City Council - 10/02/1980 - Special Meeting APPROVED IMINUTES
SPEC:I:1L i`I%I:TI"IG OI' THE CITY COUNCIL, PA1?!:S , !tF:CR}'ATTOI ANT) NATURAL RESOURCES
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THURSDAY, OCTOAI=R 2, 1980 6:30 P.M. , GRILL, HOUSE
COU,":CTL MEMBERS PRESFN'r: Wolfgang Penzei , Mayor; Sidney Pauly,
Paul I:c:ipath
COUNCIL MI:"IBERS ABSENT: David Osterllolt, Dean Edstrom
HISTORICAL/CULTURAL MEMBERS RS PRESENT: Carol Hone, chairperson; Allene Hookom,
Barbara Johnson, Albert Pi.cha, nary Upton
C01MMISSION MENML-RS ABSENT: Judy Ellingson, Jeanette Harrington
PARKS, R1:CPEATION AND NATURAL, Richard Anderson, ^_ha.irperson; Pat Breitenstein,
RESOURCES C011,1MISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Johnson, Gloria Pond
PARES, RECREA!'ION AND NATURAL Marge Friederichs, George Tangen, Larry
RESOURCES COMI SS ION t lEbl ERS ABSENT:: VanMet er
COW%IISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Co:nr,:unity Services
Sandra F. Werts, Recreation Supervisor
OTIIrRS PRESENT: Mary Remole, Eden Prairie News
Mr. Donald Johnson
II. Review of Exterior and T,-tterior of Grill House and Surrounding Grounds
Werts presented backgx•ound on the house and pointed out the architectural details
and other points of interest on the house and grounds. A map of the grounds,
Prepared by the architect, was also distributed that indicated which out buildinL7s
should remain.
Following they tour of the grounds, the group toured the inside of the building.
Werts pointed out some interior details for the group to note.
Barbara Johnson left.
III . Return to City Ball
Sandwiches and coffee were served.
IV. Items for Discus:-,Ion and Dccisions '
The meeting teas called to order by Mayor Wolfgang Penzel at 7:45 P.M.
A. Historic Parks/111-storie Sites - Programmir 11:.c: and Fundirtj;
Mayor Penze l opened discussion by asking Lambert to comment on this area .
Lambert explained that the Grill house was Ittirchascd with feder:ll And
st,ite IC(JUi S i t ion funds and, theroforo; the Park::, Recrent iota and
Nctttlrll Rc�sottrr. �s (:crianl.issicsl could have reslaansib.ili.ty over the pltnning
aiic} d(!ve•Iolliiont of the. site. On the other hand, the Wi stori.ca l/Cultural
Cflllliil l !+ti 1 G11 1Vas given t-lac. reslloal5 111l i ity for �?:'I_`:.el t'.I.t i oIl of I'don Prairie's
history and progrnmming of hi-storical ctnd cultural naturo. 'I'tae site could
onsily he classified as a historic Dark. T'}h.- c}Llc+stiott, rac.cordinh to Lambert ,
2-
1
Special Meeting Oct . 2, 1980 j
is which Commission is responsible for making recommendations to the
City Council on historic sites, and what role does the Community Services
staff play? Discussion followed. 1
The concensus of the groups is that the maintenance and development of
the grounds at a historic site is the responsibility of the Parks, Recreation
and Natural Resources Commission and the maintenance and use of the buildings
is the responsibility of the Historical/Cultural Commission.
Lambert discussed the; three areas of funding available for the development
of park sites, these are the general fund, cash park fees -•nd grants, and
asked what sources should be used for historic site development. The
Council agreed that the general fund and grants would be the likely sources
for funds.
Penzel said the first step in obtaining funds is to determine if the Grill
house is registerable as a historic site and if so what benefit it might
have for the City and citizens. Discussion followed.
Hone asked if it was in writing that the site must be preserved as a historic
site. Lambert replied that it was not in any written agreement. The
executor of the estate has said that there are many items that he has that
will go back to the house at Mrs. Grill 's request if the house is preserved.
Werts added that a memo in the file indicates that Martin Grill, at one time,
was willing to donate his homestead of 5. 57 acres for a historic site as
part of a purchase arrangement. However, the house and grounds was part of
the total purchase package.
