HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 02-13 HPB Meeting Minutes RegularAGENDA
CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA
HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD
EDINA CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MONDAY, February 13, 2012
7:00 P.M.
(6:00 p.m. Orientation for New Members — Council Chambers)
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS: Peter Sussman, Jennifer Christiaansen, and Joyce Mellom
IV. MINNESOTA STATE PRESERVATION OFFICE (SHPO) REPRESENTATIVES: Michael Koop & Leslie Coburn
V. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
VI. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Regular meeting of January 10, 2012
VII. COMMUNITY COMMENT
During "Community Comment" the Heritage Preservation Board will invite residents to share new issues or
concerns that haven't been considered in the past 30 days by the Board or which aren't slated for future
consideration. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. The Chair may limit the number of
speakers on the same issue in the interest of time and topic. Generally speaking, items that are elsewhere
on tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment. Individuals should not expect the
Chair or Board to respond to their comments. Instead, the Board might refer the matter to staff for
consideration at a future meeting
VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Board & Commission Bylaws
B. Thematic Study of Heritage Resources Associated with Edina Women — Review Recommended Actions
C. 2012 Work Plan
D. Southdale Center Artifact Update
E. Promotion for 2012 Edina Heritage Award
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
VIII. CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
IX. STAFF COMMENTS
X. NEXT MEETING DATE March 13, 2012
XI. ADJOURNMENT
MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Edina Heritage Preservation Board
Edina City Hall - Council Chambers
Monday, February 13, 2012
6:00 p.m. - New Member Orientation
7:00 p.m. - Heritage Preservation Meeting
6:00 p.m. — Heritage Preservation Board orientation was provided for the newly appointed
HPB members.
I. CALL TO ORDER 7:05 P.M.
II. ROLL CALL Answering roll call was Chair Stegner, and Members Carr, Davis, Moore,
Curran, Christiaansen, Mellom, Sussman, and Ellingboe. Absent were Members Anger, and Copman.
Staff present was Planner Joyce Repya. Consultant Robert Vogel was also present
Ill. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS:
Planner Repya introduced Jennifer Christiaansen, Joyce Mellom, and Peter Sussman — the newest
members to join the Heritage Preservation Board. Board members in -turn introduced themselves, and
offered a warm welcome to the newest members.
IV. MINNESOTA STATE PRESERVATION OFFICE (SHPO) REPRESENTATIVES:
Michael Koop & Leslie Coburn
Planner Repya introduced Michael Koop, Historic Preservation Program Specialist and his co-worker,
Leslie Coburn, Government Programs and Compliance Assistant from the Minnesota State Preservation
Office who are traveling the state, visiting with local HPC's to share the State initiatives which are part
of the newly enacted Preservation Plan for 2012-2017.
Mr. Koop explained that prior to the adoption of the State's Preservation Plan there was a period of
public comment when preservationists were encouraged to comment on the plan. His office was
pleased to receive comments from Edina's HPB Chair Joel Stegner. Having representatives from the
SHPO office visit local HPB's during the year was one of Stegner's suggestions which his office agreed
would go a long way to encourage cooperation between the state and local preservationists.
Mr. Koop shared the following points of interest with the Board:
• The State Preservation Conference will be held in Fergus Falls, September 13th & 140. All board
members are encouraged to attend, and grant funds will again be available to defray the costs.
He added that suggested topics for sessions would be most welcome.
• The proposed work Edina's HPB has identified for a digital resource inventory is very interesting
and something the State would be happy provide assistance. Currently, the State has a list of
historic resources for each community which can be accessed; however the most of the records
• are still in the paper format.
Edina Heritage Preservation Board
Minutes
February 13, 2012
The HPB's interest in the recent past, particularly the Mid -Century Modern architecture in the
community is a topic of interest on the State level as well. Mr. Koop encouraged the Board to
consider accessing CLG funds to assist in that potential research.
• The SHPO office is eager to support local HPB's by providing speakers on heritage related
topics. Mr. Koop invited the HPB to visit his offices at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul.
The Board agreed that would be of interest to them later in the year.
Mr. Koop shared copies of the new State Preservation Plan along with reports and pamphlets on
"Minnesota Modern — Era of Innovation", Modernism — recent past program from the National Trust for
Historic Preservation, as well as copies of "Historic Preservation Learning Portal" from the Federal
Preservation Institute.
A conversation continued where the Board shared their common preservation interests. Chair Stegner
thanked Mr. Koop and Ms. Coburn for sharing news from SHPO, and encouraged them to enjoy the
rest of the meeting.
V. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Member Carr moved to approve the meeting agenda as presented. Member Moore seconded the
motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
VI. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Regular meeting of January 10, 2012 is
Member Curran moved approval of the minutes from the January 10, 2012, meeting of the board.
Member Davis seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
VII. COMMUNITY COMMENT None
VIII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Board & Commission Bylaws
Planner Repya explained that Assistant City Manager, Karen Kurt worked with a committee of the
chairs from all of the City's boards and commissions as well as the staff liaisons to create a consistent
set of bylaws to be used by all of the City's boards and commissions. Once the main template was
approved by the City Council, the document was revised to refer to each respective board or
commission. The Heritage Preservation Board's Bylaws were presented to the Board for adoption.
Chair Stegner explained that the new Bylaws do a good job of explaining the attendance policies which
had been quite confusing. A positive change he noted is that if a regular meeting of the board is
canceled; all board members will be counted as having attended the meeting. This change ensures that a
canceled meeting will not throw off the mandated 75% attendance requirement.
Edina Heritage Preservation Board
Minutes
February 13, 2012
Board members briefly discussed the Bylaws, agreeing that they liked the enabling ordinances included at
the end as an appendix. Member Carr moved for adoption of the new Heritage Preservation Board
Bylaws. Member Mellom seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
B. Thematic Study of Heritage Resources Associated with Edina Women — Review
Recommended Actions
Consultant Robert Vogel responded to the Board's request for clarification of the goals and
implementation recommendations by explaining that the recommendations relate directly to the
strategic goals outlined in the City's Comprehensive Plan. The main recommendation requires that
whenever historic research is undertaken relative to a property in Edina the relationship of Edina
women to the property must be included.
Also, relative to archaeological resources, currently the City's heritage preservation program lacks
substantial information. Surrounding communities, such as Eden Prairie and Bloomington have
discovered a great deal of archaeological data — usually as a result of required studies for major highway
developments. Mr. Vogel added that it only stands to reason that Edina too would most likely have a
great deal archaeological resources yet to be discovered. Edina's disadvantage over the other
communities centers on the era when most of Edina's development took place — post World War II
which preceded an interest in archaeology. That being said, Vogel suggested that a future emphasis on
Edina's archaeological resources be considered when undertaking a research project.
Board members discussed several areas in the City that could have potential for archaeological
information, to include a rumored Indian burial mound near Cornelia School, and the Savory Gardens
south of the Crosstown Highway on Whiting Avenue.
Member Curran stated that she would like to see the study put to concrete use by perhaps recognizing
the strong influence Sarah Baird had on the Grange Hall. She added that it might be a good idea to
include the recognition with the annual open house held at the Grange Hall during Preservation Month
in May. The Board concurred that would be a great idea. Planner Repya agreed to let the Historical
Society know about the HPB's interest in recognizing Sarah Baird at the Grange Hall.
Summarizing Consultant Vogel's comments on the recommendations in the Thematic Study of Women
Associated with Edina's Historic Resources, Member Carr pointed out that whenever a study is
undertaken by the HPB, it will include research into whether there were any women associated with the
resource. Mr. Vogel concurred with Ms. Carr's summation. Member Sussman added that in addition to
Edina women, it is important not to forget the underrepresented groups such as African Americans
when research is undertaken. A brief discussion ensued. No formal action was taken.
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Edina Heritage Preservation Board
Minutes
February 13, 2012
C. 2012 Work Plan
Planner Repya explained that she took the suggestions the HPB provided for the work plan at the
January meeting and categorized the work items into the areas of Research, Preservation and Education.
She also provided a 2012 monthly calendar for the Board to use for scheduling purposes.
Member Carr stated that she would like to add "Designate at least one property an Edina Heritage
Landmark" under the Preservation section. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that under the
Preservation heading the following revised work item be listed:
b) Promote voluntary landmark designation of Edina Heritage Resources to include:
* At least three identified bungalow style homes in the Morningside neighborhood; and
* At least I property designated eligible for landmark designation.
Board members also expressed an interest in adding a focus on the recent past to the work plan. Chair
Stegner observed that up until now, the HPB has concentrated on the City's development up to World
War II. He added that the period post WWII was the era when most of the Edina we know today was
created, and in order to ensure that this recent history is not lost, it should be added to the work plan.
A discussion ensued regarding the vast amount of Mid -Century Modern architecture in the City of Edina
— some of it award winning. Member Christiaansen explained that as an architect, she has a passion for
the Mid -Century Modern style. She pointed out that recently, she and her husband purchased a
foreclosed Mid -Century home in Edina, and have just finished a renovation project. She added that she
would enjoy being involved in a Mid -Century Modern project.
