Document - Historical Society Minutes - Historical Society Meeting Minutes - 3/3/2015MEETING NOTES/MINUTES
EAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
TUESDAY
March 3, 2015
3:40 p.m. – 2nd Floor Conference Room A/B
Members present: Chair Mary Ellen Voracek, Vice-Chair Kim Hazel, Millie Gagnac and Bernie
Jansen. Also present was Communication Coordinator Joanna Foote.
MEETING MINUTES & SECRETARY
The minutes from February 3, 2015 were approved and accepted with noted corrections.
1914 Town Hall Painting & Prints Update
Foote gave an update on sales of the painting. Members suggested that a special mailing go out
with a color copy of the painting to family members of those in the picture, friends and longtime
people connected with the City of Eagan. Foote noted that these folks are likely aware of the
print as it has been written about and color photo of the painting included in 2 or 3 newsletters –
which is delivered to every home in Eagan. It is also on the City Web site. She also noted that
she does not have an existing list with which to do such a mailing. Members decided to table
the idea for now. We are at no. 31/200 for numbered prints.
Landis taught staff how to varnish prints so we can better manage the preparation of canvas
prints. A supply of wrap/clear envelopes and backer boards have been purchased so each print
can be readied for sale and Landis will no longer need to supply materials and do the prep-work.
Recent news stories regarding the Town Hall and City Council discussions are contributing to the
interest and driving sales. The hope is that this will continue as the rebuilding project moves
ahead. Of the five canvas prints Foote has recently prepared, three of them are sold. One was
bought by a new home owner who is purchasing the property right next to the Old Town Hall.
1914 Town Hall Building Reconstruction
Foote has outlined the anticipated schedule for the restoration work to be done Old Town Hall
Bid and Restoration Schedule for members.
April 1-Bid Documents Complete
April 7 CC Mtg–City Council Approves Plans & Specs/Authorize Advertisement for Bids
April 14-Public Bid Notice
• Tuesday noon deadline for Friday publication
• Wait to advertise until after Council approval
• 3-Week Publication - Fridays April17, 24 & May 1
May 7-Bids Due
May 19 CC Mtg- Council awards bid
June 1-Construction Start
September 30-Construction Complete
Displays Discussion
It was suggested by Foote that a sub-committee be created to begin thinking about the building
and researching displays and set-up so they can be ready when the Town Hall is ready for use
this fall. A member suggested making a list of items that are pertinent for display and which
need to be framed, or otherwise prepared for displays as all items were removed from frames
due to water and smoke damage. Committee members had a discussion regarding a box of
items that were stored in a corner and whether or not they survive the fire? Foote indicated that
all items recovered and cleaned are stored at the former Fire Administration building and can be
accessible to the group as needed.
Foote also indicated the plans are moving forward for remodeling of the current City Hall
building. One of the thoughts is to reconfigure the space that used to be the main reception
area on the first floor, into a History timeline wall (similar to the one at the new Fire Safety
Center) and an history display area. (members present visited this area following the meeting).
Foote also indicated that current planning indicates an Historical Society office remain in the
basement of this building but that it be created as an enclosed, lockable workable office area
with good light, phone and computer accessible. A larger conference room is envisioned at City
Hall that would have an entrance from the outside for public meetings and that might also be
utilized by this group as a possible research space for the public.
Grant/Fundraising Opportunities
The group discussed how to best drive a discussion regarding potential fundraising options with
the City Council. Foote indicated there will be several upcoming Council meetings at which the
Town Hall and City Hall space needs will be discussed. She will try to determine whether these
meetings will afford opportunities to discuss fundraising direction with the City Council.
Foote also indicated she would try to get information regarding the details ofthe bid documents
to determine what is and what is not included in the base plans in order to start working on a
list for fundraising efforts. Foote gave an example; she and Vorachek had discussed window
glass and concluded that it would be less costly and easier to find “new” glass vs “old” glass and
they assumed that “new” glass is what would be included in the specifications. It appears,
however, that “old” glass is going to specified in the bid. The architects may have chosen the
old glass because of the small difference cost wise, and, its significant historical value to the
building. Foote will keep the members apprised of what she finds.
Members discussed the possibility of doing a specialty framing of commemorative prints as an
incentive for those who donate at specific levels. They will look into feasibility and discuss
further as fundraising strategies are identified.
Police 50th Anniversary
The Eagan Police Department will hold its 50th Anniversary celebration on Thursday, May 14th,
2015, at the Municipal Center Campus from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. As part of the commemoration,
Foote met with Chief MacDonald and Katy Jonas, Police Admin. And created a plan to highlight
the department history in the Experience Eagan newsletters throughout the year. Foote has
written about the department formation in the March/April newsletter and will work roughly
decade-by-decade through the 50-year span for the remaining newsletter issues in 2015.
The first article covers the years 1965 to 1975 titled Eagan Police Department – The Early Years and
shows an old photo of Police Chief Martin DesLauriers, sitting behind his desk and others from
the decade.
If members have any “slice of life” facts or stories from these years, 1975 to 1985, they are
encouraged to pass them on to assist Foote with compiling the next issue. The next issue due
out in May/June.
Other
Clarification was given that the annual Dakota County Historical Society meeting will be held
Saturday, March 28, 2015 (not in April as stated in February’s minutes) at the Southview Country
Club, West. St. Paul. Gignac indicated there will be great entertainment presented by Debbie
Schrierer along with Tom Olinger. Schrierer will bring in a variety of banjos and tell about their
history. Members will be entertained with banjo music.
Jansen gave an update about the DCHS. He stated that Lynn Grueber has left her position and the
Board is looking for a new executive director. He stated that there are eight contenders for the
board and an election will be held in March.
Included in the packet are the following: Three articles on the redevelopment of the former
Lockheed Martin site.
NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 3:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.