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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Preservation - 12/15/2014 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2014 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER Prairie Rooms A & B 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSION MEMBERS: Ed Muehlberg (Chair), Cindy Cofer Evert (Vice Chair), Steve Olson, JoAnn McGuire, Pamela Spera, Mark Freiberg, Deb Paulson STAFF: Robert Vogel, Pathfinder CRM, LLC Lori Creamer, Staff Liaison Heidi Wojahn, Recording Secretary STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Zeinab Hussen, Alexander Modeas, Courtney Sweeney I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Chair Muehlberg called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Vogel and Student Commissioner Hussen were absent. Cofer Evert arrived at 7:10 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Olson moved, seconded by Paulson, to approve the agenda. Motion carried 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Olson moved, seconded by Freiberg, to approve the November 17, 2014 minutes. Motion carried 5-0-1 with Paulson abstaining. IV. GUEST SPEAKER—BLUESTEM HERITAGE GROUP (BHG) A. UPDATE ON RILEY-JACOUES (RJ) INTERPRETIVE PROJECT Nancy O'Brien Wagner reported the subcommittee met at the park to discuss placement of the kiosk and signs, and she reviewed a map of the proposed locations. A couple spots are still being debated,partly due to competition with existing signage. Two additional signs are being proposed at the Riley House and along the lake. The others closely align with the interpretive plan. Two more signs not reflected on the map for consideration include a community garden sign and another people sign. Cofer Evert arrived at 7:10 p.m. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES December 15, 2014 Page 2 O'Brien Wagner noted sign content was lifted directly from the interpretive plan with the exception of the additional proposed signs. Parks and Rec has indicated their approval and support of the plan and expressed their interest in collaborating. They plan to allocate $6,500 towards the project which is 25 percent of the kiosk cost. One option is to use those funds for a couple of signs. Of the four kiosk signs, one would cover site orientation,park rules, and contact information. Each of the others would serve as an introduction to one of the three main themes: lake, land, and people. Existing trees block the view of the historic homes even in the winter, so it was determined the best way to draw people up is to place the kiosk near the pavilion. It makes the most sense as the pavilion is the most significant structure in the southern part of the park and it gets heavy use. The committee determined they didn't want a standard four-sided kiosk. They considered different designs and discussed the unique features they found appealing in each including focusing on roof design, openness, materials, and whimsy. The kiosk roof will serve more to attract attention than offer protection from the elements. The kiosk signs will be made of a strong material and not require shielding from the sun. Because of the kiosk's proximity to the playground, the committee liked the idea of incorporating cutouts to add a playfulness component and draw in young people. The most popular kiosk design was selected as a starting point from which to work. O'Brien Wagner showed some architectural sketches of proposed designs noting an attempt to make a directional connection to the building sites and take sight lines into consideration. She discussed the different roof shapes and designs. O'Brien Wagner circulated a few three-dimensional models roughly to scale and discussed the features of each. A green roof, while appealing, is cost-prohibitive. One alternative is to have a simplified, more affordable roof designed to collect rainwater which would also provide a connection to the lake. A rain garden at the base of the structure could capture run-off. A triangular-shaped roof would point like an arrow in the direction of the buildings. The desire is to create something small that doesn't overpower and can be constructed off-site and craned in thereby lowering the cost. Dimensions and placement from the pavilion were noted. Creamer explained exact placement will be at the discretion of Parks and Rec for maintenance purposes such as mowing and snow blowing. Paulson said her only concern is how the vastly different aesthetics of the pavilion and kiosk would work together. Muehlberg said if it is not busy, it will stand alone. If busier, it will start to compete. A more substantial roof would make it look too much like another structure. The goal is to have it look more kiosk than structure. There is more freedom with a simpler design. Cofer-Evert pointed out the proposed location is in the sight lines of the playground and pavilion but is not right next to them. Muehlberg said they didn't want it further away because it would interrupt the open space and stray too far from natural foot traffic. