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Home My WebLink About05-26-15 City of Farmington Mission Statement 430 Third Street Through teamwork and cooperation, Farmington,MN 55024 the City of Farmington provides quality services that preserve our proud past and foster a promising future. AGENDA HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING May 26,2015 6:00 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. Call to order 2. Approval of agenda 3. Approval of minutes a. March 24,2015 Regular Meeting(pgs. 1-3) b. April 28,2015 Special Meeting(pgs.4-5) 4. Public Hearings None 5. Continued Business a. Interpretation Plan I Walking Tour reminder—July 28th regular meeting 6. New Business a. Tour of Middle Creek Historic Cemetery(pgs. 6-13) 7. Reports&Plans None 8. Miscellaneous None 9. Commission Roundtable 10.Adjourn I City of Farmington Mission Statement 430 Third Street Through teamwork and cooperation, Farmington,MN 55024 the City of Farmington provides quality services that preserve our proud past and foster a promising future HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES March 24,2015 7:00 P.M. CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM#169 1. Call to order at 7:00 p.m. Commission Members Present: Members Franceschelli,Lehto,McMillen,Haley,Mohlis Commission Members Absent: None Also Present: Planning Manager Wippler,Consultant Vogel a. 2015 Election of Officers Nomination of Commission Member Franceschelli as Chair Person by Commission Member Haley, second by Commission Member McMillen. APIF,Nomination passed. Nomination of Commission Member Mohlis as Vice Chair Person by Commission Member McMillen, second by Chair Person Franceschelli. APIF,Nomination passed. 2. Approval of agenda Motion by Haley,second by McMillen to approve the agenda. APIF,Motion passed. 3. Approval of Minutes a. September 23,2014 Regular Meeting The September 23,2014 Regular Meeting minutes were approved as presented with a 3-0-2 vote (Commission Members Haley and McMillen abstained). b. October 15,2014 Special Meeting The October 15,2014 Special Meeting minutes were approved as presented with a 4-0-1 vote (Commission Member Haley abstained). c. November 25,2014 Regular Meeting The November 25,2014 Regular Meeting minutes were approved as presented with a 4-0-1 vote (Commission Member Mohlis abstained). 1 2. 4. Public Hearings Nothing 5. Continued Business a. Heritage Interpretation Plan Consultant Vogel suggested that a walking tour be done as part of the development of the Interpretation Plan. The Commission agreed and would like to do the walking tour at its regular meeting on July 28th. b. HPC Webpage updates Planning Manager Wippler went over the changes that were made to the HPC's webpage. The Commission requested that the Dakota County Historical Society and the Minnesota Digital Library be added to the list of resources available on the webpage. Consultant Vogel suggested placing what are called preservation briefs from the National Parks Service that cover everything from selecting paint to architecture. These are downloadable documents that the City can provide access to. 6. New Business a. 2015 Goals and Objectives Planning Manager Wippler provided the Commission with the current 2014 goals and requested the Commission to provide suggestions for updating the goals for 2015. The majority of the goals will remain in effect for 2015. Two items were added to the list,those being: joint meetings with other Commission as available and to plan and organize a Halloween event for the Middle Creek Cemetery for possible implementation in 2016. Planning Manager Wippler will revise the Goals and Objectives and bring them back to the Commission at its next meeting for formal approval. b. Historic Preservation Month A Special meeting will be held on April 28th at 7 pm to select a nomination for the 2015 Heritage Preservation Award. The presentation of the Historic Preservation Award will take place at the May 18th regular City Council meeting. The proclamation for Historic Preservation Month will be presented to the City Council at its regular meeting on May 4,2015. c. Downtown Redevelopment Plan RIG application Planning Manager Wippler explained that the City has applied to the Dakota County Community Development Agency for a Redevelopment Incentive Grant in order to cover a portion of the cost of completing a redevelopment guide for the downtown. This is for information purposes only,staff will keep the Commission apprised as this application and project progresses forward. d. Exchange Bank and Larson Building Planning Manager Wippler informed the Commission that the Planning Commission at its March meeting approved a Conditional Use Permit to allow a church to occupy these buildings. The applicants have been in contact with Consultant Vogel to discuss options for the building,specifically the stairwell that leads to the main ballroom. This was for informational purposes only. 2 3 e. Docomomo US National Symposium Planning Manager Wippler wanted to make the Commission aware of an educational opportunity coming up on June 4-7,2015. It is a national symposium that looks to bring attention to the unique cultural heritage,preservation,and advocacy of significant modern architecture and landscape architecture throughout the state of Minnesota. Grants to attend may be available through the State Historical Society. Commissioner Mohlis expressed interest in attending the event. 