Chair Stegner reminded the Board that if they were interested, they could create a Mid -Century
Modern working group, and invite people from within the community to participate in a project.
Discussion ensued regarding the potential of applying for a CLG grant to research the Mid -Century
Modern architecture in the City. The Board appeared enthusiastic and inquired on the timing.
Michael Koop, the visitor from MN SHPO explained that the final deadline for CLG grant applications is
March 23, 2012, and while that doesn't allow a lot of time, it would be possible.
Consultant Vogel questioned how research into the Mid -Century Modern architecture would fit into
the City's Historic Context Study — pointing out that perhaps an historic context needs to be added for
the post war development in the City that is limited to a 20 -30 year time frame.
Planner Repya observed that Tier I of the City's Historic Context Study does include a section on the
Suburban Landscape. However, much of the focus was on the development of Southdale Center.
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Edina Heritage Preservation Board
Minutes
February 13, 2012
Member Carr moved that the HPB apply for a CLG grant for a Historic Context on the Mid -Century
Modern architecture in the City of Edina built from mid -1940 — 1974. Member Moore seconded the
motion.
A brief discussion ensued regarding the importance of the post World War II era to the history of the
City. Consultant Vogel commented that a more textured study would look at both residential and
commercial properties built during that period. Member Moore commented that this is a very timely
topic for which there is a lot of strong passion among members of the community.
Addressing the motion and second on the table to apply for a CLG grant for an historic context on the
Mid -Century Modern architecture in the City from mid -1940 — 1974, Chair Stegner called for the vote.
All voted aye. The motion carried.
Member Sussman pointed out that that as the Board evaluates the 2012 Work Plan, it would be a good
idea to remember that the 125th anniversary of the City is coming up in 2013. One project he feels
strongly about is having Edina's oldest residents encouraged to share their "Edina stories" through oral
interviews. Planner Repya agreed pointing out that obtaining oral histories has been an ongoing project
for the Edina Historical Society.
Chair Stegner explained that the City Council is interested in seeing the annual work plan as part of the
joint work session held between the HPB and the Council. He questioned whether the date for the
joint meeting had been scheduled, noting that since May (Preservation Month) is so busy for the HBP
perhaps the City Council would be able to meet in either April or June. Planner Repya stated that she
would share the request of the Board with the City Clerk and report back with the meeting date that
works best for the City Council.
D. Southdale Center Artifact Update
Member Moore explained that he had nothing new to report. Southdale Center is currently engrossed
with their remodel. He agreed to keep the Board posted of any news on the artifact front.
E. Promotion for 2012 Edina Heritage Award
Planner Repya reported that nominations are now open for the 2012 Heritage Award. Announcements
are planned for the Edina Sun Current newspaper, the spring issue of "About Town" magazine, Channel
16, Facebook, Twitter, on the City's web site, as well as the "City Extra". The deadline for submittals is
Friday, April 13th since the "About Town" magazine will be delivered the first week of April.
Board members received nomination forms and were encouraged to consider potential properties they
could nominate. Member Mellom observed that there is an old home at the southwest corner of W. 49 'A
Street and France Avenue that is currently used by Spalon Montage. The building has undergone very little
change over the years, while the uses have changed. Planner Repya agreed pointing out that the building is
known as the Trinity Chapel, constructed in 1872, it was moved to its current location in 1925.
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Edina Heritage Preservation Board
Minutes
February 13, 2012
Following a brief discussion, board members agreed that they looked forward to having several potential
nominations to consider. No formal action was taken.
IX. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS — None
X. CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Chair Stegner advised the Board that their next meeting in March will be the Annual meeting. At that
time, the positions of Chair and Vice Chair will be up for election. Since this is the second year Stegner
has chaired the Board, he will not be eligible to serve again. Vice Chair Claudia Carr has served in her
position for two years and if nominated, has stated that she would be happy to serve as Chair. Mr.
Stegner encouraged the Board to consider serving in a leadership position for the coming year, and
think about the upcoming elections in March.
XI. STAFF COMMENTS
Planner Repya stated that a report of the January 2012 website activity for the City had an interesting
fact — the YouTube video that the HPB ran at the end of the December meeting showing the 1938
construction of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church had 72 views. Board members agreed that was a good
sign that Edina residents are interested in the City's history.
X. NEXT MEETING DATE March 13, 2012
XI. ADJOURNMENT 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Repya
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