ITEM 3.3A1 T M 3.3^
Otsego Heritage Preservation Commission
October 9, 2012
Present: Tori Ser she , Chris Wilson,, Torn Constant, John NoH, Gail Anderson; Mayor Jessica
Stka r ; Guests Lisa & Lexis Fahey
Toni called the meeting to order at 7:05pm. Guests and Commissioners were introduced.
Three agenda items were added: a report on the State. Historic Preservation Conference, a
report on Gail and Toni's visit with Sarah Connect and a concern John had about the City's
website, Minutes of the last meeting were approved.
Mayor Stockamp informed the Commission that we will be able to occupy the proposed room
in Prairie Hall as an office starting tonight. We inquired about a desk and a computer to go in
the room and Jessica will check into those requests. While there is a computer in the building,
it is used by Parks and Recreation and the police. OFIPC feels that we need to have our own
computer especially as we list our archival materials. OHPC doesn't want to have a system
exposed to public who may come in to use Prairie Center. Our door will be locked, We had
inquired about getting a key to Prairie Center, but Jessica explained that there are complex
security reasons that is not possible. Jessica offered to let us in on the weekend which is the
best time for some Commissioners to put in time working on archives and other tasks.
Commissioners accepted her resolution and are most grateful for the new home of OHPC.
Receipt of an email from Dr. Rothaus to Dan Licht was acknowledged. Dr. Rothaus stated that
he is working on the corrections to the draft report. He stades that he doesn't think he should
change the awning since there was indication of an awning -like structure, but that he may be
able to change the chimney. He feels that seeing the floor joist picture was sufficient and he
does not need to view it in person. The artifacts found in the digging will be given to the City
with the final report.
Otsego Festival recap: Two Otsego history books sold; we need a better setup arranged but
takedown went very well; there was good participation and interest in the OHPC booth with a
steady stream of people stopping; Gary Sorenson`s parents live in Princeton and could be good
consultants about earlier times; Kenny Shurtz fires off Nashua and may have pictures of the
"Barbie's Sar and Grill;" we need to do follow-up on John DeMars; Joel Coles brought a
correction to the location of the Indian battles on the Mississippi which should be changed on
the River Map; Beaudrys gave OHPC a picture of their darn burning at their farm site; Chris
asked Tom to add a lip to the otherwise fabulous easels he constructed for OHPC.
Mayor Jessica requested OHPC locate 10-20
enlargement and hanging in the new City Hall,
I
historic Otsego pictures to be considered for
Gail will write an item for the Otsego View to
send to Dan Licit requesting that present or past Otsego residents submit any historic Otsego
pictures which might be appropriate for the project. They would-be scanned and returned to
donors. Chris has an aerial view of Otsego she will submit. Jessica will talk to Kim, graphic
artist, about the scanning process. We will also look at our archives for suitable subjects.
Park project signs. The Commission approved appointing Gail and Tori to meet with Dan Licht
and Kim, the graphic artist, to firm up the plans for the signs. Any decisions will be brought
back to the Commission for approval. The end of the legacy grant funding biennium is near so
that the funds left for MN Historical Society to distribute are low. OHPC hopes that we will be
allowed to use some of the McDonald/Peavey house sale proceeds for Park signs if needed.
Toni, John and Gail reported on the high quality State Preservation Conference in Fergus falls
on September 13 & 14. Other Commissioners were urged to attend in the future.
Toni and Gail visited with 86 -year-old Sarah Connect (daughter of Edna Davis Peavey) who
lived in the McDonald/Peavey house as a child, as well as the house across from it, now the
Sorenson house. She remembered some details about where structures were located in the
earlier years of the 1900s, Her remembrances will be recorded.
John stated concern that the McDonald/Peavey house is still listed on the city website driving
tour and that it should be noted the house has been deconstructed and a report exists on the
findings; the Rothaus report has not been received yet. After it is received, OHPC will talk with
City staff about changing the website.
Commissioners moved, seconded and unanimously approved the nomination of Lisa Fahey to
the role of Associate Commissioner. Our nomination will be forwarded to the City Council for
approval. Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 after which the OHPC archives were moved into the
new office in Prairie Center. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 13, 7pm at the
Otsego Prairie Center.
Submitted by Gail Anderson