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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Preservation - 06/17/2013 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MONDAY,JUNE 17, 2013 6:30 P.M., CUMMINS GRILL HOUSE 13600 Pioneer Trail COMMISSION MEMBERS: Ed Muehlberg (Chair), Cindy Cofer Evert (Vice Chair), Steve Olson, JoAnn McGuire, Pamela Spera, Mark Freiberg, Deb Paulson STAFF: John Gertz, Pathfinder CRM, LLC Lori Creamer, Staff Liaison Heidi Wojahn, Recording Secretary EDEN PRAIRIE HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Betsy Adams, Kathie Case, Jeanne DeSanctis, Ann Higgins, Chris Honaas-Wildfang, Tracy Hope, Valerie Ross GUESTS: Ian Peterson, PulteGroup Travis Wuttke, Eden Prairie resident I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Following a welcome by Eden Prairie Historical Society (EPHS) Chair Betsy Adams, Chair Muehlberg called the meeting to order at 6:42 p.m. Introductions took place. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Creamer added Item VII.D. ANNUAL SHPO CONFERENCE to the agenda. Muehlberg requested Item VI. REEDER RIDGE PROJECT be addressed prior to Item V. OLD BUSINESS. MOTION: Cofer Evert moved, seconded by Olson, to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried 7-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Freiberg moved, seconded by McGuire, to approve the May 20, 2013 minutes. Motion carried 4-0-3 with Paulson, Muehlberg, and Cofer Evert abstaining. IV. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF A. JOINT MEETING WITH EDEN PRAIRIE HISTORICAL SOCIETY HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 2013 Page 2 1. Update on Historic Sites Ross reported the Cummins Grill House (CGH) has undergone a number of renovations in recent years including installation of a fire suppression system, new and improved locks, and shades to preserve photos, furniture, antiques, and collectibles. The addition of a refrigerator/icebox has made the house adaptable for rentals. A variety of event rentals have occurred, and renters have been pleased with the house and improvements made to it. Adams noted rentals are one means of fulfilling the City's directive to have the house open to the public. Ross stated educational programming and community events (vintage sales, ghost walks,picnics, and garden parties)have also been held at the house. New this year is an old-fashioned Christmas. There will be pictures with Santa and sales of wooden toys and knitted scarves. Paulson asked if the site was open to schools for educational opportunities. Ross said schools and scout troops can tour the house by appointment. The site has been part of the 6th grade annual bike ride through the City's historic properties in past years. Adams stated EPHS is responsible for gathering and protecting the City's historic materials. Higgins reported EPHS received a grant to assist with learning how to assess and preserve artifacts in current and future collections. Historic homes often lack electricity or air conditioning which can be detrimental to perishable but valuable items. An outside organization is helping with a survey of materials and a report is expected by month end. Case said the consultant visited all the sites and gave individualized, helpful input. Cofer Evert asked for examples of concerns. Higgins said besides humidity levels and change of house temperatures, priorities are current storage of paint and paper materials and limited storage at the museum. In addition, a decision needs to be made about what to do with materials being stored in the Riley Jacques garage. They may be offered to other organizations, but EPHS needs to review the recommendations and consult with the historical society at the state level before proceeding. Creamer said this topic was covered at a grants workshop she attended last week. Legacy grants are available for the purpose of preservation. The small grant amount will be raised to $10,000 starting with the 2014 fiscal year. Adams said EPHS has been awarded a legacy grant. It will be applying for additional funding as this is a multi-year project. Adams said while there is nothing specific to report on the Dorenkemper House (DH), the next EPHS meeting will be held there on July 18 and will be preceded by housecleaning. The DH is open to visitors during City events at the Riley Jacques Barn, and EPHS takes care of the interior. The home is precious and EPHS would like to see it get used more. Muehlberg explained the HPC would also like to see more activity at the house. Part of the Commission's work plan next quarter is to focus on landscaping and signage. Gertz said he will be working on an interpretive plan over the summer. If HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 2013 Page 3 EPHS members are interested in being part of the process, they should contact Creamer. Adams said to let her know when it is a top agenda item for the HPC so an EPHS member can be in attendance when discussions take place. Based on needs, EPHS can tap into its mailing list to work on building a volunteer base for the DH. Cofer Evert said it is unfortunate budgets don't allow for more use of historic sites by schools. Adams clarified there is no charge for tours; the only cost is transporting students to the sites. Paulson said outside districts are bussing students to the Cahill School in Edina. It is important to connect Eden Prairie students with historic resources in their own community. Olson