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Heritage Preservation - 06/20/2016APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER Prairie Rooms A & B 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSION MEMBERS: Steve Olson (Chair), Tara Kalar (Vice Chair), Cindy Cofer Evert, Pamela Spera, Valerie Ross, Paul Thorp, Ed Muehlberg STAFF: Lori Creamer, Staff Liaison Robert Vogel, Pathfinder CRM, LLC Heidi Wojahn, Recording Secretary I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Chair Olson called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Vogel, Muehlberg, and Cofer Evert were absent. Introductions took place. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Creamer added Items VIII.C. and D. and an additional item under V.A.2. to the agenda. MOTION: Ross moved, seconded by Thorp, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 5-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. JOINT HPC/PRNR COMMISSION MEETING HELD APRIL 18, 2016 Ross clarified it was Edwin Phipps, not Grill, who was known as The Asparagus King under item VIII.A. MOTION: Thorp moved, seconded by Spera, to approve the April 18, 2016 minutes as amended. Motion carried 5-0. B. MAY 16, 2016 – MEEETING WAS CANCELLED IV. GUEST SPEAKER – BLUESTEM HERITAGE GROUP A. OUTLINE OF RESEARCH/WRITING GRANT PROJECT Nancy O’Brien Wagner of Bluestem Heritage Group reviewed the process used for determining the number of proposed signs and their locations at Lake Riley. The homesteading sign placed at the Dorenkemper House was done prior to the HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 20, 2016 Page 2 interpretive plan. It is compatible and can be left as is or improved to fit better with the overall plan. BHG plans to do research on the proposed topics to see if information should be split or merged depending on what is found. The proposal indicates a sign for a community garden which is not proposed at this time. The possibility of demonstration crops or berries could occur on site down the road so this should be taken under consideration now although signage for it could be developed later. Thorp noted the majority of Lake Riley is in Chanhassen and asked if the lake sign would address the entire lake or just the portion in Eden Prairie. O’Brien Wagner said the thought was Eden Prairie should be the focus, but some research on the source of history in terms of water quality, settlement, and resorts was done on the whole lake and on the Chanhassen side because the Geisler family staked claim on property in the area prior to county boundaries being determined. B. SELECT SUBCOMMITTEE O’Brien Wagner reviewed the timeline for the research and writing portion of the project. Following research, a subcommittee is needed to meet three times for the purposes of approving and confirming topics, text, photos and captions. She noted it is best to determine placement of information on the signs comprehensively in order to tell the whole story. Ross indicated there is not a significant amount of additional information other than what BHG has already looked at. O’Brien Wagner said it is important to make sure they have thoroughly exhausted all resources including Eden Prairie Historical Society, MN Historical Society and any other sources appropriate in the event new information has come in. Also, some of the proposed topics have not yet been researched. Ross volunteered to serve on the subcommittee but declined the role of chair. Meeting dates were discussed. O’Brien Wagner pointed out the final date of August 30 gives Creamer time to submit the final report to the Minnesota Historical Society for scholarly review and still be able to apply for a grant in October for graphic design and production. Creamer also agreed to serve on the subcommittee. Spera said she may need flexibility with the proposed dates, but would be willing to serve as chair. Olson brought up possible budget constraints with the addition of the new sign ideas. O’Brien Wagner acknowledged the expense associated with each additional sign and noted the existing signs are large and come at a higher cost. Cost-saving measures include smaller signs or saving content for manufacturing at a later time. Olson questioned the proposed content of the solo natural history sign saying it seems more fitting for current park rules and regulations as opposed to historic flora and fauna. It would be appropriate to get input from Parks regarding its content. O’Brien Wagner said this is a new idea. The focus before was on human history, but the signage plan should also include natural history. This is the type HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 20, 2016 Page 3 of input BHG is seeking from the subcommittee. Kalar suggested a representative from the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission serve on the subcommittee. V. