CC_Minutes_2017_0619 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,June 19, 2017 Page 22 Specific to the Historical Society, Councilmember Willmus reiterated his strong support of their significant role in Roseville, opining that their presence was miss- ing within the city center; and therefore his interest in housing them in City Hall in order to greet visitors to and residents of Roseville with access to that historical perspective. Councilmember Willmus noted the importance to him and many Ro- seville residents for those touring the city campus (e.g. school children) to be made aware of the city's history. As part of this city-wide space needs review, Councilmember Willmus stated his interest in proactively addressing that goal. Once a permanent home is found for the Historical Society, Councilmember Willmus stated that then he would be ready to get rid of the fire station. Recognizing those past conversations and interest, City Manager Trudgeon stated that he fully supported finding a spot for the Historical Society at City Hall. However, Mr. Trudgeon noted the challenge of finding space in a very limited ar- ea, short of repurposing the garage area or City Hall (e.g. Willow Room on the lower level) and impacts to other areas of the organization. Councilmember Willmus noted that had been stated for many years, but spoke in support of finally figuring something out. Councilmember McGehee echoed those comments of Councilmember Willmus; stating that she wouldn't move to do anything with the fire station until other problems had been resolved. If not housing the Historical Society at City Hall it- self, then Councilmember McGehee stated that her second option would be to re- consider the fire station. Councilmember McGehee noted the frequent use of the station by the Police Department as well, and suggested it could serve as substa- tion in this heavy retail area of the community, even if zoning was re-guided to Commercial/Housing, that would still require a reasonable police presence going forward with major freeway improvements in that area. Councilmember McGe- hee opined that the large collection housed in the fire station by the Historical So- ciety appeared to remain dry at this point, but noted the interest of the Society in having a permanent home. Councilmember McGehee reported that the Society indicated that there could be approximately$200,000 available from the Minneso- ta Historical Society; with the fire station site providing a visible location with good parking and handicapped accessibility on one floor. Councilmember McGehee opined that the fire station was a good, solid building and suggested bay doors were revamped for glass display areas, with good lighting and cross- ventilation available, as well as a functional bathroom. Councilmember McGehee spoke in support of including a small police substation at the location; and opined that with the building's proximity to the water tower and large transient electrical grid behind it and easements involved, to her it seemed not to be a bad idea. Councilmember Laliberte stated her concurrence with Councilmember Willmus' comments; stating that her preference would be to house the Historical Society in this building where people naturally came to see the civic center and could be ex-