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES December 15, 2014 Page 3 Muehlberg said one idea is to have different cutouts relating to each of the three themes. These would be incorporated into the kiosk and then repeated in each sign to subtly unify the site. McGuire said her opinion weighs heavily on Muehlberg's input as an architect. Muehlberg said all are good designs and he likes the rain garden element because it is a natural feature tying back to the farm. He prefers the angle of the triangular roof. It is dynamic yet simple and is less heavy. Alternatives to cutouts could be raised imprints or color variation. Paulson said she felt a sod roof would create a progressive yet historical feel. Cofer Evert asked if green roofs are sustainable and what the maintenance requirements are. Muehlberg said certain vegetation is specified and it is basically a basin containing water. Freiberg said he could go either way on a green roof but expressed concern about problems this could create for Parks and Rec. Cofer Evert said the committee liked the concept but felt it might be taking on too much. Muehlberg said he also likes it but is not sure it is within our scope. O'Brien Wagner suggested keeping an organic element on the ground where it is more accessible and manageable. Green roofs demand more expensive engineering. It also then becomes a bigger statement which may not be desirable because of its location near the pavilion. Cofer Evert asked about the placement of the kiosk signs and inclusion of architectural touches the committee liked such as a mix of materials to make it less utilitarian and more stylish. O'Brien Wagner said it makes the most sense to have two 2-sided panels parallel to each other. Materials have not yet been determined and are dependent partly on Parks and Rec's abilities to work with concrete. The sooner a conceptual direction is determined, the more money we have to spend on details. $4,000 has been slated for materials and $4,000 for construction. The signs cost an additional $8,000-$12,000. Cofer Evert said it would be really nice to add another kiosk near the barn. O'Brien Wagner clarified she is looking for consensus on a design, not materials. Commissioners should not get too hung up on the details or exact dimensions at this point. Spera asked if there were pictures of actual kiosks representative of the scale models. O'Brien Wagner said photos in the packet show a variety of images from their research. They came across many of the classic-looking kiosks typically seen at national parks but the committee was not interested in that design. Spera echoed Paulson's earlier concerns about how it would blend in with the pavilion. Muehlberg said the pavilion serves a specific function. We should not try to replicate it. Cofer Evert asked Muehlberg why he thought his preferred design was simpler than the others. He said it has fewer parts and is more open. Muehlberg departed at 7:49 p.m. O'Brien Wagner said the pavilion is something to acknowledge and be aware of but it should not control our decision. Spera said she did not think the triangular roof was wide enough to block visitors from rain. Commissioners took a brief vote on which design they liked best. O'Brien Wagner said to base decisions on the roof and post system rather than the brackets and other details. After HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES December 15, 2014 Page 4 additional discussion and voting, commissioners settled on the design most closely resembling a scaled-down version of the kiosk located at Snoqualmie Falls in Washington State. It has a slightly inverted and sloped rectangular roof with a single crease. O'Brien Wagner asked those who voted for that design why they liked it. Cofer Evert said it offered shelter from the sun but was still very open. It has a slightly smaller footprint, and it is clean and simple yet interesting. Paulson said it is not as complicated and will still look classy with the proposed design elements. O'Brien Wagner said the next step is to play around with the variables of this base design and take it to the subcommittee for input. Paulson said she liked the elements in the photo of the kiosk similar to the one selected. O'Brien Wagner said that information is helpful. If they can limit the posts to two instead of four, that frees up some of the budget. Cofer Evert said the committee liked the metal and stone details. Sweeney said she liked the metal brackets coming down from the roof. Spera said she could envision elements of the pavilion being incorporated into the chosen design more so than she could with the contemporary feel of the triangular-shaped roof design. O'Brien Wagner asked how the commissioners would like to spend the $6,500. If on additional signs, we should discuss exactly what those signs will look like. The signs already created are basic upright 3.5 x 4-foot signs on brackets. If we end up going with metal signs for the kiosk with cutouts, we might want to have the other signs reflect that aesthetic. McGuire voted for spending the money on the kiosk. Creamer said the grant we wrote was for