t think they will be of interest to the Commission. Typical of airports all over the country, they have swing roofs, dirt floors, and some have sliding doors. Individuals own them and just lease the land. Construction of new hangars is per City code. Wilson showed an image of the hangars in the north area. Thorp asked about particular numbered hangars of historic interest. Wilson said 6 and 8 have been torn down, but 7 and 13 remain. Freiberg asked the age of the hangars. Schmidt said they are 1950s era. Cofer Evert said the HPC could provide them with a list so they know which ones Commissioners want to see, document, and photograph. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES September 21, 2015 Page 4 Schmidt said it may not be possible to view the interiors since they are independently-owned. It depends on if the doors are left open. Olson said he is curious if there are remnants of George Bush’s aviation days at Flying Cloud. Schmidt said he was not aware of any. Wilson said his hesitancy stems from the aesthetics ordinance. Wavy roofs, sagging doors, rust, and holes need to be fixed in order to meet the ordinance. It is sometimes cheaper to build new than make repairs. Schmidt said he doesn’t think the structures are worth refurbishing, but now is the time to document them. Wilson said owners are not inclined to give access to the MAC for tours. Schmidt said trees were planted in the late 1990s/early 2000s to improve the visual landscape of the airport. They have been trying to get owners to make improvements to their hangars so the area doesn’t resemble a slum. Cofer Evert asked if MAC owned any of the older hangars. Wilson said no, but they sometimes inadvertently take possession when they are defaulted on. Schmidt said as part of their capital improvements for next year, they are wanting to put in a viewing area near fields. It will require cooperation from the City because access will be needed where the athletic fields are. Thorp said there are three plans for a proposed park on state-owned property in the area across from Charleston Road. The park would be for pedestrians and bicyclists only. One of the plans included a feature mimicking the shape of the Overlook wall and would be a nice scenic overlook tied to the trail system. Rock could be harvested from the historic Overlook to make it happen and not much would be needed. Cofer Evert said just reclaiming the monument would be sufficient. Kalar agreed and said we should check if the plaque is in city storage. Cofer Evert suggested recreating the plaque or getting a new plaque to tell the story of the Overlook. Olson requested the HPC get copies of the three proposed layouts for its next meeting. Kalar recommending getting estimates on the cost to move the stones. Olson said it could be an ancillary addition to the proposed project. Creamer said she will touch base with Jay Lotthammer about Park and Rec’s plans for 2016-17. Thorp said this might even be doable with volunteers. Discussion followed about possible times to look at the historic hangars. A tentative time of 6:00 p.m. prior to the next HPC meeting was settled upon. VI. OLD BUSINESS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES September 21, 2015 Page 5 A. GLEN LAKE CHILDREN’S CAMP (GLCC) COA – PLAY STRUCTURE Creamer announced construction of a proposed play structure at GLCC was approved by a Council vote of four to one on September 15. Equipment has been ordered. B. INVENTORY LIST STATUS UPDATE 1. Street Photos of Inventory Properties Creamer, Cofer Evert, and Kalar all reported having taken pictures of properties listed on the inventory. Freiberg said he has not completed his portion of the list yet. Thorp asked for photos to be sent to him with their corresponding inventory numbers and he will compile and track them. Olson suggested the HPC revisit this next month. C. DORENKEMPER (DK) SITE NOMINATION UDPATE Creamer said any additional comments from Commissioners on the final version of the Dorenkemper nomination paperwork should be forwarded to her. She has also sent it to MPO which has 60 days to respond. The next step is to schedule a public hearing for next month’s HPC meeting and another for the November 17 Council meeting. Thorp commented it appeared the legal description issue had been resolved. Creamer said it was determined separate legal descriptions for DK and the Riley Jacques Farmstead were irrelevant for the City’s purposes. A decision was made to describe the whole parcel. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. GLEN LAKE CHILDREN’S CAMP PLAN REVIEW Creamer said she received initial documentation from Randy Boser of True Friends for additional construction at GLCC. The proposal involves taking out just the Boulay House although it was noted commissioners previously expressed concern about potential impact to a nearby contributing garage. She will forward the proposal to the Commissioners and compile their comments for discussion at the next meeting. B. 2016 WORK PLAN Creamer asked commissioners to start thinking about projects and topics for the 2016 work plan. Ideas should be forwarded to her and she will put together a rough draft for discussion at the next meeting. Cofer Evert asked if phase three of the Riley Lake panels would be on the work plan. Creamer said she is working on a grant for part of it right now, but phase three is a three-grant process. