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CITY OF ORONO MEMORANDUM <br />DATE: May 28, 2019 <br />TO: Mayor Walsh, City Council <br />FROM: Dustin Rief, City Administrator <br />RE: Heritage Preservation <br />Councilmember Seals has requested the City Council discuss Heritage Preservation, in response to a <br />resident inquiry. <br />City Statute Chapter 84C gives the City authority to establish a conservation district for "the purposes or <br />powers of which include retaining or protecting the natural, scenic, or open -space values of real property, <br />assuring the availability of real property for agricultural, forest, recreational, or open -space use, protecting <br />natural resources, maintaining or enhancing air or water quality, or preserving the historical, architectural, <br />archaeological, or cultural aspects of real property." <br />When considering a new commission the Council should agree on the purpose and intent. What is the <br />Council trying to achieve? If preservation of historic properties, what standards are to be considered to <br />include or exclude a property? Is property selection self initiates, and city directed? Are demolition and <br />or additions prohibited? If design standards are applied, who develops those and why? Are there <br />neighborhood or structures in mind for preservation? <br />The Council should also determine if these goals outweigh the costs associated with additional public <br />review layers and potential loss of private property rights <br />Some communities have chosen to establish a Heritage Preservation Board or Commission, primarily to <br />protect "historic" structures within the community. Area examples include Wayzata and Excelsior. <br />Wayzata. The City of Wayzata has a Historic Preservation Board, who advises the Council, City <br />Manager, and other "boards and commissions on all matters relating to heritage resource preservation, <br />protection and enhancement in the community. The HPB consists of up to five voting members, and a <br />minimum of three shall be residents." There are three current members and it appears they meet monthly, <br />except during the summer months. Copies of their agendas from 2019 are attached. <br />Excelsior. The City of Excelsior has established a Heritage Preservation Commission, it appears in 2016. <br />They also developed a design manual. The Commission meets monthly to review building permits and <br />other applications. The City of Excelsior, in addition to the two sites listed on the National Register, have <br />developed a much more comprehensive list of properties. It appears a prominent goal is preservation and <br />enhancement of their downtown charm. Excelsior is discussing financial incentives to encourage <br />landmark properties. <br />Staff seeks direction. Prior to any formal step, staff would recommend developing an initial list of <br />candidate properties, and holding a public meeting to discuss the potential commission. <br />Attachments <br />Exhibit A. Wayzata Agendas <br />Exhibit B. Excelsior Agendas <br />