Members present: Jeanne Zirbel, Lori Kukuska, Rick Burgsteiner, Betty Most, Ursula Peterson, and Audrey Alton.

Members absent: Joleen Larson

Staff present: Dena Mleziva, Planner

Guests present: Marge Stokke, 220 N. 3rd Street

PUBLIC/CITIZEN COMMENTS - Marge Stokke, 220 N. 3rd Street, stated that the First Congregational Church, 110 N. 3rd Street, is interested in purchasing the Episcopal Church, 103 N. 4th Street. The First Congregational Church is talking about tearing down the building and using the property for parking. Stokke suggested that the Commission nominate the Episcopal Church as a historic structure to save it from being torn down. Stokke asked if the Commission can approve nominations. Mleziva stated that the Historic Preservation Commission is a recommending body to City Council. City Council has the final say on all nominations. Stokke offered her River Falls memorabilia to be used during Historic Preservation Month and nominated Paul & Debbie Cudd’s house, 223 N. 4th Street, as recipient for the annual Special Recognition Award. The Commission thanked Stokke for her offer and suggestions.

OLD BUSINESS - None.

1. Discussion of Historic Preservation Month Activities (May 2007)

Alton suggested doing a history of the Falls Theatre, which was built in 1927 and is now 80 years old. Alton will talk to the current owners about showing a vintage film and charging a vintage rate. Peterson has been studying abstracts for the downtown buildings and will write up a short history on the following buildings: Lighthouse Coffee, Glass Express, Tremont, Sunrise Tanning, Whole Earth, Edina Realty-Ken Lee, and the Falls Theatre. This information along with pictures will be put on foamboard and placed in their storefronts during May. The Commission discussed nominations for the annual Special Recognition Award. Paul & Debbie Cudd, 223 N. 4th Street, will receive a plaque. The property and business owners in the former River Falls Home Furnishings building will receive certificates of appreciation. This includes the businesses along Riverwalk. Burgsteiner will bring photos to the next meeting.

2. Discussion of Drafting the Swinging Bridge Local Designation Nomination Application

Zirbel will work on drafting the nomination papers. She will include information from when the City reconstructed the bridge in 1986. Peterson suggested that next year the Commission nominate The Academy, built in 1927, as a historic structure to save it from possibly being torn down.

3. Review of a Historic Structure Report Request for Proposals Outline Checklist for Glen Park Municipal Swimming Pool

Mleziva stated that she met with Jeanne Lambin, Field Services Coordinator for the National Trust for Historic Preservation at the pool on Monday, January 29, 2007. Mleziva and Lambin will work on the Request for Proposal (RFP), but need to know what items the HPC would like included in the RFP (i.e. window replacement). Mleziva asked that the HPC members review the RFP checklist so that all information is included in the Historic Structure Report. The Historic Structure Report will cost approximately $10,000 with the grant paying for half the cost. The grant deadline is June 1.

The completed Historic Structures Report can be used for a second grant, available from the Jeffris Family Foundation, which could provide up to 33% of the funds for exterior renovations. A portion of the cost has to come from fundraising efforts. Mleziva recommended that the HPC should not be involved with the fundraising. Kukuska will contact other architects in the hopes of finding quotes lower than $10,000.

MSC Most/Peterson to table until the next meeting. Unaminous

Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Beth Schlegel, Recording Secretary