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF A. SMITH DOUGLAS MORE HOUSE (SDM) 1. National Register Nomination Update - Creamer The consultant is working on the National Register nomination for SDM with a goal of submission by the end of this year. 2. Improvements a. Request – Ann Schuster Ann Shuster, Dunn Bros franchisee, introduced herself and her son Alex and explained their request for additional features at SDM. They are proposing a concrete slab for outdoor table tennis and patio seating. Dunn Brothers hosts a number of weddings annually, and they could use the patio for tables and chairs and/or a tent. They would also like to construct a bocce ball court which they would build themselves, add landscaping for a visual barrier from County Road 4, and next year install a gas fire pit. Kalar asked if they plan to keep the existing gazebo. Schuster said they would. Spera inquired about trees in the proposed area of the slab. Schuster said no trees would be removed. Alex pointed out nothing on the handout showing the proposed locations of the requested improvements were to scale. Rather they just show general locations. Olson asked about the type of plantings being considered. Cutting off sightlines to the house with trees would be problematic. Schuster said the area they are planning to cover does not obscure or come close to the house. Olson asked about an earlier proposal to use the spaces designated in the current proposal. Schuster said she believed what Olson was referring to was a Conditional Use Permit designating that area as appropriate for weddings and activities. Olson inquired if the slab could be earth-toned versus stark white. Schuster said they are open to the color. She has been working with Paul Sticha and Dave Lindahl regarding estimates on concrete versus pavers and was told if they wait until fall, the Public Works Department could possibly do it for less. Concrete would be cheaper than pavers. Kalar asked about the potential impact to the National Register nomination. Olson noted the home is what is being nominated, not the property. Creamer clarified the plantings close to the house are considered historically important but National Register status does not restrict them from doing things in the yard. The wood frame and gravel for the bocce ball court are easily removable and grass restorable down the road. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 20, 2016 Page 4 Schuster said if the fire pit idea is approved, then they will do additional research on the options available. They are not considering anything very large. Ross asked if it would require a buried gas line or propane. Schuster said a gas line would be ideal because they want to be able to shut it off from inside the house. Olson confirmed Schuster is not concerned with the type of shrubs planted as long as they provide a barrier. Schuster said they want something hearty, easily-maintained, and appropriate to the property, but they are otherwise flexible as long as it provides a screen. Something like a hedge would work well. Thorp suggested the proposed area of the hedge be pushed back to align with the porch so so the sightlines of the house from County Road 4 would not be obstructed. Schuster said they want a barrier, not a fence. Customers often comment on their desire for a screen due to the street noise and view of traffic. Spera asked when the fire pit would be used. Schuster explained it would be nightly as part of the day-to-day operations rather than solely for events. Spera expressed safety, liability, and smoke concerns. Shuster said they do not want to be negligent in any way and would research what other businesses do as well as the insurance aspect. It is not expected to emit smoke. Kalar said fire pits are a nice feature at other businesses she has frequented. Spera said she views it as optional and reiterated her concern about liability for the City. Kalar said as long as it doesn’t affect the application to the National Register, she has no reservations. Ross commented the size of the flame is controllable on a personal fire pit and wind is typically not a factor. Ross asked about reversing the locations of the slab and the fire pit to get the fire pit further away from the house. Schuster indicated they are not opposed. It is a matter of where the gas line can realistically be run. Alex noted the fire pit would be approximately 20 feet from the house, and the area for the proposed slab was selected because the ground is relatively flat. Kalar asked if it would be possible to install a video camera on the fire pit. Schuster and Alex agreed they could. Creamer reviewed the applicable Best Management Practices and specifically noted heavy equipment cannot be operated within 25 feet of the building. Schuster said that is being considered in the bids. Creamer said the proposed placement of the slab and bocce ball court fits within the area designated in the Conditional Use Permit. Olson agreed with Thorp’s suggestions for sightlines and Spera’s concerns regarding the gas fire pit. Spera said things can go wrong quickly, and she has reservations about the ability to continually monitor the fire pit and the appearance of the appliance itself from an aesthetic standpoint. Kalar HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 20, 2016 Page 5 indicated she preferred a historic look for the pit versus something contemporary. Schuster said there are a wide variety of options available. Thorp, Kalar, and Spera said they were in favor of the cement slab, the bocce ball court, and the landscaping. Ross agreed, with the caveat of setting back the landscaping as suggested by Thorp so street traffic can have a view of the house from the road. Regarding the fire pit, Thorp said there needs to be a conversation with the City about what is allowable and safety measures. Ross said somebody from the City should consider the safety factors rather than the HPC. Olson said the proposed items should be run by Heritage Preservation Consultant to make