Agenda - Council Work Session - 03/11/2025

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CC Work Session Meeting Date: Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: 2. 3. 03/11/2025 Create a positive image for residential neighborhoods, business districts and key corridors. Information Title: Old Town Hall Discussion -Renovation Quotes - EDA Recommendation -History - Next Steps Purpose/Background: Council Members Specht and Buscher asked for this item to be brought to City Council Work Session for discussion. The purpose of this case is to discuss the future/status of the Old Ramsey Town Hall Current Plan/Status The past Council has not directed staff to pursue renovating and/or opening the Old Ramsey Town Hall. Council direction is to continue general maintenance as necessary to ensure it does not deteriorate. The building is secure from elements and pests. PREVIOUS EDA DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION The EDA met and discussed the appetite for paying for the full renovation of the Old Town Hall. Ultimately, the EDA recommended that it was only comfortable funding the replacement of the weathered door, removing the pests and securing the soffits, and having public works remove the 2 dead and dying oak trees onsite. The EDA passed a unanimous motion to approve completing these items in an amount not to exceed $15,000 out of the Unemcumbered Fund Balance. In late 2024, DKN Construction, MN Wild Animal Management and City of Ramsey Public Works completed pest removal, door repair, paint and install, replacement of glass pane and painting of all windows for $12,528. The other renovation and repairs needed to occupy the building were not completed. Based on the previously provided low bid for the full renovation by DKN Construction on July 8, 2024 staff estimates the cost to complete the renovations (assuming some more inflation) would be at least $120,000. The building is hooked up to sewer and water, but a water meter is needed. The building has an operational furnace that is not hooked up but does not have air conditioning. The EDA spoke at length about the future use of the building and if it was something that the EDA would be comfortable operating. The EDA and Staff feared that the tenant pool would be limited and thought that it would be difficult for a new tenant to advertise if it couldn't put signage on the building. Limited parking and the limitations of leasing a historically restored building (chalkboards on walls, no air conditioning, awkward floor plan) were also challenges. The EDA also indicated that increasing the amount of rental properties the City manages would not be a good idea as the EDA/City is trying to reduce the city footprint of owned and leased land. The EDA also discussed if the site was worth developing if the building was removed or relocated. Staff indicated there were alot of mature trees there, the site was small, and access was terrible. INFORMATION FROM PREVIOUS EDA AND CITY COUNCIL CASES At the March 9th, 2024 City Council work session, the City Council discussed the idea of renovating the Old Town Hall Building as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration for the City of Ramsey. The