11-21-96 OHPC MINCITY OF OTSEGO - Heritage Preservation Commission
Meeting - Thursday, November 21, 1996
Otsego City Hall
The meeting was called to order by chair Joy Swenson, at 7:10 p m. Members present:
Arlene Holen, Frieda Lobeck, Joan Nichols, Elaine Norin, Norman Schwanbeck, Joy
Swenson and CM Suzanne Ackerman. Janet Bridgland was out of the city.
Minutes of the October 24 meeting were reviewed. Joy requested the sentence
reading "It was suggested that we consider the possibility of giving some of the
Humphrey information to the new museum being organized by Irene Bender." be de-
leted. Norm moved to accept the minutes with this correction; seconded by Ar-
lene. Motion carried.
Joy stated that we should work with the Parks and Recreation Commission and
schedule our Heritage Day the same day as their event in order to attract
younger people. Joan suggested we purchase ads in local newspapers for the
next Heritage Day, since -.our news releases resulted in limited coverage. Norm
suggested we change our program; if we continue to do the same thing every year,
people will lose interest. Elaine suggested we present some of our "treasures"
such as the Holt Diary, poetry, etc. with an explanation of their historic im-
portance, how we acquired them, and information about the authors. Joan sug-
gested we feature these items in our letter of invitation. Arlene suggested we
invite descendants of early families to present family stories and legends.
Norm suggested we tell how some early families came to settle here.
Joy reported that the old town hall will be moved in the spring. Elaine stated
that we had decided, at an earlier meeting, to place a plaque on it. We need to
do some research to determine the date it was built and where it was originally
located.
Joy reported she has distributed "free" books to all except the Minnesota His-
torical Society and the Elk River library. A check for $70.00 was received from
Wright County Historical Society for books sold. She will inquire about the
amount; it should be either $60.00 or $75.00. They want more books to sell.
Elaine moved that we give a complimentary copy to John Pepin in recognition of
his gift of the book he wrote. Norm moved to amend the motion to add Paul La -
Plant and David Humphrey for the same reasons. Second by Joan. Motion carried.
Frieda seconded the amended motion - it carried. Joy will have the books mailed.
Joy reported on Mike Koop's activities in Winona which caused him to miss our
meeting. He will call her and re -schedule his visit. She purchased a tape
recorder, 6 90 minute tapes and batteries for $41.82 including tax. Arlene will
take it home and learn to operate it. Joy will present the receipt to the city
for reimbursement. Norm presented a bill for the glass enclosed display cabinet
we purchased from Gwyn Schwanbeck for $35.00.
Mike Koop told Joy we will receive grant -application forms to fill out for a
survey of historic and archaeological sites. We will request $1500.00 to $2000.00.
Joy reviewed a grant application from the Duluth HPC for development of legis-
lative initiatives in support of historic preservation to be introduced in the
1997 legislative session. She will make copies for members to review.
Arlene requested copies of the release forms for oral histories. Joy will have
copies made.
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Joy proposed that we publish historic recipes and stories about Christmas cele-
brations from members of early settlers' families in the Otsego VIEW. She will
write the article.
Elaine reported that Barb Considine from "Buy The Book" store in Elk River called
her requesting to stock our -book to sell. Elaine moved to furnish 5 books; pay-
ment to be made after they sell. Seconded by Joan. Motion Carried. Joy volun-
teered to take the books to the store.
Joy proposed that we have an alternate member appointed to the OHPC. Norm moved
for this= seconded by Joan. Motion Carried. Joy will write the necessary amend-
ment to our bylaws and present it to the City Council for approval. Members
agreed that Ron Black should be a candidate. Joy will contact him and request
his agreement to accept.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p M.
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Elaine.Norin,.Secretary
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