Document - Historical Society Minutes - Historical Society Meeting Minutes - 8/6/2014MEETING NOTES/MINUTES
EAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
TUESDAY
August 6, 2014
3:30 p.m. – 1st Floor Conference Room
Members present: Chair Mary Ellen Voracek, Vice-Chair Kim Hazel, Bea Blomquist, Martin
DesLauriers, Kenneth Ekblad, Steve Hansen, Bernie Jansen, Ted Ringberg, Dawn Simpson,
Lori Tripp. Also present was Communication Coordinator Joanna Foote.
MEETING MINUTES & SECRETARY
The minutes from July, 2014 meeting was accepted as presented.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY BUSINESS
The committee took a few moments to remember Alyce Bolke, Eagan’s first female
Township Clerk/Treasurer who served from 1960-1980. Alyce passed away on August 1, 2014
at the age of 96. Several members of the Committee were in attendance at her funeral
service. Alyce is commemorated as one of the “First Ladies of Eagan” although that display
was consumed within the fire at the 1914 Town Hall. It was noted that Alyce’s family has
many of the original articles about Alyce that were lost from the Society collection. The
family has offered to make these available.
The meeting agenda was revised in order to accommodate Tripp’s delayed arrival.
1914 Town Hall Museum Update
Foote stated that on August, 18, 2014, internal staff will meet with the architects to discuss
the feasibilities of moving the building and the cost. Then in early September, a City Council
workshop will be held and the facts will be presented to them for discussion and direction.
Blomquist mentioned that she had a conversation with Councilmember Hanson, when he
was out campaigning and she voiced concerns about the Old Town Hall and that something
needed to get done.
Hanson relayed to her that the public has shared some objections to the higher cost options.
Blomquist stated that she wasn’t sure what that meant and asked if the City had gotten a lot
of feedback from the public. Foote had said that there was one contact she was aware of
that expressed concern about costs, which came in following the architect presentation.
This resident was opposed to the Council spending millions of dollars on a new building for
the Historical Society. Foote indicated that this was the only negative she had heard directly
but that the City Councilmembers might hear comments that do not come through to her
attention. She also indicated that she has only heard from a couple people regarding their
hope that the building is saved.
Blomquist stated that with the November election looming, and two seats open in the City
Council race, it may make those Councilmember uncomfortable in making a decision at this
time. At this point, committee members are concern and are committed to keeping the Old
Town Hall a very high priority with Council. Simpson’s concern is we need to make it clear
that the building needs to be restored, that another winter is approaching and there are
concerns as to what will happen to the building if it sits too long.
DesLauriers indicated his strong hope that the City Council not let the election process hold
up a decision as it has already been a year of not much progress related to the Town Hall. He
feels they need to make a decision and move ahead soon.
Foote explained that there is a city wide space needs assessment that the City Gouncil had
indicated the Historical Society space needs should be incorporated within. This is presently
underway with a separate architect, Quinn Hutson. She further stated that she and Tom
Garrison met with this architect last week to share the Historical Society space needs. They
were able to show him the EHS priorities list, the current “office/storage space” and its
limited functionality, etc.
Voracek said the only thing we do know is how the current Council feels and after the
November election that could change if the Councilmembers were to change. Committees
members indicated they have received co0mments from residents who are confused about
what is going on with the status of the Old Town Hall. Foote said that because resident
comments and questions aren’t coming directly to her, she suggested that the group should
attempt to catalogue the remarks received so they can be made available to the Council or
others if needed..
DesLauriers asked would a decision be made before November if the building would be moved
Foote said she believed the Council would likely give direction at the September workshop
on whether or not the building will be moved.
Foote also went on to say that City Council has created and adopted its work plan/goals for
the next two years. One of these primary goals is to preserve Eagan’s History. She also
reiterated that the City Council opinions were very strong when it came to the importance of
the building to the community and that it remain in a prominent location and that it would
be an iconic show place for the community.
It was suggested that at the September 8, 100-year celebration of the Town Hall, to have a
postcard for visitors to write down their memories of the building and their suggestions or
comments as to why they would like to see the town hall restored and/or their thoughts on
its preservation. Some ideas also included put up a butcher paper banner and/or notecards
with a picture of the Old Town Hall and have people to add their comments or even a video
booth. Foote will develop options.
1914 Town Hall 100 Anniversary Celebration
Monday, September 8, 2014 Event
The celebration is planned for Monday, September 8, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the 1914 Town
Hall site.
Sub-Committee Update
Tripp led the discussion and provided update. The first item was the budget and making
sure things were in order. It was decided that they would pay musician $50.00 each and
feed them. With the cost of ice cream, root beer and supplies that there is plenty left in the
budget. Tripp described the book marks and said they will be printed on both sides with
facts of the Old Town Hall and the EHS itself. Voracek has designed and Foote will get them
printed. Kowalski’s has committed to bringing its food truck.
The group discussed the placement of tents, musicians and the fact that there will not be a
stage, food, coolers, tables, chairs, traffic issues and signs.
Foote suggested invitations/flyers to the surrounding neighbors of the Old Town Hall listing
the events going on and it’s has been in the newsletter in the July/Aug and will also be in the
Sept/Oct. She also said that it could go out on twitter, facebook, Web site, City of Eagan
sign and in the newspapers. It was also suggested that besides the neighbors and City
Council, an e-mail invitation should be extended to the City employees and the Fire Stations
volunteers.
Ringburg said that he did a bit of research and compiled a list of interesting occurrences
during the year. He handed out a list of 1914 historical facts and popular music that he had
compiled. Attached to the back of the facts was a page depicting the fashions from that era.
It was suggested that a large board showing the historical 1914 timeline along with items to
display could be a part of the event.
The conversation moved to the original oil painting depicting the 1914 Town Hall by artist
Landis, that will be formally donated to the Eagan Historical Society during the event. The
members asked if DesLauriers would accept it on behalf of the EHS and he agreed.
Numbered canvas prints will be reserved for the City and EHS members who would like to
have them, canvas prints and paper prints will be available for the general public to purchase
and/or order at the event. Pricing will be determined once costs are provided by Landis.
Members talked about what display items they would use and placement. Most pictures will
need to be reframed. Staging can take place at former Fire Administration and then moved
into place on site. Foote talked about the donation of two large framed portraits the
Society had received from Sue Olson and their potential use for display. The portraits are of
Englert family members, which is a branch of the same family that donated the property
where the Old Town Hal sits. Members decided they might be too valuable and delicate to
have on site but perhaps large photos of the portraits could be made. These Englerts owned
a farm near Blackhawk lake/road. Olson is trying to provide more family history to go with
the pictures.
Other
Two articles are attached titled Eagan may move Town Hall to municipal campus and Plans for
Old Town Hall move forward. Past Eagan Fire employee, Richard Lorinser’s obituary is also
included. Jansen gave an update on Millie Gignac’s health as she has been hospitalized and
is now home recovering from pneumonia.
NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at 3:30p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:12p.m.