inquired if any EPHS projects require a Certificate of Appropriateness and if it has copies of Gertz's management plans. Adams said no; EPHS projects generally aren't involved at that level. Case explained EPHS has a lease agreement and five-year plan with the City for the Cummins Grill property only. They are caretakers of the museum, as well. Adams said EPHS furnished the DH, but it doesn't have the same relationship with that site as it does with the CGH. Case said 90 percent of the DH furniture is original. EPHS purchased it at auction and paid to have it restored after Gertz discovered its storage in a granary. Gertz said facilities manager Paul Sticha is impressed by how well the house has been done. It is a perfect restoration project and the only one owned by the City. Having a landscape and interpretive plan will provide the needed curriculum for school groups. Case suggested including the barn in the plan so bathrooms and water will be available for use. Adams noted there is ample on-site parking and reiterated EPHS' support of the project. Gertz said there needs to be discussion on what the interpretation will provide. It will be based on the interior and the era it represents. Ginny Dorenkemper is an ideal resource. Case said Dorenkemper frequently gives private tours. She has added some of her own things to the home and Case will be talking with her about the significance of keeping furnishings period-appropriate. Cofer Evert suggested Dorenkemper be on the list for the oral history project and her voice recorded for house tours. Adams said Dorenkemper and EPHS members will be telling stories at the house on September 28 when the City hosts its heritage celebration. Gertz would like to see a"Friends of the Dorenkemper House" group formed. Case suggested that be a future newsletter item; there used to be such a group for the CGH. Adams said when more information is available, it will be advertised multiple places including EPHS' website, www.edenprairiehistory.org. Case announced she and DeSanctis are organizing a Calico Ball at Green Acres Barn to be held September 22, 4-7 pm. Attendees must be EPHS members, and annual family membership is $20. Parking will be at Grace Church with trolley transportation to the barn. A live band will provide music for an old-fashioned barn dance. Picnic baskets filled with goodies will be available for sale, and the Lions Club will serve beer and wine. A photographer will be taking pictures of HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 2013 Page 4 the historic sites to have available for viewing, and old photos will be on display as well. The"barn meets bling" theme allows for casual or extravagant decor and dress code. The purpose of the event is to celebrate the history and sites EPHS has saved. Steve Schussler is donating the barn rental and Southwest Metro is providing bus and trolley transportation at no cost for the event. Adams said this event is a gift for EPHS members and thanked Case and DeSanctis for planning it. Gertz said he met with Sticha last week to do a walkover of historic sites and note maintenance needs. Landscaping at the CGH is not yet complete. The building looks good on the exterior but some grade work needs to be done by the ice house. Gutters tend to get removed for mowing and oftentimes don't get put back which presents erosion problems. As a result, the grade needs to be raised so the water drains properly. This will be addressed in a memo to Parks maintenance. There is cracking on the masonry, as well. It is not urgent but will be monitored. The peony garden appears to have shrunk by at least two rows. Gertz will confirm this with the original plant inventory. Gertz said the outbuilding in back of the CGH has been wrapped and is holding in moisture. It will be demolished unless somebody can think of a worthwhile use to justify the cost of saving it. A letter will be sent to EPHS, the Parks department, and the HPC soliciting ideas. It appears the building has been moved from its original site and was most recently used for storage. One possible use is storage of landscape or ball field equipment. Sticha will obtain estimates from contractors on foundation work and redoing the exterior. Freiberg asked what its original use was. Gertz said possibly a granary. Case said she will email Dick Grill to inquire. Ross asked about the landscaping timeline. Gertz said the plan is complete, but the work is long overdue. He is not sure when it will happen,but it includes burning long weeds, mowing trails, and planting wild prairies grasses and orchard trees. Case mentioned the asparagus represents the Phipps family. Gertz reported the Riley Jacques barn will be repainted this year. Some shingles have blown off,but it is not essential to reroof now. Some landscape erosion needs attention. Pest control will be brought in to address a significant bat problem at the house. Vine growth will be removed, and window painting and other exterior maintenance issues will be addressed. The granary and garage are in good shape. Much of the problem vegetation along the north side has been removed. The DH has gutter issues, and the grade needs to be raised. Higgins noted there is bulging paint near the front door and on the back side of the DH which seems to be an ongoing problem. Gertz said it has already been noted and will be touched up; it is due to a lack of venting. Storm windows and doors were shown in historic photos of the