HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.01.92 Special Council Minutes
257
MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
SPECIAL
DECEMBER 1, 1992
1. Acting Mayor Galler called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. at the Senior Center.
Members Present: Orr, Rotty, Galler.
Members Absent: Kuchera, Mayer.
Also Present: Administrator Thompson, CPC Members, HRA Members, Administrative
Assistant Finstuen, Park and Recreation Director Bell.
2. The purpose of the meeting was to receive an update from the Citizens Preservation
Committee (CPC) on the status of the Exchange Bank Building. Kris Akin introduced
the CPC members. Carrol Westenberg noted the only way the community could lose
on this project would be if it did not try to preserve the building. Leslie McMurtrey
reported that the Chamber of Commerce had invited developer Dallas Haas and local
historian David Schreier to discuss the Exchange Bank Building at its last dinner
meeting. Kris Akin noted the Committee had:
a. Toured the building and recommended it be cleaned. (Parks and Recreation Director
Bell and EDC Director Henricks took care of the cleaning.)
b. Contacted the Minnesota Historical Society. (No grants available at this time,
but may be in the future - up to $6,000 in matching funds.)
c. Recommended the Council establish a Historic Preservation Committee. (Council
has established the HPC.)
d. Looked into receiving grants, donations and endowments.
e. Polled the downtown businesses. (Large majority were in favor.)
f. Met with City officials presently involved with Heritage Preservation Committees.
(Chaska, Hastings, Good Thunder.)
g. Approached the Chamber to provide support for the City Council and HRA.
3. Tim Savageau presented an overview of the Main Street Program. Kris Akin presented
possible uses for the Exchange Bank Building and submitted the following recommendations:
a. File an extension to avoid demolition.
b. Use CDBG monies for the renovation.
c. Educate the public on the use of CDBG funds.
d. Educate the public on the use of TIF and the HRA's role in community development.
e. HRA should consider development of the whole corner and preserve the Larson Building.
f. If a developer is agreeable to public space, more public support may be gained.
g. Public and private groups should work together to preserve the building.
A lengthy discussion followed regarding the future of the Exchange Bank Building and
surrounding properties. Several suggestions were made, including:
a. Look beyond the Exchange Bank Building and develop and overall plan.
b. Look at the immediate issue of avoiding the demolition of the building and the
long term issue of surrounding properties.
c. Don't just look at the economic side, but also the emotional side.
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Council Minutes - 12/1/92 - Page 2
e.
Try to focus on private use.
Work hard with the prospective developers.
Try to find a vehicle to communicate between the various groups.
Further clarify the financing - Chamber; other charitable gambling; CDBG, etc.
Search for additional grants.
d.
f.
g.
h.
4.
HRA Chair Sprute thanked the CPC for their efforts to date.
5.
MOTION by Orr, second by Rotty to adjourn at 9:15 P.M.. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
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Larry Thompson
City Administrator
Approved
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