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES September 21, 2015 Page 6 Kalar said she wants an event to commemorate the National Historic Preservation Act’s 50th anniversary on the work plan. 2016 is also the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service Organic Act. Creamer said the Lookout, completion of the interpretive plan at Riley Lake, and inventory work will carry over to 2016. Cofer Evert requested revisiting nominations for national or local designations to be included on the work plan. VIII. FYI ITEMS A. DORENKEMPER HOUSE SHADES Cofer Evert said she contacted Kathie Case of EPHS for an update on shades at DK. Case indicated she was unaware she was to be working with Paul Sticha from Facilities on making arrangements and had not been contacted by him. Creamer said Case forwarded information about ordering shades to her and she forwarded it to Sticha. B. SMITH DOUGLAS MORE HOUSE (ROOF) –CAPITAL GRANT REVIEW Creamer reported she and Olson went to the capital grant review committee. Olson said they were awarded $25,000 towards the $48,000 SMD roof project. Review of the plans and specs will be required and someone needs to observe the contractor’s activities. There is money for engineering or architecture work built into the total budget. Creamer explained once the roof is opened up, any additional damage discovered needs to be documented. C. STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION CONFERENCE UPDATE Kalar said one of the key things she took away from the conference was people involved in historic preservation often say no. Instead people should work from a place of yes and work together to turn a no into a yes while mitigating issues. She found the historical designation plaques in Little Falls to be striking in appearance. They are similar to the national register plaques and are bronze and official-looking. The City pays for the plaques and installation so there is no cost to owners. She also learned about different events at historic properties. She told about how a pop-up art shop in Red Wing was used to get people to rent space and bring exposure to historic sites in the downtown area. She would like to see something like this customized to Eden Prairie. Creamer said DK might work for such an event. The Cummins Grill House and Goodrich Ramus Barn were also discussed as possible venues. Kalar said another idea is to have a coffee throw- down at Dunn Brothers at SMD where baristas would compete in latte art. The HPC could partner with EPHS in hosting such an event to bring exposure to Eden Prairie cultural heritage. Freiberg and Higgins said they would discuss it at an upcoming Historical Society meeting. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES September 21, 2015 Page 7 Freiberg said what he took away from the conference was HPCs need to be sensitive about sending the clear and concise message historic preservation is not just about saving buildings. It is about people and community and preserving the past for future generations. The hope is that taking care of history becomes more mainstream in the next ten years and comes into acceptance like the environmental movement. Creamer concurred the theme of people working together was prevalent at the conference. It is also important to understand not all people the HPC interacts with are well-versed in historic preservation. It is important to educate them so they have the information they need. Freiberg said the Commission did a good job taking a proactive approach with the playground project at GLCC and seeing how to make it work instead of being closed to the idea. D. OLD CITY STREET SIGNS – FUNDRAISER Creamer said she reached out to the St. Louis Park Historical Society about their street sign fundraiser and they sent her information on it. She also checked in with the Public Works department to find out more information regarding Eden Prairie’s current sign situation. There is no set schedule for removal of old signs. The Eden Prairie Community Foundation is willing to partner with the Commission and other possible volunteers. The Commission will need to discuss further how to handle details of the project. Cofer Evert said Public Works should have a master list of signs being replaced they can forward to the Commission. A determination also needs to be made on who would benefit from this fundraiser, the HPC or EPHS. Discussion followed on how best to handles sales, whether through a single event, online as a social media campaign, or in conjunction with the annual preservation award. E. BYERLYS UPDATE Cofer Evert said the new Byerlys opened last week and she has not yet been contacted about using historic pictures of Eden Prairie in the café/eating area. She recapped emails going back to May of 2014 and spoke with the manager about taking advantage of open wall space and the precedent of displaying historical photos at other Byerlys stores in the metro area. She is waiting to hear back. Thorp said the Richfield Byerlys has historic photos of Lunds and Byerlys stores on display. F. 50th ANNIVERSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT This item was addressed out of order under Item VII. B. 2016 Work Plan. IX. FUTURE MEETINGS/EVENTS The next HPC meeting will be Monday, October 19, 2015, 7 p.m. at City Center, Prairie Rooms A & B. Creamer will check into a possible meeting to view the historic hangars at Flying Cloud airport at 6 p.m. prior to the meeting. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES September 21, 2015 Page 8 X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Freiberg moved, seconded by Kalar, to adjourn. Motion carried 6-0. Chair Olson adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m.