2024.03.04 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Meeting Minutes for March 4, 2024 Page 3 of 7 HSHC Board President Liz Cinqueonce began by thanking the Council for allowing the project to move forward and said the Council’s confidence in them made a difference in their fundraising and what they were able to accomplish. Highlights in 2023 included finalizing the agreement with the City that included partnership with the Forest Lake Historical Society, which serves as the fiscal host until the non-profit has been formed. Liz explained that once the determination letter from the IRS was received there were steps to take to become a non-profit. Once that happens, the agreement would transition to the HSHC. There are nine board members and currently 35 volunteers. A group of MBA students had worked on their business plan. Restoration activities included trash removal, and some artifacts were cataloged. Precise Exterior and The Sealant Technicians repaired the roof and chimney. The soffit was repaired by Northern Bedrock, and Floyd Petty completed the painting of it. The stairs did not get done, but the poured concrete will happen in the spring. Trail cameras were installed. Volunteers provided input on the site plan for the schoolhouse grounds. Liz talked about how they met, or didn’t meet, their Measures of Success. Enough money was raised through fundraising to complete the roof, chimney, and soffits. They were still working on money for siding. They saw interest from the community increase when things started happening on the site. They expected the repairs on the window and siding to be completed this fall. Other unexpected accomplished included interest by Connexus Energy to bring power to the site. Materials had been secured for glass block windows, display cases were donated by Rolseth Drug in Forest Lake, and the Petty’s were gathering donations for a garage sale. Fourteen of their 20 Measures had been completed. Four of the uncompleted were due to the IRS determination. A video was presented of the proposed site that showed 11 parking spaces, watering station for horses and dogs, hitching post for horses, picnic area with bike racks, shelter with trash receptacles, and enclosures for portable restrooms. Also included on the drawing was a building the Snowmobile Club had talked about last year, though there had been no recent conversations with them. The volunteer who put the plan together owned a landscape design company and was donating the labor and plans for making this come to life. She acknowledged formal approval of the site plan would be needed from the City Council. Liz talked about the goals they had for 2024 that included completing the 2023 goals, advancing progress on the site, and raising community engagement and fundraising. Restoration plans for this year were to replace stairs, windows, siding and side door, and running basic electric to the site. They also wanted to have an approved site plan for the grounds and continue with grounds cleanup. They were also looking for engagement from students and other history groups. Planning components included ADA compliance by adding a ramp and the preparation of plans for septic system, well, and plumbing inside the building, and other structural components. Klein asked if they were working with the Hugo Historical Commission. Liz replied that Commission Member Brad LeTourneau was a member of the Board of Directors and took the lead on the plans that were presented. He was also an ex-officio member of the Forest Lake Historical Society. Klein also inquired whether they approach Anderson Windows for donations. Liz replied they were on their list, and the HSHC was also considering having community members purchase a window for the school.