Agenda - Council - 01/09/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Alena Hunter, 14628 Helium Street NW, Ramsey, stated that she is the President of the Ramsey Women of Today and that the organization has had many discussions about the old Town Hall. The general consensus is that the organization would like to help with the restoration. She felt it's important to preserve as much of the history of the City as possible. As an organization, the Women of Today has access to funds through applications with the State and National organizations. She offered the Ramsey Chapter's assistance with renovation, landscaping, funds, etc. She stated she would like Council to think about allowing non-profit organizations to use the building as a meeting place and, in turn, such organizations could be there to help maintain the building and the grounds. Mayor Hardin felt that was a good suggestion. Councilmember Beyer stated she is not opposed to restoring it but she is oPposed to restoring it on that site. Dennis Berg, Anoka County Commissioner, expressed relief to see efforts being made to preserve the building. He suggested there is more value to it at that location and. the opportunity afforded the Council tonight relating to the building preservation may not be offered again. He commented that this generation does not malize the history we get our strength from. He summarized some of the history he remembers from reading meeting minutes from the area. He suggested maybe an antique shop would be a good use for the building or that history of the area should be displayed in the building. "That Town Hall represented grass roots government. People should be able to look back and reflect". He felt that this history should be shared with the younger generation. Councilmember Beahen stated that she can understand Councilmembers Beyer and Zimmerman's concerns about the location but she feels it lends a sense of intrigue - a real sense of community to look at it on that particular site. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that he likes old buildings too but questioned at what price they should be preserved. Motion.by Councilmember Pcterson and seconded by Councilmember Beahen to approve the development agreement between the City and First State Bank of Isanti. Motion carded. Voting Yes: Mayor Hardin, Councilmembers Peterson and Beahen. Voting No: Councilmembers Zimmerman and Beyer. Mr. Schroeder stated he is excited that Mr. Johnson is bringing his bank to the City of Ramsey. Kevin Johnson, First State Bank of Isanti, expressed the hope that they can fit in and that he is glad to see that the historical building is going to remain on that site. Motion by Councilmember Peterson and seconded by Councilmember Beahen to authorize the completion of the subdivision of the development site. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Hardin, Councilmembers Peterson and Beahen. Voting No: Councilmembers Beyer and Zimmerman. Case #3: Development Agreement - Automated EDM City Administrator Schroeder stated that Automated EDM is currently located in Brooklyn Center and they are proposing to construct a 11,000 square foot facility in Ramsey at the City Council/November 28, 1995 Page 6 of 13 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ! I