Minutes - Council - 01/23/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Beyer commented that Mayor Hardin's concerns are legitimate. This is a pilot project and we will learn a lot from it. She felt that the project looked like a win/win situation for everyone involved. Motion by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Beahen to authorize staff, the City Attorney and the task force to proceed on the D.A.R.E. House Project and bring back, as close as possible, concrete numbers for the agreement and answers about marketing, etc. along with any potential down side of the project to Council for review. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Hardin, Councilmembers Beyer, Beahen, Peterson and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Case //14: Discuss Old Town Hall City Administrator Schroeder stated that he spoke to Dennis Grimmestad, Minnesota Historical Society Compliance Officer, regarding the old Town Hall. If the building is moved or destroyed, an EAW would be required in that it is on the National Historic Register. It is possible to get a building pre-approved from the Register to move it and maintain its status or to reapply for status after it's moved; however, the likelihood of approval is very small. He inquired about compatible adjacent land uses and was told that incompatible adjacent uses makes the historic resource even more provocative in that it shows the change in the setting over time. However, they (Historical Society) prefer to see compatible adjacent design. Mr. Schroeder believed it is the position of Isanti State Bank that removal of this building would change the entire focus of their effort and their marketing plan. The Historical Society was pleased to hear that the building was going to be preserved on its existing site. They have approximately $2,500 that has been set aside for this building. Mr. Schroeder addressed the concerns expressed about the end use of this building. As long as the City retains ownership of the building, the City has control over future use of it. Council has not determined any interim or end use but he believed the end use will be as a community focal point of some sort (educational, museum, meeting facility) with "perhaps" a different interim use. Remodeling the building does not restrict the City from moving the building at some point in the future. It could cause the City to pay back grant funds but it could still be moved. Margaret Connelly, 16235 Kamacite Street NW, Ramsey, stated that some of the citizens were surprised because they felt the old town hall was a "done deal". She suggested that Ramsey Elementary would like the opportunity to help work on plans and talked about that it would have to be within two miles of the school to be walking distance for a field trip. She added that she was also informed that the old town hall could crumble if it were moved plus maintenance cost is another concern. Some people have even suggested rebuilding a "new old town hall" using the original bricks. Ms. Connelly felt that the old town hall is a wonderful opportunity for Ramsey to offer the community something but there are so many concerns. She asked that all options be explored and suggested forming a task force. Mayor Hardin stated that we had gotten some estimates a few years ago about moving the old town hall. With regard to the restoration costs, it would be about the same where it is or if it were moved. He stated he has seen some historical buildings moved to parks and they have been vandalized. He expressed favor in keeping it at it's present location and felt that historical significance was important. He commented that Ms. Connelly's suggestions for uses of the building were very good one and that there are a lot of ways this building and others in the City can be utilized. He commented on the municipal center and the park center building not being fully utilized. City Council/January 23, 1996 Page 11 of 15