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MINiITES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />APRIL 10, 1996 <br />they have had calls questioning the City adding on <br />space to City Hall for a private organization. <br />Fahey pointed out that the Fire Department is a private <br />organization which is housed in a City building. This <br />situation exists because it is in the best interest of <br />the City and public safety. Fahey suggested it was <br />appropriate to spend public dollars on something that <br />is important to the City. Fahey felt the Historical <br />Society plays a similar role, and that culture and <br />heritage are important to preserve and display. <br />Pedersen pointed out that the Fire Department provides <br />an essential service while the Historical Society does <br />not. <br />Scalze suggested that even though the Historical <br />Society is a private organization, it is almost a <br />committee of the City, like the Planning Commission, <br />for example. <br />Fahey pointed out the Historical Society has made a <br />substantial investment in the community, and is now at <br />a crossroads because of special needs. <br />Pedersen suggested Little Canada was more a <br />neighborhood on the fringes of the Metro area. <br />Pedersen felt the history o£ Little Canada and Ramsey <br />County are intertwined, and questioned whether Little <br />Canada should develop a Historical Society and put a <br />lot of money into it when it is just part of the bigger <br />picture. Pedersen pointed out that Little Canada is <br />9,000 people in the midst of 2 million. Pedersen asked <br />if the history of Little Canada could be preserved <br />without a building. Pedersen felt there were ways to <br />do this without building a museum. <br />Jean Donovan pointed out the Cities of Maplewood, <br />5horeview, and Roseville are providing space for their <br />historical societies, and that Little Canada always <br />compares itself with its surrounding cities. <br />Pedersen pointed out that in addition to the building <br />cost, there are significant on-going costs. <br />Fahey felt there were lots of advantages to be gained <br />in supporting the Historical Society, including <br />community pride, preservation of Little Canada's <br />heritage, and educational considerations. <br />Pedersen acknowledged the importance of history, but <br />5 <br />