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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-20 HPC Minutes MAPLEWOOD HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL MAY 20,2010 - 7:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:03 P.M. by Vice-Chair Richard Currie. 2. ATTENDANCE Present: Vice-Chair Richard Currie, Commissioners Caleb Anderson, Bob Creager, AI Galbraith, Senior Planner Tom Ekstrand, Recorder Lois Behm, Guests 1977 Mayor Burton Murdock, Rachel Anderson and Harmony Anderson. Commissioner Pete Boulay arrived at 7:05 P.M. Richard asked for a moment of silence in honor of Sgt. Joe Bergeron. 3. APPROVAL OF I AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA Bob moved to approve the aqenda as presented. Caleb seconded. Aves - all. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Minutes of April 15, 2010 Lois informed the Commissioners that the two obvious errors in the Minutes heading will be corrected in the final copy. Caleb moved to approve the minutes as presented. Pete seconded. Aves - all. 5. CHAIR OPENING STATEMENTS / PRESENT A nONS Richard said the Historical Society has asked him to be the liaison between the Commission and the Society's Interpretive Plan Committee, and asked if any of the Commissioners would want to do that instead of him. There were no responses, so Richard will assume that responsibility. 6. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Burton Murdock, 1977 Mayor of Maplewood Richard introduced The Honorable Burton Murdock and asked him to tell us some things about the earlier years in Maplewood. Mr. Murdock thanked the Commission for the invitation and said he enjoyed his years serving Maplewood, first on Council then, when Bob Bruton's employer transferred him to another state, he was chosen to replace him as mayor. He added that Lu Aurelius was City Clerk at the time and kept everything together for him and the Council. He suggested the Commissioners ask him questions. Recap of Mr. Bruton's responses: The biggest issue for the City at the time he served was developing and following the City's Comprehensive Plan, especially as it related to zoning during a time of increasing development. The second big issue was that, as property's were developed the City installed water and sewer, but when people purchased the lots they deferred the water and sewer fees until the deferred amount became enormous and they had to take steps to collect that money. Another event was when the City had an opportunity to purchase Maple Hills Golf Course (Parkway Drive and Larpenteur Ave.) at a very low price when the owner had trouble keeping up the payments on it. The problem there was the hilly course which many older golfers did not like, reducing the income expectations. The offer was voted down and it has since been developed with town-homes. Another golf course was proposed on Century Avenue where the Rolling Hills Mobile Home Park is now, but that was voted down as well. Residential development and roads were both big issues during those years, and 3M was a major part of the development. Mr. Murdock praised 3M as they were always very thorough with their projects and have been an excellent part of the City. The only problem with 3M then was their habit of paying their water and sewer bill a day or two late, and when they sent one several days late the City assessed a 10% late fee. They were very unhappy about it and argued, but finally accepted the fact they were wrong and weren't getting their money back. The City and Fire Department had to buy a big ladder fire truck to be able to protect the tall buildings at 3M, but were aided considerably by a large donation from 3M. Before water and sewer were installed in Maplewood they researched their options and found it would be best to pay St. Paul instead of building their own facilities. They did have a problem because St. Paul had combined sewer and storm water disposal while Maplewood and other suburbs had created storm water holding ponds, but were being charged as if they were combined. Those cities combined forces and got the Metropolitan Council to change that practice. They did try very hard but failed to get a high school in Maplewood as they felt it would create a good identity for the City. However, there was a very active Maplewood Athletic Association for recreational activities. He also talked briefly about some of the large land owners and developers, Mogren, Schreier, Jordan and others who were responsible for much of Maplewood's growth. Maplewood Mall was initiated by a group of businessmen, (rather than by the City), who contacted the merchants and got the Mall built. Mr. Murdock also commented that it was too bad the Ostergren house and buildings were demolished instead of being preserved. He said the Council always tried their best to do what was best for the most people, but it was impossible to take care of everyone. He added that he firmly believes that everyone should spend at least two years serving in some capacity in City Government and thinks there would be far fewer complaints if they did. Pete told Mr. Murdock the Commission enjoyed hearing from him and thanked him for coming. 7. OLD BUSINESS a. Create Heritaqe Award - Discussion Onlv Richard noted that this item had previously been tabled until full Commission could be here, and asked if the preference was to table it again or discuss it. Pete said he envisions this as similar to the old Maplewood Award with the recipient someone who has done much for preservation and the award would be a small plaque. Bob said at this point he would nominate either Burton Murdock or George Rossbach. Richard requested discussion of the criteria for the award. Pete suggested having each Commissioner bring a list of potential honorees to the next meeting for consideration, possibly open it up to the public or members of the Historical Society. Lois suggested limiting the list to 3 names and include a short paragraph stating why the person was nominated. Pete agreed 3 was a good number, and suggested giving information to the Historical Society at their July meeting. b. Booth for Taste of Maplewood - Discussion Onlv Lois reported a person at the Historical Society checked about having a booth and was told there would not be any; that it would be strictly 'Taste of Maplewood'. c. Bridqes for Frost Avenue (Addition) Tom displayed pictures of 2 proposed bridge designs for replacing the Frost Avenue bridge. One proposal, Concept 1, has an iron railing, Concept 2 does not. Pete said Concept 2 (without railing) looks almost exactly like the present bridge. Tom said there is very little difference, but the Design Review Board had chosen Concept 1. AI commented that he sees possible problems with the railing on Concept 1 - snow removal and upkeep. Pete added that Concept 2 would match the style of the Gateway Trail bridge directly to the north. Approval of Concept 2 was moved and Pete seconded - vote: Aves - all. 8. NEW BUSINESS a. Oath of Office Tom reported that, as required by State Statute, all people elected or appointed to City service are required to be sworn in, and he will administer the oath of office. Each person has a copy of the oath and is to read along, inserting their own name appropriately. Tom then led the oath of office and distributed the forms for signatures. b. Bruentrup Heritaqe Farm Master Plan - Discussion Onlv Richard moved to table this item until the next meeting when more information is available. Richard asked if anyone had anything to add as new business. Tom said he is working on the itinerary for the annual City Tour and if anyone has a place they would especially like to have on the tour to let him know and he will try to add it. 8. COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS Richard said he would like to see something done to improve communication between the various City commissions, in order to avoid duplications of efforts or conflicts between goals andlor projects of different groups. It was noted that all meetings are shown on Channel 16, and if unable to watch the meeting, the agendas are available on the City website. Tom said he would mention it to other staff and see what thoughts they might have. 9. COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS a. Maplewood Area Historical Societv Update Pete mentioned he had presented the slide show about the history of Gladstone area at the May meeting of the Society. Richard reported the Society will have their annual Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, June 9 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. The Maplewood Garden Club will have a plant sale at the Farm on May 22, and the Farmer for a Day booth will be at the Ramsey County Fair July 14 - 18. 11. ADJOURNMENT - 8:33 p.m.