7. Reports&Plans a. Consultant Report—Consultant Vogel was contacted by Kemps to see if his group had any history on the property and buildings. The Commission may want to consider designating certain properties(similar to the Kemp's property that are unique)not for landmark designation but to research and put the history down in writing. 8. Miscellaneous a. 104 Elm Street Planning Manager Wippler wanted to make the Commission aware that he was contacted by a realtor regarding this property,the property is up for sale. A person inquired if the property could be used as a mixed use property(live in the basement and use the main floor as an event center). This was just for informational purposes only as the property is listed as a property determined eligible for designation. b. HPC Stipend Commission member McMillen inquired if the HPC will now be receiving a stipend for meeting. Staff will look into that and provide an answer at the next meeting. 9. Commission Roundtable a. Commissioner Mohlis stated he would once again like to design the Preservation Month poster. The Commission agreed to the request. b. Chair Franceschelli shared some magazines/information that he received with the Commission. 10. Adjourn Motion by McMillen,second by Haley,to adjourn at 8:14 p.m.APIF,Motion passed. Submitted by, Tony Wippler,Planning Manager 3 City of Farmington Mission Statement 430 Third Street Through teamwork and cooperation, Farmington,MN 55024 the City of Farmington provides quality services that preserve our proud past and foster a promising future HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES April 28,2015 7:00 P.M. CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM#169 1. Call to order at 7:00 p.m. Commission Members Present: Members Franceschelli,Lehto,McMillen,Haley,Mohlis Commission Members Absent None Also Present Planning Manager Wippler,Consultant Vogel 2. Approval of agenda Motion by McMillen,second by Haley to approve the agenda. APIF,Motion passed. 3. Public Hearings Nothing 4. New Business a. 2015 Preservation Award Nominations and Selection The City did not receive any nominations. The Commission chose to nominate the property located at 708 Third Street that is owned by Bruce and Ann Jensen. Staff will contact them and move the award forward. Motion by McMillen,second by Lehto to nominate the property located at 708 Third Street as the recipient of the 2015 Preservation Award. APIF,Motion passed. b. Historic Preservation Month—May i. City Council/Mayoral Proclamation—May 4,2015 The proclamation was presented to the Commission. This will go before the City Council on May 4,2015. ii. Heritage Preservation Award presented to City Council—May 18,2015 Commission member Mohlis will plan on attending the Council meeting on May 18,2015 to present the annual Heritage Preservation Award to Mr.and Mrs.Jensen. 1 • S. 5. Continued Business a. Adopt 2015 Goals and Objectives The revised goals and objectives were provided to the Commission. Motion by Haley,second by Mohlis to accept the 2015 Goals and Objectives. APIE,Motion passed. b. Update on HPC webpage Planning Manager Wippler stated that a number of updates have been made to the HPC's webpage. The Commission was encouraged to visit the webpage and to provide staff with any feedback that they feel is appropriate. 6. Reports&Plans Nothing 7. Miscellaneous a. May 26,2015 regular meeting update i. Meeting Start time changed to 6:00 pm ii. Middle Creek Cemetery site visit Planning Manager Wippler wanted to remind the Commission that the group will be visiting the Middle Creek cemetery during its regular meeting on May 261. The meeting will begin on 6 pm to allow for additional daylight. 8. Commission Roundtable a. Commissioner Mohlis stated he is still working on the poster.He has two versions that he is currently working on. He will forward it on when finished and decides which version to use. b. Consultant Vogel wanted to make the Commission aware of a facade loan program that the City of Chatfield has recently implemented. It is for projects up to$25,000, 1%interest loans with the first $5,000 for façade renovations on historic buildings being a grant. The HPC may want to discuss a similar program in the future. 9. Adjourn Motion by McMillen,second by Haley,to adjourn at 7:35 p.m.APIF,Motion passed. Submitted by, /011 6..)-co4:2 Tony Wippler,Planning Manager 2 (o o 1,City of Farmington � 430 Third Street Farmington,Minnesota 0� 651.280.6800•Fax 651.280.6899 www ci.farmington.mn.us TO: Heritage Preservation Commission FROM: Tony Wippler,Planning Manager SUBJECT: Tour of Middle Creek Historic Cemetery DATE: May 26,2015 INTRODUCTION/DISCUSSION The Commission will take a tour of the historic Middle Creek Cemetery at its regular meeting on May 26,2015. The Commission will begin its meeting at City Hall in the Council Chambers in order to call the meeting to order and to review and approve the minutes from the March regular meeting and the April special meeting. Please note that the meeting will start at 6 pm to allow for additional daylight for the tour. Once action is taken on the minutes the Commission will then leave for the tour from the Rambling River Senior Center. After the tour of the cemetery is complete the Commission will reconvene at City Hall in the Council Chambers to complete and adjourn the meeting. I have attached to this memorandum the Heritage Landmark Planning Report for the cemetery. This is for your information only. ACTION REOUESTED No action is required for this item. Respectfully submitted, Jam` a-"41,4, Tony Wippler,Planning Manager I DOCUMENTATION SUPPORTING HERITAGE LANDMARK DESIGNATION