05-27-99 OHPC MINCity of Otsego - Heritage Preservation Commission
Thursday, May 27, 1999
Chair Ron Black called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM. Joanie Nichols, Frieda Lobeck, Elaine
Norin, Norm Schwanbeck, Joy Swenson and Arlene Holen were present. Alternate Janet
Bridgland was absent. Council member Suzanne Ackerman attended. Robert Vogel and Loretta
Moos attended.
NORM MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 24, 1999 MEETING.
SECONDED BY ARLENE. MOTION CARRIED.
The commission discussed the purchase of a computer/scanner.
NORM MOVEDTO GO AHEAD WITH THE PURCHASE OF THE COMPUTER/SCANNER.
SECONDED BY JOY. JOY, NORM, JOANIE AND RON VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE
MOTION. ARLENE, ELAINE AND FRIEDA WERE OPPOSED. MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 3.
The commission discussed a bench for Otsego Cemetery. Arlene passed around a picture of one
costing around $279.00. Harlan Rask had recommended cast iron and aluminum.
ELAINE MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION AUTHORIZE THE CEMETERY BENCH
SUBCOMMITTEE (CONSISTING OF ARLENE, FRIEDA, ELAINE FROM THE OHPC AND
OLGA ROSKAFT) TO PLACE A BENCH AND PLANTER OR TRELLIS AT THE
CEMETERY IN MEMORY OF ING ROSKAFT USING THE TOTAL DONATIONS OF
$505.00 AND ASSISTANCE OF THE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION TO SET IT IN
CONCRETE. SECONDED BY NORM. MOTION CARRIED.
Robert Vogel explained about establishing an historic preservation district for the old town hall/
McDonald house site. He suggested a "multiple property approach" and described what
documentation is required. He will put together a proposal that the OHPC can take to the city
council. Robert Vogel suggested considering our inventory of historic sites and pick out around 10
and act on those. He said it's best to have our "A" list known.
Joy and Joanie reported on the Annual State Heritage Preservation meeting in St. Peter in May.
The city council had concerns about the old town hall site being an eyesore and had safety
concerns for the Head Start children playing in the area. The OHPC is studying this.
ELAINE MOVED THAT A COMMITTEE OF THREE PEOPLE BE APPOINTED TO
EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF RESTORING THE EXTERIOR OF THE OLD TOWN
HALL. NORM SECONDED. NORM AMENDED THE MOTION TO ALSO FIGURE OUT
WHERE TO PUT THE OLD TOWN HALL. AMENDED MOTION SECONDED BY JOY.
BOTH MOTIONS CARRIED.
Ron appointed Norm, Joy and himself to the committee to explore the old town hall restoration.
Ron asked the commission members to jot down their notes and ideas and review the criteria for
the McDonald house and old town hall site to discuss at the June meeting.
Loretta Moos brought pictures to show and talked about church and school days, the unclaimed
freight store run by Joe McDonald, and told about life growing up in hard times. Loretta said
she'd be willing to help the OHPC with the oral history interviews.
Frieda submitted an updated written book report. A copy is attached
NORM MOVED THE OHPC AUTHORIZE ELAINE NORIN TO TALK TO CITY HALL
OFFICE STAFF ABOUT GETTING SUPPLIESPAGES. SECONDED BY ARL R MOUNTING NE. MOTION
WALLSS ON
AND SLEEVES FOR TYPEWWRITTEN P
CARRIED.
Copies of two transcripts of oral history interviews were handed out.
Norm moved to adjourn, Arlene seconded. The meeting adjourned at 9:55 PM.
We meet again on Thursday evening June 24, 1999 at 7:00 P.M. at City Hall.
espectfully submitted, Joanie Nichols, Secretary