Laserfiche WebLink
evaluation there are a few things they would like to keep but the rest wasn't worth utilizing in the <br />new building. Mr. Neville said there are architectural elements to the building such as columns <br />and medallions that are details worth salvaging. Mr. Henderson said it can be saved but then it <br />becomes a matter of how should it be used in the new construction. Mr. Neville said perhaps <br />there are items the Historical Society could use and repurpose to preserve. <br />Mr. Dubelko said he was not satisfied with the presentation as the decision to not preserve any <br />part of the original high school was already made. The decision is then backed up by saying there <br />is already a plan in place. There have been other communities which have chosen to preserve or <br />not preserve historical schools which he cited. He would like to hear the process the schools <br />went through in deciding this beautiful historic building located in the historic district and so <br />important to the city's history was not able to be refurbished or salvaged to be used as a <br />centerpiece for the new building. He asked the schools attorney to address the wording which <br />went before the voters which mandated the buildings be demolished and the wording which now <br />precludes the district from using funds to refurbish or salvage the original high school. Mr. Smith <br />said the school district has a co-funding partner which is the state of Ohio. Both the Board of <br />Education and the State of Ohio signed an agreement prior to going into the bond issue. The <br />agreement which was signed was for the master plan which then went before the voters and that <br />master plan was to demolish the structures mentioned and to build a new school. Mr. Smith said <br />respectfully the plan has to be unveiled to the school board first, he didn't know they were <br />present to rethink the process or to rethink the issue which was put before the voters. <br />Mr. Dubelko said the language of the bond issue which went before the voters stated, "Should <br />bonds be issued to the North Olmsted District for the purpose of constructing, adding to, <br />renovating, remodeling, furnishing, equipping and otherwise improving school district buildings <br />and facilities." The language which was put to the voters in no way declared any building had to <br />be demolished. Why would the Commission vote on the issue if there is no option but <br />demolition? This is the first time the request to demolish this building has come before the <br />Commission and he wants the background information on the decision. He doesn't want to vote <br />on an issue if there is no choice in the matter. Ms. Cossler said there is no one present which can <br />address the commissioner's questions as they were brought on board after the voters approved <br />the issue; the discussion predates their involvement in the project. Mr. Dubelko asked why there <br />was no one present from the school or board of educa' don. Mr. McDade said the State of Ohio <br />has a formula they use to renovate or build new if it's more cost effective in order to be funded. <br />The middle school was more expensive to preserve than to construct a new school. Mr. Dubelko <br />said it might be a straight forward process for the schools but Landmarks is being asked to give a <br />COA without any background information to support how the conclusion to demolish the <br />buildings came about. Nor is anything being presented to assure that the integrity of the historic <br />district will be preserved with the new building. <br />Mr. Limpert was concerned with the schools' position that the only things from this historical <br />building that will be salvaged are the front entrance and two interior doors and possibly a logo <br />off a gym floor. He asked if perhaps the group could present more information once they've met <br />and presented their unveiling to the school. Mr. Neville said the commission can ask the <br />applicants to return with more information. Mr. Limpert said he wished the law department was <br />present so more was understood. If the bond language legally mandates all buildings demolished