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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />NOVEMBER 27~ 1996 <br />concern that over $300,000 would be spent on an <br />addition to the City Center to benefit a private group <br />consisting of 50 members of which 20 are active. This <br />expenditure is in addition to the funding the City has <br />provided to the organization over the last five or six <br />years. Finegan indicated that his comments are not <br />intended to put down the purpose of the Historical <br />Society. His concern is that the organization is a <br />private one, and he felt should be operated in a <br />private manner. <br />Finegan pointed out that the proposed addition to the <br />City Center would create an additional 2,000 square <br />feet of space. The space would contain display area <br />and is intended to attract visitors. Finegan pointed <br />out that the additional space will require additional <br />parking at the City Center. The space will also <br />increase the operating costs of the City. <br />Finegan felt there were suitable alternatives to <br />creating permanent space available, i.e., perhaps a <br />permanent Little Canada display at the State Historical <br />Society or the County Historical Society. Finegan felt <br />there were other projects that would be a better use of <br />tax dollars. <br />Finegan stated that he did not consider the Historical <br />Society an essential service, such as police and fire <br />protection. Providing a building addition for a <br />private organization such as the Historical Society <br />would set the wrong precedent. <br />Finegan reported that he has discussed this issue with <br />other residents of the City who have indicated that <br />they were either unaware of the issue and, when <br />informed, questioned the propriety of such an addition, <br />or were aware and were concerned. Finegan felt that a <br />building addition for a non-essential service is <br />somethinq that the citizens of Little Canada should <br />decide through a referendum. <br />Fahey acknowledged receipt of Mr. Finegan's letter and <br />indicated that it has been circulated internally. <br />Fahey reported that letters have also been received <br />from Steve Garske and Steve Morelan, both of which <br />contain alternatives which need to be considered. <br />Fahey stated that Finegan's comments are well taken, <br />and the entire issue will be considered at future <br />workshop meetings before a final decision is made. <br />Fahey indicated that the Council wants to do what is <br />best for the citizenry of Little Canada. The dates and <br />10 <br />