house. The addition of those should help. Gertz stated better accessibility, location of outside interpretive signs, and kiosk materials will be addressed in the landscape plan. Grant funding will cover the cost of three new signs similar in size to those at the CGH. Case asked if damaged HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 2013 Page 5 signs will be redone. Gertz said there is no warranty on them but they can be cleaned with automotive polishes. Creamer explained the grant the HPC received does not cover the cost of refurbishing those. Case said there is wood from the old Anderson schoolhouse being stored on top of a historic rowboat in the garage at the Riley Jacques property. She asked Gertz to take a look and let her know if he can think of a use for it. If not, EPHS will see if Murphy's Landing or Architectural Antiques would like it. Gertz said there are minor paint and hinge issues at the Smith-Douglas-More House but everything else looks good. He and Sticha still need to visit the spring and bridge sites. 2. Website Update Muehlberg said after working with fluctuations in IT staff and getting everything finalized through the Communications department, the website is close to being launched. Creamer explained the site contains a GIS map with locations of historic sites on it. When a site is clicked on, a small description and photo pops up along with links to other web pages containing more information. There will also be links to EPHS and its activities and rental forms. Creamer said it would be helpful for EPHS to provide more in-depth information and additional photos for each property and to keep in touch with HPC as the site develops. Adams said a lot of information with pictures already exists and can be cut and pasted from what she and Gertz have written. Eden Prairie News has most of her Sesquicentennial and other stories, and Karla Wennerstrom probably wouldn't mind sharing. Adams will send Creamer a list of items about which she has written. Creamer noted the website was also a directive from Council. It is a big task needing to be accomplished in phases. Adams said the map overlays nicely with Gertz's tours. Gertz said tour information still exists on computer, or hard copies can be scanned. Adams said she transcribed all of the interpretive panels so there is additional information available for use. Higgins said the City also has full-size color copies of the interpretive panels on computer. Gertz said he will help Creamer locate those disks. 3. Stories Grant Update This item was addressed out of order under Item X.A.1. Adams referenced the oral history project being pursued by the Human Rights and Diversity Commission (HRDC). EPHS already has its own oral history project underway for which it received a grant from the Eden Prairie Community Foundation. Adams met with Patricia Fenrick and learned HRDC has not yet submitted any grant applications,but it will be approaching the project from the opposite end of Eden Prairie's history. HRDC will use a story circles format HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 2013 Page 6 beginning with new immigrants whereas EPHS will be using a more traditional, systematic method to collect information from relatives of original Eden Prairie families. Grant funds will be used to hire an advisor to help put together background information and questions and then train volunteers in gathering stories for preservation. The hope is for EPHS and HRDC to start with the oldest and most recent stories respectively and work towards the middle so there is good coverage of Eden Prairie's history in written and audio formats to share. Adams said the museum already holds a good number of histories, some of them oral histories Ron Case did with his students over twenty years ago. Another part of the project is to transcribe existing information. It is a volunteer-intensive, exciting project. Opportunities for volunteers for all EPHS projects will be communicated in the July newsletter. Creamer said the HPC had indicated an interest in wanting to help with the older stories. Adams encouraged HPC involvement and requested members let her know if they would like to volunteer. Cofer Evert asked how many families have been identified for the first phase of the project and expressed concern over lost opportunities as people pass away. Adams said a set number has not been determined but several people have said they can help identify those families. Creamer asked for clarification on whether the HPC was officially bowing out of helping HRDC. Adams said she and Fenrick have agreed these are two separate projects with different missions but information will be shared between the groups. EPHS will keep the HPC apprised of project status. Creamer noted Fenrick found a different 501(c)(3) organization to help write a grant for HRDC's project. Cofer Evert asked if stories would be videotaped. Adams said not at this point but it could be part of another grant. They did not receive the full grant originally requested,but they will use available grant funds to purchase audio equipment on which they need to be trained. The goal is to have guidelines from the advisor this summer and for volunteer training to begin in the early fall. 4. 