sure they do not compromise the nomination. Schuster said she met with him and he was fine with the concepts and indicated it would be the HPC’s decision whether or not to approve. She doesn’t recall if they discussed the fire pit. Olson said regardless, he wants to make sure these items do not interfere. Spera asked if there is a way to research this. Creamer said there is a document addressing such matters. Ross said although she wants to do what is best for Dunn Brothers, she does not think the HPC should be in the position of having to decide about the fire pit. Somebody else with expertise, the fire marshal for example, should make that decision. Creamer said she will check with the building official. Spera stated the subject can be revisited once it has been determined a fire pit is allowable. Kalar summarized the specifics the Commission is seeking clarification on: safety, liability, design, proximity to the house, gas connection, and the ability to view it from the house. Creamer stated she will seek answers from appropriate staff and report back to the commission. MOTION: Kalar moved, seconded by Ross, to approve Dunn Brothers’ proposed concepts for a concrete slab, an appropriate shrub barrier, and a bocce ball court pending more details, and to table the proposed fire pit until further requested information is gathered and confirmation is received it will not negatively impact the National Register nomination. Motion carried 5-0. Creamer said she will verify with HPC consultant the proposed items won’t impact the nomination. b. Interior Solutions for Wall Damage Schuster explained there is an area in the room with the stained glass window where the plaster keeps chipping away from the wall due to people bumping their chairs up against it. It has been patched and painted before and continues to crumble. One option is to put up a plastic material currently being used at the Community Center that is durable and comes in many colors. The other option is to install a chair rail at the height of the problem area, but costs are unknown. Plastic would be more expensive up front and be a long-term solution, however she has aesthetic concerns. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 20, 2016 Page 6 Kalar asked if all the chairs are the same height. Alex said they are within a couple inches of each other. Creamer said a chair rail or wainscoting would be a preferred alternative. Schuster said a chair rail is easily removable if nailed on whereas if the plastic is pulled off, it could damage a larger area of plaster because it is applied with adhesive. Olson concurred a chair rail would be a better fit. Thorp also agreed the chair rail would be a better solution. Wainscoting won’t protect the wall. Kalar said she didn’t like the idea of the plastic possibly causing more damage down the road. Olson asked for specifics on how much area was being considered. Schuster said it is the perimeter of one room but not a lot of linear feet due to windows and doors. Ross said she was in favor of a wood chair rail stating it would look nice, solve the problem, cause less damage to the wall and be less costly up front. Plastic is not in keeping with the historical period of the house. Schuster explained there may be additional costs down the road when it needs to be touched up with paint. 3. Capital Grant – Roof Project Update Creamer said the City received a $25,000 matching capital grant to help cover the costs of re-doing the roof at SDM. Two bids are in, and one more is expected for a historic architect’s professional services to draw up plans and specs. The recommendation of a contractor is scheduled for the July 19 City Council agenda. Once approved, work can begin on the project. B. OLD CITY STREET SIGNS FUNDRAISER UPDATE - Creamer The street sign fundraiser has been a huge success. To date the commission has raised just under $7,000, with a portion of those proceeds spent on shipping costs. A new batch of signs is expected to become available soon. A discussion on how to spend the proceeds can be a future work plan item. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. UPDATE ON TOWN OF HENNEPIN & MURPHY’S FERRY RESEARCH Thorp reported no further research has been done on the Town of Hennepin and Murphy’s Ferry sites. Thorp and Olson will continue to keep commission updated on the next steps for this project. Ross inquired about the possibility of the HPC visiting the site. Creamer said it is possible and depending on how many commission members would be interested in walking the area, the visit may need to be posted as a public meeting Kalar suggested the August meeting as a good time to go. Olson recommended a simultaneous visit to the Overlook site. