Agenda - Council Work Session - 03/11/2025

Home

Ideas for use of the site include art classes and rental for small events. Staff has spoke with Mark Riverblood and he was not confident he could identify many viable park and recreation uses for that buildina based on the layout. outside noise and uncertain parkins. He noted he thouaht it was a better niche retail location if the use didn't require much parkina or if a parkins solution could be found. Visitor Center (Older Information), Former Mayor Kuzma expressed interest in movina the Old Town Hall to the Anoka County Mississippi West Reaional Park and to utilize it as a Visitor Center. More information is needed to determine the viability of this based on the information in the RCP Report which recommends aaainst movina the buildina. Notification: None required Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: This item was initiated for discussion by Council Members Specht and Buscher. This purpose of the case is to see if the Council has consensus moving forward on the status of the Old Ramsey Town Hall. • The information provided above in the Background Section and the Attachments for this case provide historical reference to past studies and actions by the City Council and EDA. • The repairs made to the Old Town Hall in 2024 have secured the building, improved curb appeal, and prevented deterioration of the building. As long as the City periodically conducts general maintenance, the building should remain in good shape. • Staff estimates the cost to fully renovate and bring the building back into use to be at least 120K (considers inflation of labor and material costs) Formal quotes would need to be obtained if that is the consensus of the Council. • If the building was brought into operation, a parking agreement would need to be negotiated with Security Bank and Trust next door. Alternatives generally include: 1) Do nothing, except for general property maintenance. (current direction) 2) Council Direction to provide direction for Staff to obtain more quotes and proceed with historic renovation to bring the building into operation. 3) Relocate the building. (it should be noted that the RCP Study did not recommend moving the building.) 4) Something else Funding Source: No funding source has been identified. Full renovation costs funded through EDA funds is not supported by EDA. Recommendation: There is no recommendation by Staff or the EDA at this time Outcome/Action: Consensus by the City Council on next steps for Old Ramsey Town Hall Attachments