4th of July Celebration Creamer said the HPC has discussed selling books, prints, and mugs to raise funds at the City's 4h of July event and wanted to know if EPHS is interested in partnering. Adams said EPHS has already committed to having a booth and will be selling its own items,but they are happy to sell the HPC items as well. Case said when she was on the HPC, commissioners sold ice cream as a fundraiser on the 4h of July. The freezer is still in the brick shed at the CGH. EPHS members agreed they should join forces with the HPC. Discussion on booth location and parking issues ensued. Although the event runs until 11 pm, members didn't see a need to run the booth into the evening. Adams said she, Case, and Ross are manning the booth but they could use help with set-up and tear-down. McGuire said she could help. Creamer said she will ask Nicole in the Parks Department if the City can provide a tent. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 2013 Page 7 B. MHS GRANTS WORKSHOP UPDATE - Creamer This item was addressed out of order under Item X.A.1. Commissioners took a brief intermission at 8:12 and resumed the meeting at 8:21 pm. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. REEDER RIDGE PROJECT - Peterson PulteGroup has worked with five property owners to procure an approximately 80- acre parcel of land for development west of Eden Prairie Road and south of Pioneer Trail. The property is slated for 103 single family lots with a pool and pool house on one additional lot. Eighteen lots overlooking the Minnesota River Valley will be sold to custom home builders. This is one of the largest residential pieces of land remaining in Eden Prairie and is in a unique setting. Peterson distributed maps and plans of the area and gave a brief overview of Pulte Homes and his background with the company. Creamer pointed out there are archaeological sites on the property which is the reason for the HPC agenda item. Peterson explained land planner Rick Harrison was hired to come up with a plan taking the natural topography into consideration, in this case the cultural resource mounds and the bluff. Curvilinear streets create a variation in setbacks, open up sight lines, and provide a more pedestrian-family atmosphere. The burial mounds, referred to by group name 21HE20, were originally mapped in the 1800s. Because of the mound grouping on this site, PulteGroup has been working with State Archaeologist Dr. Scott Anfinson, the only person in the State of Minnesota who can authenticate mounds. He recommended hiring Dr. Mike Kolb from Wisconsin to assist with the authentication process. Dr. Kolb spent a week taking nearly 100 core samples in the areas where mounds were not clearly visible. Paulson asked about protecting the mounds identified as having burial features. Peterson said some mounds are marked. They are not to be touched or destroyed, and heavy machinery cannot go over them. Twenty-foot boundaries will be put around the mounds in the form of conservation easements. Freiberg asked what assurances are in place to make sure Anfinson's official authentication letter is adhered to. Peterson explained there are serious legal ramifications. The letter has been sent to the City and to Jim Jones of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC). Once the mounds have been authenticated and the buffers put in place, they fall under the jurisdiction of MIAC. Spera asked what is sought in core samples. Peterson said any bones would likely be disintegrated so the clues lie in the soil strata. Sixteen mounds, estimated to be 800- 1600 years old,have been authenticated. Gertz asked if all of the mounds in the group were examined. Peterson said all were with the exception of the ones which were previously impacted. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 2013 Page 8 Cofer Evert inquired how the report affected the plans. Peterson said they were not impacted significantly. The entire site has shifted north from the bluff line, and the 20-foot barriers have been taken into consideration. Olson asked about drainage requirements. Peterson explained since the mounds are visible, drainage along the bluff will head south. Starting at the conservation easement, it will fall north into catch basins. Diverting drainage from the bluff backwards will help the mounds from becoming further degraded. Gertz inquired about feedback from MIAC. Peterson said he has not received any since the letter was issued,but Jones has been involved in the process and is fully aware of the plans. Jones' approval is needed to install a proposed native prairie mix on authenticated mounds. hi addition, conservation easement posts need to be placed every 75 feet. Peterson said they are seeking additional ideas on how to mark the easement. Gertz said Indians typically prefer mounds be left alone and not mowed. They do not want attention drawn to them. However, he also expressed concern that proper information be passed to future owners so they have a general understanding of the reason for and vicinity of the protected areas. Some things allowable in the easement might not be appropriate for a burial site. Peterson said any signage would identify it as a conservation easement or protected area and not as a burial mound. Everything gets recorded against the property. There is specific language used as it relates to the deed and to the transfer of it. It is a federal offense to dig in burial mounds. Spera and McGuire asked if there was a way to adjust property lines so a mound or conservation easement doesn't fall within somebody's lot. Peterson said this had been discussed at the staff level. Out lots can be created by lumping certain