05-22-03 OHPC MINCity of Otsego — Heritage Preservation Commission
Thursday, May 22, 2003
Call to Order:
Chair person, Ron Black, called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Sharon Carter, Jean
Schneider, Joy Swanson, Joel Coles, and Jeannine Christensen were present. Council
member Jerry Struthers was also present. Chris Wilson arrived later during the meeting.
Approve the Agenda
Jean Schneider motioned to approve the Agenda, Joy Swanson seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
Approve the Minutes:
Ron motioned to adopt the amended minutes of April 24, 2003. Joy Swanson seconded
the Motion. Motion carried.
Book Sales Report:
Jeannine Christensen expressed issues with the Book Sales Reporting information. She
asked if it was necessary to retain a receipt for every book sale. Response: Names were
obtained from the book sale and used for future invitation information for the Heritage
Festival.
Jeannine will simplify the process and paperwork by creating a data base of names of
people who purchase Otsego historical books.
The book titled "Women of the Wilderness" is currently out of stock. Printing of
additional books will be required. Joy Swanson pointed out that due to the illegibleness
of the print, it will be necessary to reformat the book prior to copying. Ron Black will
attempt to re-scan the book to improve the quality.
Look for photos to go with the Wilderness book.
Old Business:
Consider criteria for namingparks
Ron Black asked if there are additional suggestions as far as the criteria for naming parks
in Otsego. The criteria are complete.
Ron will report our information to Mike or Judy.
Heritage Festival
The date is set for September 13.
Sharon asked what will the events at the festival.
What will we do? What will be displayed? Slide show? Refreshments?
The previous festival displayed pictures and served punch. There were tables set up in
the City Hall. Invitations were sent out to about 200 + residents. The festival was
combined with the Otsego City Festival. There was a book sale. We need to add
something to occupy the children.
Suggestions for events:
• Slide show of barns and map them out for tours (Possibly rent a school bus to tour the
sites)
• Sell books
• Children games
• New photos should be added to the previous sets
• Be sure to have a recorder to interview any older residents with stories about Otsego
life.
• Have a sign up sheet for residents who may want to be interviewed from their home
• Sign up sheet for people who want to volunteer to work with the commission.
• Coffee, cookies, and lemonade
• We should contact Wright County to see if there is the possibility to display any
item(s) at the festival.
• Create an eye catching map display which depicts historical sites.
Sharon will volunteer to manage the Heritage Festival committee.
Transcriptions of Audio tapes:
Sharon handed out a typed -written questionnaire and sought approval and suggestions
Will there be training for volunteers?
Joy has a video about interviewing — she will bring it to our next meeting.
Things to consider about planning an oral history project — Curt will be invited to talk
about it.
Cost of transcribing tapes -- $100-125 per tape.
It takes approximately 4-5 hours to transcribe a tape.
Put together a formal quote for transcribing the historical tapes.
Authorization will be necessary in order to transcribe. (Jeannine has volunteered)
Jeannine will also count the books.
Cemetery
The sign over our cemetery is misspelled. This makes it unique.
The Boy Scout group handled this.
New Business
Consider designation of Peavy/McDonald House.
Received a memo from the Planning and Zoning commission regarding the process of
preserving historical sites. Designation of Historical Sites Process by Daniel Licht
The memo states that anything that comes before the planning commission is also
reviewed by the historical commission.
A city staff person should regularly attend meetings so we stay in the loop of what is
going on with planning and zoning in Otsego.
We need to consider the budget request for next year.
At our next meeting we will discuss the process of designating a district.
Other Business
Ron motions to allow Chris Wilson a printed map of the city and several supplies.
Jeannine 2nd the motion. All accepted.
Joy plans to attend the Archeologist Laws seminar in Anoka on June 13. They will be
discussing the Indian burial mounds, etc.
Historical Data
Sharon is interviewing Loretta..
The Kelley Farm issue — Closing of the farm. On Friday, May 31, 2003 there will be an
all day event with free admission.
Sharon received a call from Bobbi at Sherburne County Historical Society. She was
looking for information about the old bridge on Parish Avenue to Elk River.
Ron moved to adjourn, Jeannine 2nd the motion. All accepted. The meeting adjourned at
8:23 p.m.
June 26, 2003 next meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Schneider, Secretary