a kiosk and four signs. She has asked if we can change things with the introduction of the interpretive plan but she has not heard back. She is reluctant to do so without a definitive answer. O'Brien Wagner said BHG is going to provide a beautiful product for a good budget; however, if we add the additional funds to the grant money, we can get a kiosk incorporating more of the elements we find desirable. Paulson said it might be better to produce more signs expanding upon the kiosk introductions than to have a more extravagant kiosk with only the two existing signs. Cofer Evert asked when we could expect money to come in if we don't use the $6,500 on signs. Creamer said we should try for another CLG grant with a potential match from Parks and Rec. The grant may not cover the whole project but Parks and Rec would like it completed by the Harvest Celebration next fall. Cofer Evert said while she understands Paulson's perspective, we have only one kiosk at this point. If adding the extra architectural elements increases the price over budget, she would rather spend some of the $6,500 on a really nice kiosk without going overboard. Paulson said we should wait to make a decision until we get additional information on design and price. O'Brien Wagner said she could develop a couple scenarios with and without extras. The committee can be helpful in making recommendations to the HPC. Olson agreed he would rather use the funds for additional signs than have kiosk maps referencing signs not there. O'Brien Wagner said $6,500 will cover two signs like the existing ones. Anything more elaborate increases the cost and needs research. Olson asked if the metal and stone elements could be added later. O'Brien Wagner said bases and brackets HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES December 15, 2014 Page 5 need to be put in place up front. Creamer said knowing our options in January will line up with the next grant cycle. O'Brien Wagner will set up a committee meeting for January and then present to the whole commission. Cofer Evert said she would like O'Brien Wagner to include tilted sign design costs in her compilation of prices. O'Brien Wagner said what is nice is they can be changed out with the seasons. V. REPORTS OF STUDENT COMMISSION MEMBERS Modeas reported both he and Sweeney were recommended by teachers to participate in a Rotary ethics workshop. Sweeney said speakers will present, and there will be related team-building and problem-solving exercises in a mock business situation. Both will also compete as members of their school's marketing club. Sweeney and Modeas shared their presentation concepts. Sweeney announced the football team won state. VI. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF A. COMMUNITY GARDENS AT RILEY-JACOUES FARMSTEAD—Creamer Parks and Rec has not yet provided an alternative proposal for the community gardens at RJ. The HPC has been asked to draw a line on the original plan to indicate the preferred size of the garden. Commissioners originally suggested the garden be reduced by 20 plots on the end closest to the barn. It cannot be moved further back due to a downgrade in the landscape. Freiberg asked if it could be widened. Creamer said it could not because of existing trees and proximity to the parking lot. The plan also includes installation of an asphalt path to allow wheelchair accessibility to the Dorenkemper House (DH). Creamer said Parks and Rec prefers one big garden over several smaller gardens for maintenance and logistical reasons. Cofer Evert suggested space by the Mitchell water tower as a possible location. Nate Lovas, resident of the Riley House, has told her the field is used multiple times every weekend year-round for games, weddings, and other events. The City also uses it for activities. It would be a shame to lose that precious space. If a garden is installed, an old tractor from the barn or granary could be incorporated as an ornamental feature. Paulson asked about the status of reusing DH as a coffee shop or eatery similar to what has been done at Lake Nokomis and Lake Harriet. Creamer said there is a recommendation along those lines in the interpretive plan. Paulson said doing so would revitalize the area and be a big draw. We need to be respectful of those plans when considering the gardens. Cofer Evert said that creates an argument for not having gardens on-site. Other sites should be considered. There are many options with open fields. Olson asked if competition for parking would increase with the addition of gardens. Freiberg agreed parking is a major factor. Renters would likely be tending to their plots on weekends which could potentially tie up a number of HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES December 15, 2014 Page 6 parking spaces during the busiest activity times. Limited parking could work against gardeners as well as other park visitors. Creamer said in addition, it is not clear the gravel driveway leads to a private residence. Cofer Evert said if money allows for it, the subcommittee is proposing an additional kiosk outside the barn near the water fountain to link the whole area together. If gardens are installed, they should be attractively screened from the path leading to the structures. Creamer said she will take the proposed size reduction back to Parks and Rec and ask Jay Lotthammer to present the revised plan at a future HPC meeting. At that time, commissioners can provide additional feedback. