Body
Department of Community Development
Reference:
To: Mayor Kenneth J. Kreutzer and Members of City Council
Through: Holly Prather, AICP, Community Development Director,
Marv Falconburg, Assistant City Manager,
Philip Rodriguez, City Manager
Prepared By: Historic Preservation Commission
Jolie Diepenhorst, Historic Preservation Coordinator
Date Prepared: February 23, 2018
PURPOSE
A resolution requesting authorization for the submittal of a grant application to History Colorado for the State Historic Fund (SHF) for an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 for the “Brighton Grain Elevator Historic Structure Assessment Grant” and to authorize the City Manager to sign the grant application and, if the grant is awarded to finalize and execute a Grant Agreement.
BACKGROUND
The “Brighton Farmers Cooperative Elevator Co.” was formed in 1918. As a cooperative, farmers held a share in the company for a financial commitment. In return the co-op purchased their grain at fair market prices. By 1920, co-operatives began to dominate the national and Colorado agricultural scene. In 1923, the Brighton Farmers Co-op sold grain, flour, and feed, the Champion line of farm implements, and the Max Hewitt line of tires and tubes. In 1938, Frank Ottesen purchased the grain elevator from the struggling Co-op. Ottesen modernized the mill; it was under his tenure that many of the additions were constructed. He electrified the mill, and installed separate motors for the barley roller, feed mixer, and other equipment. It was soon shipping 45 to 50 carloads of wheat each year. The elevator’s capacity in 1948 was 40,000 bushels. The biggest business under Ottesen, though, was dairy feed. The elevator company also produced their own line of chicken, pig and horse feed called “Top Notch.” Frank Ottesen was the sole owner until 1959 when the business was incorporated. It was sold to William Arthur in 1993, who incorporated the business as Arthur’s Brighton Grain Company. The business eventually declined as the number of nearby dairy farms closed. Arthur added other feed for sale, as well as bagged feed products from national companies. Declining agricultural markets and failing equipment eventually led to its closure in 2012.
The Brighton Grain Elevator is currently owned by the Union Pacific Rail Road. Ryan Johnson, the Director of Brighton Urban Renewal Authority, received permission from the Union Pacific property management to assess the property.
The total cost for the “Brighton Grain Elevator Historic Structure Assessment” project is estimated at $20,000.00. The History Colorado-State Historical Fund grant project is a combination of both this grant request and matching funds provided by the Economic Development Corporation, Brighton Urban Renewal Authority, and the Brighton Historic Preservation Commission. The SHF grant request of $10,000.00 (50% of total) will equal the cash match of $10,000.00 (50% of total).
In order to receive the SHF grant monies, the attached resolution must be approved by City Council so that the City can submit this Grant Application. The resolution authorizes the City to apply for SHF Grant funding through the Non-Competitive Historic Structure Assessment Grant Application, and authorizes the city manager to sign the Grant Application and, if the grant is awarded, to finalize and execute a Grant Agreement to be provided to the City Council for review. The City Attorney has reviewed the draft resolution.
CRITERIA BY WHICH COUNCIL MUST CONSIDER THE ITEM
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Awarded History Colorado-State Historical Fund Grant Application funds of $10,000.00 will be used for the “Brighton Grain Elevator Historic Structure Assessment” Project. Economic Development will provide $5000.00 as a cash match, the Urban Renewal Authority will provide $5000.00 as a cash match, for a total of $10,000.00 (50%) of the required cash match, in 2018. The total project cost is $20,000.00.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve the Resolution authorizing Staff to submit the State Historical Fund Grant Application requesting grant funding in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 for the “Brighton Grain Elevator Historic Structure Assessment” Project; and authorizing the City Manager to sign the Grant Application, and if the grant is awarded to finalize and execute a Grant Agreement to be provided to the City Council for review
OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
• Approve the Resolution, or
• Deny the Resolution.
ATTACHMENTS
Draft Resolution
Historic Structure Assessment Grant Application
Historic Structure Assessment Maps and Images
Historic Structure Assessment Project Budget
Signature of Union Pacific Representative