[PAGE 1]
Special Meeting Minutes: West Hills Commission
Date: February 15, 2023 Location: Owatonna Arts Center
Board Members Present Absent Other Attendees Present Absent Others Present
Jan Tippett, Chair X Staff: Mary Jo Knudson X
Nancy Vaillancourt, VC X Staff: Aaron Fitzloff X
Carol Zetah X Anne Peterson, committee X
member/presenter
Dan Gorman X Joni Hubred, Steele Co. Times X
Arlan Burmeister X Silvan Durben, OAC X
Topic/Item Summary of Discussion Action
A special meeting was called by Chair Jan Tippet at the request of commissioner Nancy Vaillancourt. Notice was given to
the public Friday, February 10 in the City’s weekly meeting posting.
Call to Order Called to order at: 12:00 p.m. Tippett
Item 1 – Discussion of Aaron gave an update referring to a recent newspaper article that the Fitzloff
Council Chambers project was already $9,000 under budget. This was due to two change
renovation orders before work begins. The scheduled start is April 1, 2023, with a
groundbreaking ceremony on April 4. Things are currently in the
submittal stages and approving drawings. The project is scheduled for
completion September 1, 2023.
Item 2 – Discussion of Nancy & Anne shared the background to the project they have been Vaillancourt &
history timeline and working on. SHPO recommended history showing how the chambers Peterson
display in the chambers once looked. A three-sided history display is planned for the corner of
the room when walking in from the outside area. They shared an
original drawing of the 1892 Amusement Hall & Chapel. The original
stage was on the opposite end of the chambers and then moved to its
current location after the 1904 fire.
They are documenting current conditions with photographs for future
reference.
Anne submitted a $14,850 grant pre-application to Minnesota Historical
Society to assist with costs for the historical display. She intends this to
be a cooperative effort with the Steele County Historical Society and the
City.
Nancy emphasized the focus of the display would be why Owatonna was
chosen for the school and then how it evolved to become City Hall. The
display will take on a timeline presentation.
Certain items are to be saved prior to demolition. Nancy provided
Aaron with that list.
• Three wood & metal coat racks in the room
• The stage curtain (for part of the display)
• Metal grates for ventilation (base of the stage and a larger one
higher)
Item 3 – Letter to SHPO The architect is working on a letter to possibly include an opinion by the Vaillancourt
giving the commission’s West Hills Commission. Motion: Gorman
approval of historical A motion was made by Gorman, seconded by Zetah to approve the Second: Zetah
display historical work so far an to include the information in the letter to SHPO Ayes Unanimous
via meeting minutes.
Item 4 – Name Nancy & Anne gave a background to the group of Charles S. Crandall, Vaillancourt &
recommendation for new the “Father of the State Public School” Peterson
area A motion by Zetah, seconded by Vaillancourt that Crandall, and Motion: Zetah
appropriate verbiage before or after be in the name. Second:
Vaillancourt
Ayes Unanimous

[PAGE 2]
Closing Some discussion followed regarding next steps – most likely a
presentation at a City Council work session and then a Purpose Memo
for the name approval.
Additional meeting information included.
Adjournment Meeting Adjourned: 12:47 p.m. Motion: Gorman
Next meeting April 20, 2023 at Owatonna Arts Center; Second: Zetah
lunch provided by: Nancy & Dan Approved