10-22-97 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 22, 1997 story of the settlement of a rural area that became urban doesn't tell him anything about Little Canada. That is a re~ional story, and stated that he has not seen a good faith effort to tell that story in cooperation with the surrounding urban areas. Pedersen stated that he has notseen anything unique to Little Canada that could not have been done in cooperation with Roseville, Maplewood, etc. Pedersen felt that the Historical Society has not proven Little Canada to be unique, and was concerned that the earlier comment was correct that the addition will become a nice buildin~ in which brick-arbrack is displayed. Fahey felt the programs the Historical Society has held with local schools and could continue to hold with a new addition passes on the City unique identity. Fahey felt that these pro~rams in conjunction with a program on City government passes on the Little Canada heritage and story. Fahey felt the issue was one of community pride and maintaining a unique identity. Fahey questioned why "Little Canada" should be put on children's jerseys if that heritage is not to be preserved. Fahey felt that the name "Little Canada" does not evoke the same sense of pride in Pedersen as it did in him. Fahey felt this was an important use of City funds to keep people enthusiastic. Fahey pointed out that many other cities support their historical societies. Pedersen agreed, but pointed out that the survey reflects that those cities are providing support at approximately $1,000 per year. Pedersen further pointed out that the Historical Society does not have proven track record in charitable gambling. In addition to the $300,000 plus for the addition, there are on-going utility and maintenance costs to consider. Pedersen agreed that the Historical Society should prove themselves and should do some fund-raising. Pedersen felt that the Historical Society should preserve the unique heritage ofLittle Canada rather than a heritage that is common to the surrounding cities. David Klein stated that he supported the existence of the Little Canada Historical Society, but felt the expenditure of over $300,000 for an addition onto the City Center for the Historical Society was not justified. Klein stated that he would like to see more promotion of the Historical Society. Klein also felt that the citizens of Little Canada should make the decision as to whether or not the project moves forward. Morelan asked if it were possible that the Historical Society could begin conducting charitable ~ambling prior to 1999. The City Administrator replied that it is a statutory requirement that a non-profit organization be in existence for three years before conductin~ charitable gambling. Any variance from this requirement would require special legislation. 15