HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC Minutes 20090302 Special Meeting
HASTINGS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes of the Special Meeting of March 2, 2009
Held at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall
I. Quorum
: Goderstad, Dahl, Martin, Sovik-Siemens, and Hellie present. Staff: Fortney;
Chairman Goderstad called the meeting to order.
II. Business
A.Respond to Minnesota Department of Transportation’s determination of feasibility
regarding the Highway 61 bridge rehabilitation.
Fortney gave the staff report. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has been studding
ways to rehabilitate the existing bridge to meet the present requirements along with building a
new bridge next to it. If the bridge were rehabilitated, it must last 75 years and have redundancy
that would keep the bridge from collapsing if a part of the primary support failed. MnDOT
developed three possible rehab options, which included and external cable bridge, external arch
truss parallel to the existing, and an internal redundancy system that would replace some existing
gusset plates and girders and add additional girders and cables. All three options would be costly
and significantly increase the construction timeline.
MnDOT determined that all three options would render the bridge ineligible for the national
register. SHPO believes the option of internal redundancy may not render the bridge ineligible.
Commissioner Hellie said that the rehab options would alter the bridge greatly and require a
great deal of inspections and maintenance. He added that the community will be sorry to once
again loose its historic bridge.
Commissioner Sovik-Siemens said that the proposed alterations to the bridge would compromise
its historical integrity.
Commissioner Martin said the HPC should once again reiterate its support for the arch type
design for the replacement bridge.
Chair Goderstad said that the new bridge should have plenty of quality lighting.
Commissioner Dahl said that the money saved from not rehabilitating the existing bridge should
nd
go towards bridge area improvements including historic landscaping, 2 St overpass
improvements, proper lighting, and railings on the bridge.
Motion by Hellie, second by Martin to:
Concur with MnDOT’s findings that the bridge rehabilitation option is not feasible
given the lengthy construction timeline, future maintenance requirements, and most
importantly the proposed modifications would compromise the historical integrity
of the bridge. However, the HPC once again will regret loosing its iconic bridge due
to its age and area growth.
An alternative to modifying the existing bridge to meet the needs of a new era would
be to construct a quality arch bridge that compliments all eras. This would be
accomplished by a bridge that honors the past bridges, is elegantly designed, and
reflects the historic architecture of Hastings.
The Hastings HPC has been appreciative of MnDOT soliciting its input on this
project thus far. The HPC awaits the opportunity to provide further input
regarding construction impacts, bridge design, related area improvements, and the
overpass of Second St; motion carried.
III. Adjourn.
Motion by Martin, second by Hellie to adjourn; motion carried. – 6:46 P.M.