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. 2015 WORK PLAN REVIEW/COUNCIL WORKSHOP Creamer proposed a review of completed and incomplete 2014 work plan items at the workshop. She suggested postponing adoption of the 2015 work plan until the January HPC meeting due to lack of meeting time tonight. McGuire agreed noting Chair Muehlberg's absence. Creamer noted local designation nomination of DH and national register nomination of the Smith Douglas More House (SDM) are two incomplete items. McGuire pointed out although DH was not nominated;progress,however, was made with the interpretive plan. Creamer said we planned to pursue grants for a kiosk and stands through the Eden Prairie Community Foundation (EPCF) but ended up going a different route. We can still pursue other grants through EPCF. McGuire said it is her understanding grant writing is outside the scope of commissioner responsibilities. Creamer said City staff/consultant will write the grants, however, commissioners can do research, gather information, and build relationships. McGuire said she will work on this prior to the workshop. Creamer said the work plan called for a meeting with a curriculum specialist regarding DH but it became a moot point because the interpretive plan indicated it is not conducive for school groups. Cofer Evert noted we did meet with the district regarding the Consolidated School. Creamer said we did not survey our new student reps about the historic properties web page. Cofer Evert asked for an update on staffing and website maintenance. She would like to enhance our web presence in 2015. Creamer said the staff person who completed and launched the site is full-time now. She has spoken to him about doing the historic properties GIS map and it will be included on the IT department's 2015 work plan. Cofer Evert said she would like the search function to be easier. It is not easy to navigate and find historic properties. She would like a search for"historic properties" to bring our page to the top of the list. Creamer will look into this further. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES December 15, 2014 Page 7 Creamer said we were not able to do a Best Management Practices (BMP) document for DH because BMPs must be done following designation. She transferred SDM and DH designation to the 2015 work plan and added action pieces regarding a heritage resource inventory and a preservation month awards program. She suggested moving the joint meetings with Parks and Rec to earlier in the year for collaboration on the remaining signage project at RJ and Eden Prairie Historical Society towards the end of the year based on need. McGuire inquired if Creamer was considering a format change to include steps as well as end goals. Creamer said she was open to feedback. Vogel provided her with a list of strategies and outcomes we can refer back to if needed. Cofer Evert said she likes the check boxes and having it broken down by quarter. It helps keep us on track and paces it out over the course of the year. Paulson and McGuire said they are not opposed to the current format. Olson said he found the addition of the responsible parties for each task helpful. Creamer said the current format helps keep track of work accomplished for reporting purposes. Sweeney recommended eliminating the bullet points to give it a cleaner look. McGuire suggested each commissioner make a commitment to get back to Creamer with any wording changes a week before the next meeting. Cofer Evert asked if Vogel had agreed to the timing of the items pertaining to him. Creamer said they are ongoing items which will be updated on periodically throughout the year. Olson asked how often we could expect Vogel to attend meetings. Creamer said we can reasonably expect him quarterly and possibly more if there are projects for review requiring his expertise. Paulson suggested consulting with him via email in between meetings as a means of procuring information in an efficient manner. VIII. NEW BUSINESS None. IX. FYI ITEMS A. CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP TUESDAY,JANUARY 20, 2015 Commissioners should let Creamer know if they wish to attend the workshop. It begins at 5:00 p.m. Dinner is provided. Muehlberg and Creamer will do the presentation, and Cofer Evert will present the photo project proposal. X. FUTURE MEETINGS/EVENTS The next HPC meeting will be Monday, January 12, 2015, 7 p.m. at City Center, Prairie Rooms A & B. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES December 15, 2014 Page 8 XI. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Paulson moved, seconded by Freiberg, to adjourn. Motion carried 6-0. Vice Chair Cofer Evert adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.