OF THE MIDDLE CREEK HISTORIC CEMETERY COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE PRESBYTERIAN CEMETERY Heritage Landmark Planning Report Prepared by Robert C.Vogel Preservation Planning Consultant September 26,2002 INTRODUCTION This report documents the historical and architectural significance of the Middle Creek Historic Cemetery,commonly known as the Presbyterian Cemetery and makes the case for the property's eligibility for designation as a Farmington Heritage Landmark pursuant to§2-11-4 of the Farmington City Code. Farmington Heritage Landmarks are the buildings, sites, and districts so designated by the City Council in recognition of their historical, architectural, archeological, and cultural significance. Properties are notinated by Heritage Landmark designation by the Heritage Preservation Commission(HPC)following a public hearing. Under state law, the Minnesota Historical Society must also review each nomination. Once a property has been designated a Farmington Heritage Landmark, this report becomes part of the official designation and is used to guide planning for the preservation,protection,and pse of the historic property. The Heritage Landmark Planning Report is based on the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form.For more information about registration standards and guidelines for preparing the report,please refer to the National Park Service publication, How to Complete the National Register Registration Form; and the Historic Preservation chapter of the City of Farmington Comprehensive Plan. ADMINISTRATIVE DATA Name of Property: The official name of the property nominated for landmark designation is the Middle Creek Historic Cemetery. The site is also commonly known as the Presbyterian Cemetery. Location: Southeast quarter of Section 25,Township 114 North Range 20 West, immediately north of the Middle Creek Estates subdivision. Owner: On December 17, 2001, the Farmington City Council accepted the cemetery from the First United Presbyterian Church, the owner of record (Resolution R114-01). 1 .a HPC Determination of Eligibility: The Farmington Heritage Preservation Commission evaluated the cemetery and found that it meets the criteria for heritage landmark eligibility. A finding of significance was issued by the HPC on December 6, 2001. State Historic Preservation Office Review: In accordance with Minnesota Statutes §471.193,the Minnesota Historical Society will be sent a copy of this report for review and comment before the nomination is heard by the Farmington City Council. Classification: For preservation planning purposes, the property is considered a historic site. Historic and Current Function/Use: Historically,the site was used as a cemetery. It currently functions as open space. DESCRIPTION Site Classification:Abandoned rural cemetery. Boundaries: The boundaries of the heritage landmark are those of the parcel historically associated with the cemetery. •Narrative Description: The historic cemetery is situated on the summit of low,wooded hill(elev. 956 ft. above sea level)near the intersection of Akin Road and Eve's Way,immediately north of the Middle Creek Estates Subdivision. The burial ground encompasses a rectangular shaped parcel measuring approximately 264 by 165 ft. and oriented east west. Historically,the site was unplatted but removed from routine farming activities.It was in use until the early twentieth century,when it was abandoned and fell into neglect. It does not appear to have been enclosed with any kind of fence. The traditional nineteenth century graveyard ornamental trees, such as pines or cedars, are absent and there is no evidence of any hedgerows, shrubbery,or grave plantings.Near the center of the historic site there is a small open area with a cluster of stone grave makers and scattered fragments of broken gravestones. The largest of these is a marble tablet inscribed in low relief with the names of Charles Seward, S. Anderson, and Caroline Seward. The other stones and stone fragments lack readable inscriptions. The is evidence of an old trail or lane leading to the cemetery from Akin Road, but at present public access to the site is over a pedestrian trail from the city's Pine Knoll lift station. Information about the persons interred at the cemetery is sketchy. According to the 1881 narrative history of Dakota County,the first burial,that of Ada Bacon, occurred in 1859, and in June, 1868, the plot of land was donated by Samuel Osborne to the Trustees of the Farmington Presbyterian Church for use as a cemetery. Charles Seward's obituary in the March 8, 1901, issue of the Dakota County Tribune, notes that he was 2 -, 9 buried in the"old cemetery in Judson's Grove." The obituary written for his wife, Jane Osborne Seward, printed in the Tribune on November 13, 1903, states that she was "interred in the Presbyterian cemetery"alongside her husband and two of their children. The cemetery is located on the map of Farmington published in 1896 but it does not appear on any modern topographical or street map. Local genealogists have documented at least twenty-four burials, including several members of the Seward and Witherell families, and suggest that the cemetery was no longer used after about 1906. The site is visible as a clearing surrounded by farmland on an aerial photograph flown in 1937 and the cemetery is noted on the Farmington Quadrangle USGS topographic map published in 1974.A grave robber is purported to have disturbed at least one grave in 1980. Except for occasional notice in local newspapers