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

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Mr. Schroeder stated that estimated moving costs were gotten from Ernst Moving. Relative to renovation costs, we received square foot estimates from KKE. The grant request - we requested roughly $25,000 to secure the building. We received $16,000. Beyond that - the remodeling would be relegated or limited to basic finish work. Isanti State Bank is giving us $80,000 for renovation in exchange for the land. Ms. Connelly asked if the City wouldn't recoup the $80,000 rather quickly from the sale of the land? Mr. Schroeder stated that if the building stays on its existing site, it's an historical resource. If moved, you still have use of the building for the community but it's no longer on the register. Councilmember Beyer stated she would like to see something further done so the community could use the building. She commented that Ms. Connelly's ideas were excellent and she felt that some would not be carried out if the building remains on it's original site. Councilmember Peterson stated that the building was offered to the elementary school and they did not want it on their property. Ms. Connelly stated they do not want it on the school property because of the maintenance. Mayor Hardin suggested that the school could bus students to the site for a field trip. Ms. Connelly commented that there is a cost of $2 - $3 per student for the bus. Councilmember Beyer stated that the building has great potential and she sees it as a positive to move it. Alena Hunter, 14628 Heliun~ Street NW, Ramsey, stated that if the building were to be moved, would there be a limit to what could be done on the inside - like hanging pictures that have historical significance and having the Minnesota Historical people come and talk about the buildings history. What can we say about its historical value if it's moved. Mayor Hardin stated that we should be able to hang what we want and basically do what we want with the inside of the building. Ms. Hunter clarified her question by stating would the historical society provide speakers, etc. if the building were no longer on their Registrar. Mayor Hardin stated probably not plus there would be grants that would not be available to the building because it is not on the Register. Ms. Hunter stated she would like to support City Council's decision to keep the building where it is. It's an entrance to the City plus it has historical value. She stated that as a representative of the Ramsey Women of Today, she would express support to have the building stay at its present location. She expressed concern about teaching historical value to our children and also concern with not getting grant moneys that could otherwise be designated for that building. Ms. Connelly stated she works with 30 - 40,000 school age children at the Anoka County fairgrounds. The children do not mind nor do the adults that the buildings came from another area. She talked about theater groups performing outside of the building but that it would be feasible with all the noise. She also talked about bussing students and the fact that there isn't anywhere to park the busses. City Council/January 23, 1996 Page 12 of 15