Document - Historical Society Minutes - Historical Society Meeting Minutes - 5/6/2014MEETING NOTES/MINUTES
EAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
TUESDAY
May 6, 2014
3:30 p.m. – 2nd Floor Conference Room A/B
Members present: Chair Mary Ellen Voracek, Vice-Chair Kim Hazel, Millie Gignac, Bernie
Jansen, Joan Remick, Ted Ringberg, Dawn Simpson, Lori Tripp and new member Dave
Bostrom. Also present was Communication Coordinator Joanna Foote.
MEETING MINUTES & SECRETARY
The minutes from April, 2014 were accepted as presented.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY BUSINESS
1914 Town Hall Museum Update
Recap of Architects Proposal
Foote gave an update on the 1914 Town Hall Recovery/Transition Planning. Two proposals
have been received for architectural services, to prepare design options and cost estimates for
several scenarios to restore/relocate the 1914 Town Hall Museum and expand the Eagan
Historical Society functional space. The City Council took action to enter into a contract with
Mohagen Hansen a local firm that has partnered with the MacDonald & Mack, (MacDonald &
Mack specific experience with historical projects).
The firm met with the City Administrator Osberg and a variety of staff. Foote asked Voracek
and Tripp to join her to represent the EHS on May 2, 2014 to assess Historical Society and
community needs so that the architects could prepare proposals which would include pricing (per
square foot) and preliminary drawings with several options at a June City Council Workshop.
Option 1: City Hall campus - either a stand-alone or attached to existing building.
Option 2: Former Fire Administration building - pieces/sections of the Old Town Hall
incorporated into the interior or on the outside of building? What could shared spaces
look like.
Option 3: Library site with Old Town Hall re located next to the library with a patio. Possible
addition connecting to the library.
City s taff has also informally met with a variety of possible partners, organizations to determine
interest and feasibility to co-locate within the former Fire Administration building (one of the
potential scenarios) for Historical Society purposes. Interest has been shown by several parties.
Voracek and Tripp added comments and concerns as they recapped the meeting. The discussion
included partnerships, possible locations and need for interior spaces. They felt that the
architects were giving full consideration for what the committee was looking for.
Recap Meeting with Eagan Historical Society Members
While discussing what the three hoped to represent, at the architects meeting, Foote, Voracek
and Tripp realized that there is a broad variance of opinion on what the space configurations
might look like in each of their minds’-eye.
Foote attempted to explain the divergence by placing various scenarios on a spectrum.
At one end of the spectrum: a wholly new space simply using some few parts of the Old
Town Hall within an interior display. Whether at Fire Administration, City Hall or
Library, these scenarios envision a new museum attached and consisting of 2,000 to
2,500 square feet. These options would include pieces or parts of the Old Town Hall
inside. Nothing of the Old Town Hall exterior would remain.
At mid-spectrum: scenarios that would use an abundance of the Old Town Hall as
exterior finishes, retaining some exterior look of the Old Town Hall with a new
functional display/meeting classroom, etc. space of 2,000-2,500 square feet.
At far end of the spectrum: a refurbished/reconstructed Old Town Hall with an
additional new space or repurposed space for Historical Society use. To the other end of
the spectrum, the Old Town Hall as it looks today on the exterior with another 1,500 to
2,000 square feet either attached or nearby.
Clarification was made regarding the option surrounding the Fire Admin building. Foote
indicated that this option would likely only be considered if a partner that could pay to lease a
portion of the space were found.
Foote polled the group to determine where each member fell along that spectrum so that she is
able to accurately reflect the wishes of the group within the continuing discussions and
architectural refinements.
Remick wants to see the Old Town Hall moved and refurbished if possible. With that said, it is
very important to be able to walk through the original façade which could be located inside the
former Fire Administration building. She is concerned that the area is limited on site to refurbish
and locate the building there.
Simpson also wants to see a portion of the Old Town Hall façade on front but prefers it be
attached to the exterior of Fire Administration building. She did however mention the Lawshe
Museum interior rooms which depict a period home, barber shop, etc. at the DCHS as an
example.
