2018.03.19 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

used by Oneka Township as their Town Hall until 1972, when Oneka was incorporated into the Village of Hugo to form the City of Hugo and the City acquired the building. A deed restriction was placed on the property that states the building must be used for a public purpose or revert back to the grantor (Forest Lake School District), but it remains unknown if this restriction would still stand, or whether the School District has any desire to regain ownership. When the building no longer served as a town hall, it was used as a youth center and a meeting place for Hugo Boy Scouts. It has remained vacant since the 90s after a grant through the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) submitted in 1995 was not received. The grant would have been used to update the property for use as a trailhead and meeting space for the city. IV. PROPERTY OPTIONS As the property is owned by the city, options are as follows: • Sell the building to a private owner: Selling the property would take the responsibility and financial cost of restoring or moving the structure, away from the city. However, it would also take away the control over what ultimately happens to the structure on the property. The city would also need to look into the restrictive clause within the deed before proceeding with this option. • Restore the building: The following options would require significant updates to the building including, but not limited to: new roof, ADA accessibility, electricity/water hookups, etc. o Apply for National Register Listing: There are many benefits of historic designation on the National Register. These include various tourism and educational opportunities, but one of the most significant benefits of National Register listing are the Minnesota State Grants available to listed properties. Further information on benefits of listing vs. not listing are outlined below: If Listed: • State Grants are available to fund restoration. • The owner can alter the property whether public or privately funded. • Altercations must be approved by Secretary of Interior and be historically accurate. • The building will be exempt from certain building codes like the MN Energy Code and certain facets of the ADA Accessibility Laws.