mounds together,but it can be problematic for whomever takes right to it(the City or Homeowners Association, for example) because of the responsibility for policing it. Control and liability has been left to the lot-owner in similar situations. Muehlberg asked if there were other areas in Eden Prairie with the same issue. Gertz said Settlers Ridge was handled the same way. The State archaeologist has the authority to determine boundary perimeters. Creamer pointed out Jones likely has not had an opportunity to respond since Anfinson's letter is dated today, June 17, 2013. Peterson explained Jones cannot change the authentication or buffers. He can only control what happens physically on the mounds themselves. Several mound conservation easements have been grouped and tied in with the bluff conservation easement heading south. Gertz asked if there were plans to fence off the mounds and monitor the site during construction. Peterson said fencing will be put into place with monitoring by the City and/or state or assistant archaeologist prior to construction. Anfinson has not required monitoring during construction. Gertz recommended monitoring. It is not expensive, and it is important to document any newly-discovered sites or artifacts outside the current proposed boundaries. Contractors should be informed they are working in an HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 2013 Page 9 archaeologically-sensitive area and in the event something is unearthed, construction should stop and someone in authority should be notified. Peterson said he will discuss this with Anfinson. Cofer Evert inquired about the construction schedule and lot sizes. Peterson said construction could begin later this summer. It will go before the Planning Commission later this month and to City Council on July 16. Lot sizes run a minimum of 90-feet wide and range from one-third to one-half acre. Gertz asked if the preliminary plat will change. Peterson said the only potential change is to landscaping on the mounds themselves which will be directed by Jones. Discussion ensued about whether or not the HPC had sufficient information to make a recommendation. Gertz said the boundaries are under the authority of the state archaeologist and the treatment is in the hands of MIAC. Other than monitoring,he doesn't expect any changes to affect the Commission's decision. MOTION: Freiberg moved, seconded by Cofer Evert, to recommend to the Planning Commission the Office of the State Archaeologist report and preliminary plat for the Kempton Mound site/Reeder Ridge Development be approved. It is requested the property and mounds be monitored throughout the construction process and that workers be aware of the archaeological sensitivity of the mound area and inform authorities of any unusual findings. Motion carried 6-1 with McGuire opposed. Cofer Evert said she appreciated the thought that went into naming the streets after family names. Peterson thanked the commissioners and invited them to view the site noting this property is one of the best he has worked on in the country in terms of natural landscape and historical significance. When asked why she was opposed, McGuire stated she didn't think the HPC had the information and expertise needed to make a recommendation. There were too many unanswered questions and only the developer's perspective was presented. V. OLD BUSINESS Due to the interest of time, the old business items were not addressed and will be addressed at the July 15, 2013 meeting. A. JOINT MEETING WITH PARKS AND RECREATION Tabled. B. UPDATE ON BEST MANAGEMENT PLANS 1. Cummins Grill House Tabled. 2. Goodrich Ramus Barn Tabled. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 2013 Page 10 C. WORK PLAN REVIEW Tabled. VII. FYI ITEMS - Creamer A. CAMP 2013 RED WING A commission assistance and mentoring program is being offered on July 18 and 19 in Red Wing, MN. It is open to Certified Local Government HPCs and staff. Registration is free to the first 30 registrants; grants are available for time and mileage. Lodging at the St. James hotel is $98. The application deadline is July 5. Creamer plans to attend. Interested commissioners should let Creamer know by Wednesday if they want to go. McGuire expressed an interest. B. STUDENTS ON COMMISSION Three seniors will join the Commission in the fall. A photo in the May 30 edition of the Sun Current featured former student representative Melissa Berman. C. ARTS IN THE PARK MAY 2014 Tabled. D. ANNUAL SHPO CONFERENCE The annual SHPO conference is being held September 12-13 in Lanesboro, MN with a reception on September 11, 5-7 pm. At least one HPC member must attend. The City will cover registration fees. Minnesota Historical Society members are eligible for a ten percent discount. There are a couple different tour options available. Creamer will scan the information and send it to HPC members along with the link. Interested commissioners should contact Creamer. Gertz said attendees can sign up for just one day of the conference if they prefer. VIII. FUTURE MEETINGS/EVENTS The next HPC meeting will be Monday, July 15, 2013, 7 p.m. at City Center, Prairie Rooms A & B. Cofer Evert noted she is unable to attend. Joint meeting with the Parks Commission on Monday, August 5, 2013. More information to follow. XI. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: McGuire moved, seconded by Paulson, to adjourn. Motion carried 7-0. Chair Muehlberg adjourned the meeting at 9:38 p.m.