and a brief article in the county historical society's newsletter, the cemetery was largely forgotten until 2001, when Arcon Development and D. R. Horton proposed to build a residential subdivision called Middle Creek Estates on a 40.74 acre parcel west of Akin Road. The abandoned cemetery appeared on the site plan as an unregistered parcel of vacant land adjacent to the north boundary of the subdivision. The Heritage Preservation Commission reviewed the Middle Creek Estates preliminary plat application and on October 18, 2001, recommended that the developer survey the cemetery,stake the boundaries,and fence the site as a condition of plat approval. When the Council approved the preliminary plat on December 17,2001,a contingency of approval stated that the developer had to"re-survey the cemetery site to ensure no additional markers lie outside the property and to identify the property corners." EVALUATION Applicable Heritage Landmark Criteria: The Middle Creek Cemetery is eligible for Heritage Landmark designation because of its documented association with specific patterns of events which have made a significant contribution to Farmington history(City Code§2-11-4A). Local Historic Context: The property was evaluated within the local historic context,"Churches and Cemeteries,"as delineated in the 1995 historic context study. Area of Significance: Social history. Period of Significance: 1859 to ca. 1906. Narrative Statement of Significance: The Middle Creek Cemetery is a vernacular landscape site that was used as a burial ground by residents of Farmington between 1859 and ca.. 1906. Evaluated within the local historic context"Churches and Cemeteries,"it is historically significant for its association with the First Presbyterian Church (est. 1865) and the broad pattern of nineteenth century cultural values and funerary practices in rural Farmington. The site is distinguishable from its surroundings by the presence of gravestones and shallow depressions in the surface of the ground which are interpreted as graves. Its historic 3 • -, 0r /0 function as a cemetery has also influenced the character and composition of surrounding development, both agricultural (1850s through 1960s) and suburban (1970s to the present). The Middle Creek Cemetery is a representative example of the small burial grounds which are scattered across Minnesota's rural landscape. As a cultural relic, the site represents a distinctive folk tradition and helps to tell the stories of the area's earliest settlers and their rural way of life. The rural setting is evocative of the early period of settlement and the surviving gravemarker is typical of the period. Interwoven with the site's landscape history are the lives of the individuals who are buried there. Heritage landmark designation is only a step in the preservation of the historic site,which should be reclaimed for public use as conservancy open space. The Heritage Preservation Commission has recommended that the burial ground be marked with four freestanding masonry columns or obelisks, set approximately 100 ft. apart. The corners should also be staked. Signs and markers would be helpful in informing visitors of the site's historical significance and natural heritage. It should not be necessary to reset fallen gravestones or replace lost monuments with new markers,though it is recommended that the city remove all fallen tree branches, buckthorn, and other undesirable plant material. Routine pruning of trees and shrubs, weeding, and mowing are the keys to historic site maintenance and the natural beauty of the site could be enhanced through appropriate landscaping. Well maintained site and appropriate interpretation will demonstrate the city's commitment to preserving a respectable environment for public use. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties are the required basis for historic site preservation and rehabilitation work, and the National Park Service has also issued guidelines for the treatment of cultural landscapes which are applicable to historic cemeteries. BIBLIOGRAPHY • "The Abandoned Cemetery of Farmington Village." Over the Years vol. 32 (Winter 1992). Agricultural Adjustment Administration. Dakota County, Minnesota, aerial survey photographs, 1937. Borchert Map Library,University of Minnesota. Birnbaum, Charles A., and Christine Capella Peters. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes. Washington: U.S.Department of the Interior,National Park Service, 1996. History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, by Rev. Edward D. Neill, and Outlines of the History of Minnesota, by J.Fletcher Williams. Minneapolis:North Star Pub.Co., 1881. 4 ?/ • /1 Pinkney, B. F. Plat Book of Dakota County, Minnesota. Philadelphia: Union Publishing Co., 1896. Potter,Elizabeth Walton and Beth M.Boland. Guidelines for Evaluating and Registering Cemeteries and Burial Places. National Register Bulletin 41. Washington: U.S. Department of the Interior,National Park Service, 1992. Sloan, David Charles. The Last Great Necessity: Cemeteries in American History. Baltimore:Johns Hopkins University Press, 1991. Vogel, Robert C. Farmington Historic Context Document: Final Report of the Historic Context Study, 1994-1995. Unpublished report prepared for the Farmington Heritage Preservation Commission,July, 1995. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION 1. USGS Farmington Quadrangle topographic map. 2. Middle Creek Estates site plan. 3. Photographs of historic site. 5 • lZ 1. 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