10-22-97 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 22, 1997 Plisner suggested that the City give the Historical Society a year and a half to show what they are doin~, to come back with a plan for the programs they will produce and the efforts that will be made to preserve Little Canada's unique history. Plisner stated that he understands what has been said about the Fire Department, but pointed out that the City needs a Fire Department, but while a Historical Society is nice to have, it is not absolutely necessary. Virginia Fisher indicated that she was an original member of the Historical Society and outlined some of its early history for the Council. Fisher indicated that if they had adequate income to do so, they would lease space. However, the Historical Society does not have the money to do so. Mark Weavers, resident of the City, reported that he was opposed to spendin~ this kind of money on the Historical Society. Weavers reported that he has lived in the community for the past 25 years, and he is not aware of what the Historical Society is doing. Weavers believed that the majority of the people in the City are not aware, and asked how the addition for the Historical Society would benefit him. Weavers felt the addition sounded elaborate, and again indicated that he was opposed. Mike Finnegan, resident of the City, indicated that he was opposed to the project and that he had concerns with the Agreement proposed between the City and the Historical Society. Finne~an has concern with the City's creatin~ an a facility that has the exclusive use of one organization. If that is the case, Finnegan felt that the or~anization should be paying for it. Finnegan stated that he has not heard any discussion that the potential revenues from a pull tab site would be sufficient to pay the cost of the addition. Finnegan felt the Agreement indicated that the Council was in the business of lending money out at 6.5% interest with virtually no obiigation to pay it back. Finnegan felt the $300,000 plus was a lot of money to spend. Finnegan suggested that if the City is determined to spend $300,000 on a facility, it mi~ht be better waiting until the Historical Society has enough money for a substantial down payment. Finne~an suggested that a general-purpose building that would serve many organizations might be a better option. Fahey stated that he appreciated the viewpoints expressed by those that oppose the project. Fahey felt the City had many obligations, pointing out that it provides space for the Canadian Days Committee, Little Canada Recreation Association, and the Historical Society. The Historical Society is requesting this new space only because it can no longer use the space it 13