Council approves local match to pursue State Historic–compatible window funding for City Hall

Community Development Director Miss Olavanti presented Resolution 24-11-02 to commit a local match for a Hibbing City Hall window replacement project at the council meeting on Nov. 6.

Olavanti outlined the building’s history (constructed 1922) and prior, partial window replacements. She described two options: a full replacement including the west elevation quoted at $1,852,000 with a city match described in the meeting as $902,050, and a more limited option replacing only the north, south and east elevations (total cost discussed around $1.746–$1.747 million). Olavanti said State Historic Preservation requirements affect which window types are eligible for some outside funding and that the council’s local match would influence approval of a $600,000 grant referenced during discussion.

Councilors debated whether to replace all elevations or proceed with the three‑side option to secure outside funding. Members noted the west-side windows installed in 2019 are performing well but may not meet state historic funding criteria; Olavanti said $600,000 of outside funding had been offered contingent on the council’s match and a review by the funding board.

On a motion moved and seconded, the council voted by voice to proceed with the north, south and east elevations at this time (motion carries). Olavanti said the city can amend the resolution later if it wants to pursue full replacement.

The action authorizes staff to proceed with the grant-matching commitment as described; details of the final city match amount for the three-side option were discussed but were not resolved at the Nov. 6 meeting.