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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-27-1991HASTINGS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of the Meeting of February 2?, 1991 1. Roll Call. Present: Commissioners Goderstad, Hoeschen, Malm, Simacek, Thorsen, Stoneberg and Smith. Also Present: Michelle Gospeter and Bronwyn Skov from the Hastings Chamber of Commerce, Ron Sheetz of the Chamber Tourism Committee, John Grossman. Historic Preservation and Tourism. A National Park Service slide/tape show on tourism was viewed. Following discussion included: Reasons visitors come to Hastings: shopping, bingo at Prairie Island, racetrack at Shakopee, skiing at Welch and Afton Alps; travelers on vacation. Amount of visitation: Thorwood's 5,000 visitors are almost 100% from out of town; American Inn's business is 20% tourists and 80% commercial; Remember Me sales are 50% out of towners; the Chamber averages 18 requests for visitor information a month. A large proportion of visitors are mature people on long weekends and families from a 50 to 60 mile radius. Things Hastings needs to encourage visitation: public restrooms, signs on highways and around town, tour and guide publications, exhibits, a visible contact office, more frequent programs like home tours or porch festival, more shopping like Cedarburg and Red Wing. Gardner Porch Door. Mr. Hoeschen asked whether the metal door installed on the front of the Gardner House can be replaced with a wooden one. He suggested that Lawrence Kasel could build one at reasonable cost. Mr. Grossman noted that the HPC committee had verbally agreed to a cosmetic improvement of the metal door by adding muntins and painting it white. Those present, including the committee, stated that cosmetic changes would not be enough. Mr. Grossman will find out the cost of a wooden door as compared to cosmetic changes and talk to the owner. On a similar matter, Mr. Goderstad asked if a building permit was taken out for the window work on the back of Sherman Williams building. Mr. Grossman will check. 4. Designate Hastings Levee. Mr. Malm asked whether the flag pole and veterans monument in Levee Park could be protected by historic designation. The commissioners suggested that the entire park may be an historic area because it was designated as public levee by the town incorporators and has always been open space. Mr. Malm moved and Mr. Goderstad seconded a motion to for~ a committee to coordinate with the city's Natural Resources and Recreation Commission and prepare a draft nomination form. Motion carried, 7-0. Mr. Malm, Mr. Stoneberg and Mr. Simacek volunteered. 5. Grants. Dr. Smith reported that a deadline for applications has just passed, and the next one is August 15. The grants committee will be able to prepare an application by that time. What kind of project has not been decided. 7. Historic Tour Guide. Mr. Thorsen suggested that a tour guide be prepared as quickly as possible because the visitor season was approaching. HPC funds are available and the Downtown Association has also volunteered printing costs. 8. Certified Local Government Workshop: April 20, 1991. The date was announced. As many commissioners as possible should attend to maintain Hastings' certification. Many of those present said they could so so. Reservations will be taken at the next meeting. 9. Regular Monthly Meetings. Chairman Simacek suggested that the commission meet monthly. Even though there may not be building permits to review, the commission has other responsiblities which should be worked on more consistently. After discussion it was agreed to meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month. 10. Adjournment. Mr. Malm moved and Mr. Stoneberg seconded adjournment. Voice vote in favor.