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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-15 HPC Minutes MINUTES MAPLEWOOD HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL October 15, 2009 - 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order - 7:01 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present: Chair Ron Cockriel, Vice-Chair Richard Currie, Commissioners Robert Creager, AI Galbraith, Liaison Dave Fisher and Recorder Lois Behm. Commissioner Caleb Anderson arrived at 7:07 p.m. Absent: Commissioners Lu Aurelius and Pete Boulay 3. Approval of Agenda: Richard requested reversing items 6.a. and 6.c. Richard moved to approve the Aaenda as amended. Ron seconded. Aves - All. 4. Approval of Minutes a. September 17. 2009 HPC Minutes Bob noted the date for the Fish Creek tour October 17, not October 15. Richard moved to approve the minutes of the September 17. 2009 meetina as corrected. AI seconded. Aves - all. 5. Chair Opening Statements/Presentations Ron reported that at the October 14 Maplewood Area Historical Society Meeting, President Bob Overby explained the various grant options available through the new Legacy fund and started putting together a grant writing team for the MAHS. Ron distributed information about the grants, asking Commissioners to review it, and suggested there might be opportunities for the Commission, possibly in conjunction with the MAHS, to, bring some funding into the City to help with our goals. Richard suggested that perhaps the City's grant writer would be able to do that or help the Commission with the effort. Dave responded that he will check into that and report back at the next meeting. Ron then brought up the status of the 'bridges of Lake Phalen', particularly the Frost Avenue Bridge. He said he is concerned that, with any area redevelopment, Frost Avenue might be widened and the existing historic bridge lost. Dave responded that he isn't sure, but will find out whether the City or the County has control of the bridge and roadway, but has not heard about any changes there. He suggested it might be a good idea to have Lucille Aurelius, as the commission's representative to the Ramsey County Historical Society, see if they have information about any plans to alter or replace it. Ron will contact her. 6. New Business a. Citv of Maplewood Commission Handbook Dave introduced Citv Attornev Alan Kantrud who described the newly prepared handbook for Maplewood commissions which is adapted from the one in use at City Manager Antonen's previous city. He explained that its purpose is to clarify and guide activities of the commission and their interactions with the City Council and asked if there were any questions about it. Richard inquired about what he saw as a conflict between the statements that the Council (1) could not lobby the Commission or a Commissioner to vote a certain way, (2) could suggest they consider a specific aspect before voting and (3) could remove any Commissioner(s) without cause. After discussion, it was agreed that any objection to or questions about those statements would have to be taken up with the Council. Ron asked about the reference to an Appendix for the handbook and was told it is still being prepared and will be bound into the final book. 7. Old Business c. Updated Amended Draft of Historical Ordinance Dave reported that, as requested, a full copy of the proposed amended ordinance is in the packet and asked if anyone had questions or comments about it. The consensus was that all requested changes had been made. Dave outlined the expected processes needed to get the proposed ordinance to the City Council and said he would like to have a Commissioner with him at any meetings to help answer any questions. Richard moved to have Dave proceed with whatever actions are needed to accomplish Council consideration. Caleb seconded the motion - Aves - all. b. List of 20 Top Sites. Map and Draft Survev Richard suggested the number of houses on the list be eliminated from the survey letter and the homes be referred to simply as "a highly significant historic property" because the number of significant homes will change on an ongoing basis, and the balance of the letter looks fine. Bob inquired about the discrepancy between the site numbers on previous material and the current 'top 20' report, and questioned why 1865 Clarence, identified as the Sundgaard house, was on the list when 1851 Clarence next door, which was the oriqinal Sundgaard home and older, is not. He believes 1851 should be included and identified as the original Sundgaard homestead because the family were pioneers in the area. Lois responded that 1851 Clarence, owned by the Hokanson's, was included in the original 1997 Century House group and the owners received a plaque at that time, adding that her understanding was that the top '20 homes' were chosen simply because of their significance rather than whose homes they are. Ron asked Bob whether, other than the Victorian house on Stillwater Street, there were additional sites in the Midvale area which should be on the list. Bob believes the only other one might be the Fire Station. Discussion followed about the numbering, the selections and possible future additions to the list. Ron said he would like to have the 2 bridges on the north side of Lake Phalen (Frost Avenue over the creek between Phalen and Keller Lakes), possibly the Ski Jump and the house at 1851 Clarence added to the list for consideration as historically significant. Dave said he believes it is important for Maplewood to have a catalog of historic and significant properties, regardless of whether the City becomes certified. a. Proposed Historical Preservation Commission Survev Ron asked if it was necessary to include information about possible benefits or restrictions and the fact there would be a public hearing upon recommendation from the Commission for possible historic certification by the State. It was agreed that a copy of the proposed ordinance could be included with the survey. Richard moved approval for staff to mail the survev letter as amended. the motion was seconded - Aves - all. 8. Visitor Presentations - None 9. Commission Presentations Richard reminded everyone about the Halloween Hoedown at the Community Center this Friday night, the Quilting Bee at the Bruentrup Farm on November 14 and the Historical Society meeting November 11, at all of which there could be a quorum of Commissioners present. a. Maplewood Area Historical Societv Update Richard reported the Barn Dance was well attended and very successful. The Historical Society greatly appreciates the assistance from the all the volunteers, the City staff and the Police Volunteers who transported people from the parking lot to the dance. 10. Staff Presentation Dave reported he performed an inspection at the Bruentrup Heritage Farm yesterday. The barn looks great, all the sprinklers are installed and hidden, and only a couple of minor things remain to be done before the grant report can be wrapped up. All the information will then be submitted to the State Historical Society for reimbursement. 11. Adjournment - 8:30 p.m.