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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-15 HPC Minutes MINUTES MAPLEWOOD HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL APRIL 15, 2010 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair Richard Currie at 7:05 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Vice Chair Richard Currie, Commissioners Lu Aurelius, Pete Boulay and Robert Creager, City Engineer Michael Thompson, Jon Horn and Jerry Pertsch of Kimelely-Horn & Associates, Inc., and Bob Jensen, Maplewood Area Historical Society, Liaison Dave Fisher and Lois Behm, Recorder. Commissioner Caleb Anderson arrived at 7:15 p.m. Absent: Chair Ron Cockriel and AI Galbraith 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Lu moved that Item 8.a. Frost Avenue Bridqe. be chanqed to follow Item 4. Approval of Minutes. Seconded bv Pete. Aves - all. Richard noted the presence of Bob Jensen of the Maplewood Area Historical Society, attending the meeting to request Commission support for the work on the Legacy Grant the Society has obtained. He will be speaking at 5,a. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Minutes of March 18. 2010 Pete moved approval of the minutes of March 18, 2010 as presented, seconded by Lu, Ayes - all. 8a. Frost Avenue Bridge - Discussion Only Michael Thompson spoke about the Frost Avenue/Parkway Bridge. The City has been looking at the condition of the bridge, with thee guard rails and bituminous overlays that have been added over the years, the facts that the veneer is separating and the railing is no longer adequately attached, and that state inspections have rated it as structurally deficient. Since the bridge has historic value, the purpose of this discussion is to get feedback from the Commission about what they would like to see done with it. He added that Pete had some information to share about the bridge. Pete displayed some historical information showing that the road was first paved in 1926, becoming the first paved connection between St. Paul and North St. Paul, resurfaced in the 1950's and again in 1981 but is not sure when this bridge was built. Michael introduced Jerry Pertsch, Horn & Associates, Inc., who said they have the original plans for the bridge indicating it was built in 1930. He showed pictures of the bridge, detailing the results of their inspection, and how much deterioration has occurred. The main portion of the construction is a concrete arch, and there are cracks in the concrete and corrosion of the metal reinforcements, and the timber piles have also decayed. He commented on possible ways of restoring or replacing the bridge to retain the original look and said that since no decisions have been made so far, they are open to suggestions, possibly using some of the original materials or using 'form liners' which can replicate the original look using new materials. Michael asked for comments and questions. Richard mentioned the th Avenue Bridge over the Bruce Vento trail, which is something like a bridge over a bridge. He also said reported the Historical Society had passed a motion, ayes - all, at the previous night's meeting favoring 'saving' the Frost Avenue Bridge. Pete inquired about whether the road (and the bridge) would be widened to four lanes. Michael said that has been discussed and it probably will not be necessary, howeverthat will depend on future traffic projections. Pete asked if the other bridge, over the Gateway Trail will also be replaced. Michael responded that the DNR controls that bridge and he has not heard anything about plans to replace that. Pete asked if there is a time factor on reaching a decision and completing the work. Michael said the based on the financial arrangements, the sooner the plans are complete the sooner the City can get in the queue for financing. Richard asked about salvaging components of the bridge like some of the work that will be done at Keller Golf Course. Michael replied that is included in the possibilities. The consensus of the Commissioners is a preference for looking as much like the original as possible and incorporating some original material if feasible. There being no further questions, Richard thanked Michael and the Horn & Associates represent-atives for their time information. 5. CHAIR OPENING STATEMENTS / PRESENT A nONS Richard reported that the Society is hosting a tea on Saturday, May 8 at 11 :30 a.m.; and Pete will be speaking about the Gladstone area at the May 12 Society meeting at the farm. Wednesday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m., is the Ice Cream Social and Johnny Appleseed will be August 29. a. Bob Jensen. Maplewood Area Historical Societv Bob announced that the Society has received a grant from the Minnesota Historical Society under the Legacy Act and has hired a consultant to help direct the work of preparing the exhibits. He asked for the Commission to consider providing information, ideas and moral support in this effort and asked if there were any questions. Dave asked if there would be City involved in managing the finances of the grant as they were with the barn restoration. Bob said the Society would be handling that on their own. Lu asked if the City would be asked to provide financial support; Bob said at this time the expectation is that while some of the exhibits would be expensive, it is expected that they would be financed through additional grants and possibly corporate donations. 6. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS 7. OLD BUSINESS a. Create Heritaqe Award - Discussion Onlv Lu moved to table this item until all commissioners can be present. b. Amendment to the HPC Ordinance - Discussion Onlv Dave reported that the proposed amendment had been given to the City Attorney and just received it back late today. He distributed copies to the Commissioners and said he had marked the minorwording changes made and asked that everyone review it to make sure they had not changed the intent of the ordinance. It will probably go to the Council in May. c. Update about Local Government Certification Status Some discussion occurred regarding the guidelines for certification, and it will be reviewed again. 8. NEW BUSINESS a. Frost Avenue Bridqe - Discussion Onlv - Moved to follow Approval of Minutes (#4) b. Booth for Taste of Maplewood - Discussion Onlv Discussion about whether the Commission will have a booth at the 2-day Taste of Maplewood on August 6 and 7. Pete suggested getting more information about what the City is looking for and possibly joining with the Historical Society. 9. COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS Lu reported that Ramsey County and other organizations are sponsoring Jackie Robinson day April 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. Richard reported a motion, ayes - all, by the Maplewood Area Historical Society to recommend to the Mayor and Council supporting the amendment to the ordinance which will allow obtaining Local Government Certification. 10. STAFF PRESENTATIONS Dave reported receiving phone call from a former resident of Arcade Street looking for information and/or pictures. Dave also reported some upcoming changes in the terms for Commissioners. 11. ADJOURNMENT - 8:10 P.M.