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City approves applying for state library grant to restore historic Pink House exterior
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Summary
Council authorized the city manager to apply for the State Library Capital Improvement Program grant to address exterior restoration and foundation work at the historic Pink House (Thompson Public Library), noting a 50/50 match and the potential schedule if awarded.
City staff described historic preservation and deferred-maintenance needs at the Pink House (Thompson Public Library), outlining foundation settlement, siding and roof damage and the need for lead-abatement planning. Staff said interior work had been completed previously with help from foundation and friends groups and that an exterior restoration would be shovel-ready for state grant consideration.
The presentation noted a recommended approach to apply for the State Library Capital Improvement Program, which offers up to $2 million in awards with a 50% local match and gives priority to rural and historic facilities. Staff said the city has already budgeted and secured partial match funding (Friends/Foundation pledges and a capital line) and recommended applying; councilors discussed sequencing (stop-the-bleed roof work now versus waiting for a grant) and lead abatement and historic concerns.
Council moved to authorize the city manager to apply for the grant; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff said notification typically arrives about six months after application and that construction would likely start in 2027 if funded, with conservative estimates and contingency built into the budget plan.
