Heritage Preservation Commission

Minutes of the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) Held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Committee Room, Anoka City Hall I. Call to Order Chair Ward called the regular meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. II. Roll Call Members present: Chair Bart Ward, Commissioners Barb Thurston, Colleen Hansen, Elizabeth McFarland, Cory Rahn Members absent: Commissioners Peg Flaig, Lisa Silberg-Jurek Others present: None Staff present: Clark Palmer, City Planner III. Approval of Minutes MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 12, 2021, MEETING BY COMMISSIONER RAHN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER THURSTON, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. IV. Old Business A. 2021 Goals Mr. Palmer said each year the Commission adopted their previous year’s top five accomplishments and five goals for the upcoming year and that review of the adopted goals should be discussed at each meeting for progress checks. He reviewed the five adopted goals and spoke specifically about how to begin work on the development of infill standards for residential neighborhoods, which would likely include a joint worksession with Planning Commission. He then spoke about the work needed to continue to identify recipients for the annual awards ceremony and commented about the difficulty in locating new wood frames for the sandwich board signs. Commissioner Rahn confirmed the Commission’s goals were submitted to Council for approval. Mr. Palmer explained the goals will not be formally approved but included with the Council’s goals along with other Commissions. Mr. Palmer spoke about the goal to promote rehabilitation of the Rum River Stonehouse. He shared history and costs of previous preservation work and the need to discuss further rehabilitation then shared photos of past work. He referred to the future of the breakwater and shared a suggestion to recreate a ruin that would look more natural.  Chair Ward said the Commission was on track to complete this project until the pandemic then shared work progress with the former stonemason and asked if the City was still willing to pay the funds needed to complete this project. Commissioner Rahn noted the breakwater project would need DNR approval. Mr. Palmer outlined the costs including constructing the riverbend and dewatering. Discussion was held regarding work done to date including the necessary bridge work. Commissioner Rahn said the goal would be to create a plan for the breakwater then focus on the bridge. Commissioner Thurston expressed concern about the rocks being sufficient for a breakwater. Chair Ward said he would work to contact the stonemason for an update on costs. Mr. Palmer said the HPC should consider steps to reconstruct the bridge, parapet, and breakwater then discuss access and elements to increase visibility and enjoyment of the Stonehouse as part of the Riverwalk Park plan, including signage for both the Stonehouse and Gidding’s property. Commissioner Thurston asked about the City’s responsibility for making the walkway accessible. Mr. Palmer agreed the paths would have to be accessible and include switchbacks instead of stairs, adding access to the Stonehouse would have to be considered too. Commissioner Thurston cautioned against changing too much of the area as it could result in the Stonehouse no longer being historical. B. House Plaque for 1512 3rd Avenue Mr. Palmer shared a sample of the house plaque for 1512 3rd Avenue and said he would deliver it to the property owner. He spoke about the cost which was to be paid by the resident in the amount of $80 but noted the cost has increased to $110. He shared how the plaque for this home had already been ordered through a vendor from Menards and that he would present to the property owner without requesting payment this time then asked how the Commission felt about the sandwich board signs not being a replacement for the plaques. Commissioner Hansen asked if this would be a program we would promote. Commissioner Thurston suggested including the program in the City newsletter that included photos of the plaque. Commissioner McFarland suggested not using the reference to Menards as the source and directing people directly to the City.  Discussion was held and consensus reached to have future property owners pay the full cost of the plaque. C. Expansion of City Register 1. Overview of Approved Process 2. Nominations of Historic Buildings, Sites, and Structures Mr. Palmer shared background regarding expanding the City Register including how it was established, nomination by commission and criteria for designation. He noted how the Stonehouse would likely meet the outlined criteria then reviewed properties for first expansion that included the Stonehouse and Anoka Water Works Electric Light and Power Company pump house #1 constructed in 1889. Mr. Palmer asked the Commission to consider identifying resources to help move this project forward as staff time is limited, adding consideration could include working with the Anoka County Historical Society or other consultants. Commissioner Thurston noted Paul Pierce would be a good resource for this project and spoke about the possible use of Legacy funds. Mr. Palmer noted these sites are locally-designated historic sites and that Legacy funds may not apply. He explained the process of nominating properties and noted the designation is not meant to continue the restoration but expand the City Register. Commissioner Rahn suggested including a goal of a deadline for April. Mr. Palmer said he would have a staff report prepared by the next meeting for Commission consideration. MOTION TO NOMINATE THE STONEHOUSE FOR CONSIDERATION TO THE CITY REGISTER BY COMMISSIONER THURSTON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAHN. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. V. New Business A. Jim Nielson’s Donation of Historic Photos Collection Mr. Palmer shared samples of Mr. Nielson’s photo collection donation, stating he was formally recognized at a recent Council meeting but if the Commission wanted to recognize him as well it may be appropriate. Commissioner Thurston suggested recognition be included at the annual awards ceremony. MOTION TO RECOGNIZE JIM NIELSON’S DONATION OF HISTORIC PHOTOS COLLECTION AT THE ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY BY COMMISSIONER THURSTON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MCFARLAND. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.  Commissioner Thurston suggested the photos be posted on the City’s website to further share this collection. B. Historic Photo Search for Home at 1802 3rd Avenue Commissioner Thurston said she contacted the Historical Society to help locate photos of this home with a porch as the current owners wished to add a porch and wished to see if it had been done in the past and could be added again. She said the photos they located did not include a porch and said it was unlikely there was a porch on this home originally, noting that adding one now could affect the historical designation of the home. Mr. Palmer said the new owners also wanted to make a third level but how there was not enough space based on current building code and how a dormer may work but if not original to the construction it may not complement the home and also change the historic significance of the home. Commissioner Rahn said if the dormer was not historically accurate it would be best not to complete it. Commissioner Thurston added the current breezeway was also not original to the house. Mr. Palmer confirmed there are photos available to share with the property owners to assist with their proposed project and decisions. VI. Committee Reports A. Heritage Preservation Award Committee Completed. B. Fundraising Committee 1. Update on paver sample order Mr. Palmer shared an update on the paver samples from Polar Engraving, stating they had an $80 sample order available which includes one of each size with engraving as well. He shared color selections and pricing options then asked about possible color, sizes, sales and marketing, and asked for a motion to approve the sample order. Discussion was held about the ability to personalize the pavers that would include a donor’s form and how the Commission could have a supply ordered and ready to personalize. MOTION TO PURCHASE THE SAMPLE PACK OF PAVERS FOR $80 FOR REVIEW BY COMMISSIONER HANSEN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAHN. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Discussion was held on marketing strategies and possibly lowering the price to allow more to be purchased. Consensus was to continue the discussion once the paver samples arrived.  C. Tourism Committee Discussion was held on the possibility of holding the garden tour in light of the pandemic. After discussion consensus was to postpone the garden tour for this year. The Commission asked for a list of committee assignments for review. Mr. Palmer said the topic would be discussed at the next meeting. Chair Ward shared that he was not seeking reelection for president of the Anoka County Historical Society as he wanted to continue work on Cottage 3 at Haven for Heroes. He said that current member Richard Oxley would do well in his place and that he was pleased to serve in this capacity. The Commission thanked Chair Ward for his work. VII. Adjournment MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COMMISSIONER RAHN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER THURSTON, MOTION CARRIED 5-0 AT 6:33 P.M.