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Document - Historical Society Minutes - Minutes - 8/5/2003Eagan Historical Society Minutes of August 5, 2003 Meeting A meeting of the Eagan Historical Society was held on Tuesday, August 5, 2003, in the Community Room at Eagan City Hall. Present at the meeting were Ted Wachter, Gin Knight, Bea Blomquist, Mary Ellen Voracek and staff members, Joanna Foote and Beth Wielde. In the absence of both the Chair and Vice-Chair, staff facilitated the meeting. Historic House Beth Wielde, Parks Research/Special Projects Coordinator gave a brief update on an historic house, which was once located on the West Publishing property. Several years ago, the house was relocated to a lot near Highway 55 and Lone Oak Road. That property has now been purchased by the Copeland’s for the “Gift of Mary Children’s Home” project and the house will likely be declared surplus property and be removed. Council directed staff and the Historical Society to look into the possibilities of acquiring the house from the Copelands, to assess its historic value and the cost involved in moving it. The Council suggested that it might be utilized as a Park Field House at Thresher’s Fields. The Council also suggested that the Historical Society might get involved in determining the historical value of the home. Beth stated that it would require a substantial financial commitment both to relocate the house and to bring the house up to code, which has stricter requirements if the building is to be used for a public purpose. Staff has made preliminary inquiries and the Copeland’s seem amenable to working with the City if we wish to relocate the home and indicated that they will not likely make any move to remove or otherwise dispose of the house until at least spring, 2004. Cost estimates for a move and upgrade are included as an attachment but would likely be in excess of $140,000 to $190,000. Joanna also reported that another historic home on Yankee Doodle Road, across from Carbone’s Restaurant is also about to be removed for development. As she recalled, this house was once the home of the DesLaurier family. Staff will also look into the feasibility of the preservation of this home and determine the options available and the timeline in which the developer wishes to proceed. The developer also indicated that he would be willing to work with the City if it wanted to relocate the home. Staff will keep the membership updated on both issues. Approve June 3, 2003 Minutes The minutes of the June 3, 2003 Historical Society meeting were approved as presented. Review “52 Historic Eagan Places/Facts” Project Committee members reviewed the project. They agreed that a computer should be set up at the Open House to show the cards if possible. They also concurred that the cards should be enlarged and displayed on a wall. Plan for September 21 Open House Plans for the Open House scheduled for September 21 were discussed. The Open House is set for 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On September 2, members will meet at 1:30 p.m. and may continue working through the regular meeting time, if necessary, and prepare for the Open House. Consider Meeting with Eagan Senior (History) Group at Community Center The Eagan Seniors Group at the Community Center will be starting a group for those interested in history. It was suggested that our membership work along with this group for mutual benefit. The Historical Society members agreed and asked staff to confirm meeting times and details and keep them updated regarding the group. Next Historical Society Meeting The next meeting of the Historical Society was scheduled for Tuesday, September 2 at 1:30 p.m. • To move the house 2 miles would cost about $15,000 to $20,000. • Total costs to move the house would be about $60,000 to $70,000, including the necessities such as: - Move 2 miles - Excavation - Construction of a new foundation - Utility hook-up • To convert the house specifically to a public facility, there are certain code standards it would have to meet. Dale Schoeppner told us that the following are necessary: - ADA outfitting for compliance - Enlarging doorways - Rewiring - Re-plumbing - Improving ventilation and air handling - Installation of washable surfaces - Sprinkler system - Reconfiguration of walls and structural elements - Public use restrooms. • These changes have been estimated at no less than $80,000-$120,000, and that doesn’t include the fees incurred during a move. • Total costs could run the City anywhere from $140,000 to $190,000. • A brand-new shelter and restroom building generally costs (depending on design and amenities) $80,000 to $120,000.