Jansen would like to see a portions of the old structure placed inside. He envisions a more
modern museum overall.
Hazel suggested that if the building were to be razed, a new smaller replica structure could be
built and office space, meeting rooms, displays etc. would be at the Fire Administration. The
new structure would be used for the two open houses that take place each year.
Ringberg felt that the Fire Administration building and the library could be a problem. He
suggested constructing a new building connected or near City Hall with the architectural exterior
blending in with City Hall. He thought the duplication of the interior was more important and
should be the focal point not the façade of the building.
Bostrom, a Librarian at the Wescott Library, stated that the library really doesn’t have any
available space and felt that the area by the berm and plants not be removed.
Tripp would like new space using the façade, doors, windows and the stove as an interior
display. When you walk through the door you will see what has been preserved such as the
flooring and wainscoting, stove, gavel and voting booth. She would like to see a smaller
recreation of the original interior that represents what the Town Hall held but not necessarilay to
scale..
Voracek said that she would like the Old Town Hall restored as it was. Eagan doesn’t have any
buildings left of this era. She envisions it more as the Historical Society’s main artifact as well as
a museum. She compared it to the building in Farmington that the DCHS have. She had no
opinion which side of the street the office portion was located. She also said if the original
structure was to be demolished, she agreed with Tripp, to take out as many architectural items as
possible to achieve the realism.
Gignac agrees with Ringberg’s assessment.
Moving forward Foote and the committee felt that they had a clearer view and understanding as
where the group stood. She also felt optimistic that she would be able to share the architects
findings as they move forward.
Foote added that she was hopeful that the committee could go over the plans to weighing in even
if that means a special workshop. This would be a critical time for the committee to reiterate
their clarifications prior to it going to City Council. She will keep the committee informed on
when this will happen. The architects will meet with City Council sometime in June.
1914 Hall 100 Anniversary Recognition
Monday, September 8, 2014 Commemorative Event
Tripp has agreed lead the sub- committee for this event. Foote will help as her schedule allows.
She also mentioned a person from Eagan’s Park and Recreation Staff who is an events
coordinator. Her assistance can be requested if the sub-committee wishes.
It was agreed that activities will surround the acceptance of the painting by Larry Landis. The
sub-committee will consider other activities.
Other
Foote indicated she had made contact with a bus company that was potentially interested in
helping provide transportation for the video tour she would like to do with Martin DesLaurier to
discuss the historical details of various Eagan locations. She doesn’t have a commitment from
the company yet as they are in the process of moving to Eagan at present. The bus tour is
tentatively set for the first part of June. E-TV will be coordinated to record the tour.
Remick-Kennedy asked if anyone was interested in assisting at Lake Fest on Saturday, June 14
from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. unfortunately no one will be available.
Hazel brought in an article titled Burnsville history group revisits 1939. The exhibit will open on
May 8 and go through June 15 at the Ames Center in Burnsville. Hazel will coordinate with the
group a date to go and see the display. Article is attached.
Ringberg talked about Burnsville’s history newsletter. He said he would provide copies for
committee members.
Jansen gave an update DCHS Continuing its 75th Anniversary had a successful dance at the
Rosemount Community Center. Also, DCHS received a $25,000.00 Legacy Grant from the
MNHS for new exhibit based on the birth of the computer. The Navy is donating additional
equipment for display.
Tripp told the group that she has volunteered nine hours this past few weeks sorting, cleaning
and organizing papers for filing in the Historical Society’s basement office. When filing is done
she will start on a number of other projects to continue to bring order to the area and to the
collection. Other members are welcome to assist as available.
Foote received an email from a young Eagan woman who is attending college at Madison, WI
who would like to volunteer for the Eagan Historical Society this summer. Foote will meet with
her. Foote also had a call from a woman who is also interested in volunteering and indicates she
is interested in history. Foote will also make contact with her to determine how best to have both
assist.
NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at 3:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:20pm