Penzel felt that discussion of F. I-Iistoric House and Building Survey was
pertinent at this point. Before funding could be sought we must determine
what historic houses and buildings exist in the community, which ones
are worth preserving and how we are to preserve them using available grant
funds. Penzel went on to say that it is difficult to talk about funding
finless we know what we want to do and what the potential is. Pauly suggested
that residents be called on to prepare the survey instead of spending money
on a consultant. Lambert agreed that certain citizens should have a good
idea of what is available. However, the City must determine if .it wants
to rcnnovate a house or two, or pass an ordinance on what a resident can or
cannot do to their older homes if determined historic. In this case, it
would be hard to ask City residents to make these decisions. Penzel felt
it is necessary to know what we have first before determining what approach
we are going to take.
Ilone suggested that a citizens committee would be capable of conducting a
general information survey to collect basic data on older homes.
Penzel asked the Historical/Cultural Commission to complete a survey on
historic: homes in 1-den Prairie. Bone suggested homes built in 1900 or
earlier be considered in survey.
n
Worts made the point that the City does not have to purchase every historic �
home*. M.:zny people are proud to have their homes listed on the national
registry and it could be exciting :for Eden Prairie to have homes with such
designations.
Special Pice.ting -3- Oct . 2, 1990
Anderson stated a need for recoiwnendations from the C'otinc.i 1 on the
division of authority.
1.
Penzel asked Lambert to prepare a memo on the division of authority that
could eventually be put into a resolution. The major consrnsus from the h
discussion are: t`he Historical/Cultural Commission would recommend what
happens to the building, the Parks , Recreation and Natural Resources
Commission would recommend what happens to the maintenance and development
of grounds and the Community Services Department would be responsible
for staff recommendations to both Commissions on buildings and grounds
of historic sites.
B. Future of Cwnrn ins-Grill Housu
Mayor Penzel noted that a study has been prepared on the Cummins-Grill
house. L.unbert stated that a decision needs to he made on the future of the
house because the roof needs immediate repair and if there is a desire
not to rent the house, we must give the renters sufficient notification.
Hone feels it is important that the intended use of the building be
determined. She would like to see simple renovations so that the house
can be used for meetings and community events, a historic library and
storage of City artifacts, and cultural activities.
Some discussion followed on security of building and some "stop gap" measures
to prevent further deterioration,
In conclusion:
1. Lambert was requested to prepare for October 21, 1950 Council meeting
information on minimal roof repairs.
2. Renters are to remain over the winter.
3. Grill house to he maintained in present condition until it is determined
if grants can be obtained for renovation.
4. Begin process to register house and apply for grant.
C. Future of Dorll l as/Afore house
Penzel requested that a tour be arranged of Douglas/More house for Council
and Commissioners.
Penzel asked where we stand in obtaining an option on this honte. Lambert
replied that an appraisal was obtained for the property. nic reconrn►ended
purchase price was $125,000, however; the owne:res iaould like $160,000.
Redpnth suggested the aced to move quickly on the purchase because of the
interest for industrial development in that area.
Penzel asked if an attempt should be made to secure an option vatscd on the
known appraisal and asking price. Lambert replied that he would be
till comfortab10 not knoa ing if money would eventually he ;iva.i lablc for the
ptirchase. Hone sug ostcd that the c.it.izens and businesses be tapped for 1
contributions . Pen%(!]. said to consult Roger 01stad and John franc for ideas
or available ,Honey to purchase the More house on contract for deed.
Special Meeting -4- Oct. 2, 1980
Penzel asked the Ili btoricel/Cultural Commission to put together a
recommendation for the City Council on various avenues for obtaining
monetary resources from the community for the acquisition of the More
house and restoration of. the Grill house so that the legality of such
a project can be looked into.
(lone asked if the application process for the historic register could
be started. Lambert replied yes.
Redpath asked about the use of proceeds of the Historical/Cultural
Commission projects for historical purposes and commented '.hat he felt
all proceeds should go into the general fund. Bone spoke to the Commission's
position on this and clarified that reference in the minutes was to Sunbonnet
Days. The money made in the sale of sunbonnets and proceeds from the event
after expenses were met would be used for historical purposes.
D. Future Moetir.g Place for Historical/Cultural Commission
Penzel said that according to Lambert, the Brown house will be available
until 1983. Even if. the Grill or More house is not available by then
there will be meeting space available in the Community Center or City Hall.
However, there may not be available space for storage or a library.
Hone explained that what the Commission needed was a place for its program
( and activities.
V. Adjournment
Mayor Penzel adjourned the meeting at B:SO P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sandra F. Werts
Recording Secretary