Briefs: Eagan's old Town Hall shrink-wrapped for winter

Drivers along Pilot Knob Road near Wescott Road and Kingswood will see a blanket of sorts encasing Eagan's old Town Hall this winter.

The 1914 structure, which contained historical displays and artifacts, was damaged heavily by an arson fire in September. The City Council recently approved a plan to shrink-wrap the building to maintain surviving portions of the structure through the winter.

The plastic wrapping, which was scheduled to be done last week by a contractor, will cost about $2,100.

"There is not really adequate time before the snow falls to make decisions on what all the thoughtful options are for preservation and how to tell Eagan's story going forward," said Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire. "This buys us some time, preserving our options for preservation and giving us flexibility until this spring."

The city will have additional conversations with the Eagan Historical Society regarding their priorities and goals for items that were saved from the fire.

The Eagan Police and Fire investigation into fire continues.

The remodeling of the Farmington Library will not start around Thanksgiving as expected. Now it's expected to start about mid-January, according to Ken Behringer, Dakota County library director.

The county's facilities management officials are now concerned that moisture is coming through the concrete floor of the library.

"They will make preliminary assessments of the status by testing samples in various areas of the building. But the best analysis will come when the library is vacated and the full floor can be inspected with the carpet removed,'' Behringer said.

If remediation is needed, that could affect the timing of the project.

Burnsville Community Foundation will sponsor the 15th-annual winter lighting ceremony in the Heart of the City.

More than 200,000 mini lights, 230 streetlight snowflakes and a 30-foot-tall tree will be lit up between 6 and 6:45 p.m. Nov. 27 at Nicollet Commons Park, on Nicollet Avenue and 126th Street just outside of the Burnsville Performing Arts Center.

The ceremony will include a special appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus as well as entertainment by the Burnsville High School Freestyle Singers and the Sioux Trail Elementary Choir.

In addition, 360 Communities in Burnsville will be sponsoring a nonperishable food drive, and food shelf donations will be accepted the night of the event.

Free parking is available at the Heart of the City park and ride ramp located one block north of Burnsville Parkway on Pillsbury Avenue and in the Heart of the City Parking Deck located north of the Burnsville Performing Arts Center.

The holiday lighting will use light-emitting diode (LED) lights – resulting in approximately 90 percent less energy use compared to traditional incandescent lights.

Jo Jo's Rise & Wine and Carbone's of Burnsville will provide complimentary hot beverages; Chianti Grill will provide complimentary fresh baked cookies, and Cub Foods will provide candy canes. Glow stick favors will be provided by John and Betty Adamich of Dodge of Burnsville.

The event will focus on 19th century holiday cultural traditions of the Minnesota River Valley, tracing how the traditions of the past can be found today in decorations, celebrations and foods.

Park-goers may ride horse-drawn trolleys along snowy lanes of candlelit homes, where costumed interpreters will give tours of homes. Live performances, including singing, dancing and harp, are scheduled.

Food will be available for purchase. Dress for the weather.

Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children and seniors. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.