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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for February 6, 2023 <br />Page 5 of 11 <br /> <br /> <br />more months to work on funding source details. The group had requested approval to tarp the <br />roof to prevent more water damage in the meantime. Council approved the request to tarp the <br />roof and an extension to the end of the year to report back to Council with their plan. Members <br />of the group were in attendance this evening to present their plan to Council and ask for approval <br />to proceed. <br /> <br />Historical Commission and Hopkins Committee member Craig Moen began by stating that <br />funding had been a hindrance without having Council approval. He explained that Hopkins <br />Schoolhouse was once owned by the Forest Lake School District, and he introduced Justin Brink <br />from the Forest Lake Historical Society. <br /> <br />Justin Brink talked about the three partners for the Hopkins Schoolhouse (Hugo Historical <br />Commission, Forest Lake Historical Society, and community members) and the Heritage Center <br />Steering Committee Members (Justin Brink, Craig Moen, Liz Cinquenonce, Cindy and Floyd <br />Petty, and Angela Minner). He introduced Liz who presented their proposal. <br /> <br />Liz explained they were proposing a new non-profit, and she provided their vision for the <br />schoolhouse. There would be five uses: museum for displaying historical items, outdoor <br />educational displays, community engagement and leadership programs to build pipeline of <br />volunteers, meeting space, and a trail stop for the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail. <br /> <br />Their plan was to have the Forest Lake Historical Society act as the temporary fiscal host for the <br />non-profit, since the Society is already a 501c3 organization, which is needed for fundraising and <br />grants. The steering committee would continue leadership and would transfer that to a board of <br />directors when organized. Liz said Attorney Dave Snyder’s legal team would review documents, <br />and they would have someone do their tax filing. She explained how the board would be <br />organized and said they would like to increase members and have a great level of diversity. Their <br />long-term business model was in progress, and they could file for a 501c3. They would like to <br />bring in Capstone Consultants to advise them on a longer-term business plan. <br /> <br />Liz reviewed their estimated timeline for restoration saying it would take six to eight years <br />depending on when they have the funds needed. She had it broke down into three smaller goals <br />and talked about three strategies they will use to keep the momentum going. She said the person <br />who put the temporary patch on the roof has introduced them to others that will help and <br />tosomeone who will fix the chimney for free. <br /> <br />The timeline for restoration had them currently in the Mothball Phase. They would be doing <br />building and grounds cleanup and working on amenities for the trail stop and exterior displays. <br />Their hope was to have a Centennial Celebration in 2028. She shared accomplishments to date <br />noting there had been both business development and development on the site. She said they felt <br />they have the momentum and the interest of the community. They were currently working on <br />their bylaws and articles of incorporation. They received an estimate of $31,000 for both the roof <br />and siding on the building, which was much less than the estimate from 2018. <br /> <br />Their financial summary to date showed revenues were up since their campaign began in <br />November. She said businesses had expressed concern about whether the project was happening <br />and if they would be able to write off their donations. Since November, 2022, donations and <br />pledges were approximately $13,900. They will continue to look for new grant opportunities.