Agenda - Council Work Session - 04/22/2008

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Case #12: Authorize Staff to Proceed with the Process of Moving and Renovating the Old Town Hall Assistant City Administrator Nelson reviewed that the City Council discussed the Old Town Hall at their June 14, 2005 work session in response to a proposal from Landmark Bank stating they were interested in utilizing the building for additional office space. Staff was directed to obtain cost proposals for the completion of the renovations and moving the Old Town Hall to a park within the Town Center along with the cost proposal to upgrade the private street to a public street along the west side of Landmark Bank if the building were to remain in its current locati.on. She explained numerous improvements will need to be completed within the Old Town Hall in order to allow the building to be accessed and utilized by the public. Staff contacted KKE Architects, Inc., the architects that worked on the Old Town Hall in the late 90's, for the restoration cost proposal. The total construction cost came to $96,747, which includes a $20,000 structural repair contingency and $7,907 general contractor fee. Assistant City Administrator Nelson indicated staff contacted Prodger Housemovers, based out of Wyoming, MN for the cost proposal to move the Old Town Hall approximately three miles to Town Center. The cost came to $27,000. . The City would still be responsible for the trimming or removal of any trees along the moving route, penuits, escort fees, and overhead utility costs. In addition, the cost proposal does not include materials or installation of materials when the Old Town Hall is set on its new foundation. If the building is moved, the OA8-acre lot could be sold to a potential buyer. According to 2005 Anoka County records, the total market value is $120,100 and the market value of land is $101.200. A current appraisal could be acquired if Council wishes to direct staff to enter into discussions with adjacent land owners regarding the potential sale of the property. Due to the acreage size, the property could not accommodate a new commercial de\:,elopment. Landmark Community Bank has expressed an interest in the property to the City, as they are outgrowing their current facility and want to keep their main operations in the City of Ramsey. Children's World may also be interested in expanding their operation or parking lot. Assistant City Administrator Nelson advised the total cost of renovation and movement of the Old Town Hall is estimated at $150,000 to $200,000, These costs could be alleviated by the sale of the vacant lot. The proposed resolution formalizes the consensus that has been reached at work session with the Council. Mayor Gamec indicated he questions whether Town Center will be the right location for this building. If they expect businesses to do things right in Town Center the City needs to do things the right way as well. He noted this is one of the historic sites in Ramsey, and it would be beneficial to work with the Hist9rical Society. Council member Pearson stated one of the reasons he favors moving the building is because the site has changed and does not have the same feeling as before. The road has moved in too close and it is too crowded there. The nice thing about it now is it is the last remaining one room school in Anoka County. It would be nice to have kept that designation, but it does not fit in the present location and it could be utilized better somewhere else. 6 City Council / August 23,2005 Page 19 of 28 -7-