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 20, 2016 Page 7 Thorp said it seemed the new proposed park was not moving forward as quickly as hoped. Kalar noted the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) representative the HPC has been in contact with regarding the Overlook Site is retiring this fall. If the HPC wants to ensure access to the site to retrieve any stone from the original monument, it would behoove the Commission to act soon. Olson agreed with Thorp. He doesn’t envision reconstruction happening anytime in the next few months. Kalar suggested creating an action plan and receiving written approval from MAC now so when the City is ready in the future, there will not be issues with access to the site. Kalar said it can consist of a simple list of agreed- upon items in a Memorandum of Understanding. Creamer said she will check with Jay Lotthammer for a Parks status update. B. PARTNERSHIP GRANT UPDATE Creamer reported she had received the draft manual for the Partnership Grant and will forward a link to the Commissioners for review. There is an online component as well. One option is to go over a chapter at a future meeting as part of HPC training. It will serve as a good resource for new commissioners and student representatives for greater understanding of processes and procedures. A more in-depth training manual is in the works and once complete, all Commissioners will be given a copy to reference during their time on the HPC. There will be an overview at the annual preservation conference and the document in intended to be used by commissions statewide. HPC Commissioners were requested to review the document and provide feedback. C. WORK PLAN REVIEW Discussion tabled due to time. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. EAGLE SCOUT REQUEST TO CONSTRUCT AN ARCHWAY NEAR PEONY GARDEN AT CUMMINS GRILL (CG) Commissioners reviewed a proposal from a Boy Scout for an Eagle project consisting of construction of an archway near the peony garden at CG. Ross commented the Eden Prairie Historical Society board approved the general concept. They would have preferred a rounded top rather than square but were ok with the proposed design determining a vine could be grown on it to soften the look. Olson asked how the archway fits with the landscape plan and the proposed location. He inquired if perhaps it could go where a previously existing shed once stood. Ross said if it were by the peony garden, the thought was renters could use it and it would be a nice place where graduation and wedding photos could be taken with the peonies in the background. Thorp said although the rendering was attractive, he was not convinced it fits with the historical time period. Kalar HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 20, 2016 Page 8 questioned whether the construction would take place on site or if it would be built elsewhere and then moved. Ross said the plan is to build on-site and there was a question whether there needs to be poured concrete for stabilization. Spera said she had difficulty envisioning what it would look like based on the drawings. Olson asked for clarification on the proposed location. Ross said it would be on the side of the garden running alongside the house, but EPHS was not absolutely set on the idea. Thorp said he did not think it would require a building permit. Plans, however, should be drawn to scale, as exact measurements are needed along with detailed drawings of the front and side views. Creamer said she would talk to the building official regarding any permits needed and if the structure would need to be cemented into the ground. Ross said perhaps a better place for the structure would be on the Pioneer Trail side of the property. Kalar said perhaps there is a better spot for it altogether than CG and recommended thanking the Scout, but suggesting he look for a different location. Given the time constraints, it is not possible to research if it is within historical keeping of the property. Thorp agreed given the short timeline, the HPC could not approve the proposal tonight. Consensus from the commission was to inform the scout of the short timeline and additional information needed in order for the HPC to make a recommendation it may be better for him to find a new location to construct his project. VIII. FYI ITEMS - Creamer A. LEGACY GRANT FOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY Creamer is working on a grant for improvements to the upper level of the Cummins Grill House. B. STUDENT COMMISSION MEMBERS SELECTED Four new individuals have been selected to join the HPC this September as student representatives. C. SOUTHWEST LIGHTRAIL TRANSIT (SWLRT) 106 MOA Creamer received the SWLRT 106 Memorandum of Agreement packet which addressed the potential effects to historic properties and the need to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts as appropriate. Nothing was found at three Eden Prairie sites, although the possibility of undisturbed land exists at the site near Shady Oak. If funded, the project will move forward and the City and Commission will be notified is anything is found. D. ANNUAL PRESERVATION CONFERENCE CLG funds are available on a first come, first-served basis for those attending the Annual Preservation Conference September 7-9 in Hastings, MN. Scholarships HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES June 20, 2016 Page 9 cover registration costs and mileage, and attendance both Thursday and Friday is required in order to qualify. A Wednesday evening reception is optional. Kalar said she was interested but would let others go before her since she had attended previously. The conference is informative and offers good sessions and opportunities for networking, so she recommends it. Creamer said the conference is open to historical societies as well. Interested participants should contact Creamer. IX. FUTURE MEETINGS/EVENTS The next HPC meeting will be Monday, July 18, 2016, 7 p.m. at City Center, Prairie Rooms A & B. X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Kalar moved, seconded by Thorp, to adjourn. Motion carried 5-0. Chair Olson adjourned the meeting at 9:58 p.m.