CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL – meeting convened at 6:32 p.m.

Members present: Audrey Alton, Betty Most, Ursula Peterson, Jeanne Zirbel, Lori Kukuska; Bob Ebert

Absent: Rick Burgsteiner

Staff present: Buddy Lucero, Planning Director; Jaclyn Throne, Planning Intern

Guests present: Margaret Smith and Aloha Hovde

APPROVAL OF AGENDA/MINUTES –

Lucero stated that he and Zirbel met with Mark Freeborn at the smokestack site to evaluate the landscaping. The original landscape plan was made smaller due to the lack of people to do the grounds maintenance. The flowers from the Ingram Center were relocated to the smokestack. The area now has grass growing and looks very nice.

1. Update: Leadership River Falls Plaque Project

Throne stated that originally the Commission approved all of the plaques to be 10"x10". After reviewing the available photos for each of the buildings Throne suggested that the plaque compliment the size and shape of the building. Each plaque could have a consistent size black border but they may vary in overall size and shape.

Margaret Smith added that the Commission would need to decide what photos they want to use for each building so that she can get them to the artist to have the drawings completed. The images will need to be scanned at a high resolution and saved to a CD so they can be sent to Pella to do the engraving. The Commission will also need to agree on what name and date will be on each plaque.

There was additional discussion regarding several photos that were on hand and what was liked and disliked about each. Some of the photos have great resolution and detail. Some also show a full view of the entire building while others just have partial or obstructed views. The Commission will need to determine what photos to use so that the project can move forward.

Smith also noted that the Leadership River Falls Group has been able to collect money from some of the building owners in support of this project.

Peterson stated that it is important to note that some of the necessary research is not done on all of the buildings. It is imperative that it is completed to determine what the original building looked like, the exact year it was constructed and whom the builder was. Lucero added that they will need to focus on the buildings that are researched and the others should be completed before plaques are ordered for them.

In the past Peterson has done most of the research of all of the buildings on her own. Suggestions were presented to assist her in the research that still needs to be completed.

2. Photographing Downtown Area Buildings

Burgsteiner suggested at a previous meeting that the Commission begin an annual project of photographing each individual downtown building to document the physical features as well as the business.

Lucero stated that he believes that this should be done every year and it is possible that an intern may be able to begin the project this year. May have examples for next meeting.

3. Designation for Glen Park and Glen Park Swinging Bridge

Throne and Zirbel met with Public Works and had the signs put in place at the site. The dedication is set for Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. Zirbel asked if Ebert would attend and say a few words as Mayor Richards will not be able to attend. Ebert accepted the invitation.

The River Falls Journal will have an intern present at the dedication and an article will be in the paper after the ceremony. Throne will pick up a portable sound system from Most to bring to the dedication. Zirbel expects the dedication to last approximately 10-15 minutes. If it is raining they will still hold it and Lucero suggested that they could move to the pavilion.

4. River Falls Academy

There was discussion on an article in the paper recently stated that the building would likely be demolished in four to five years. The best chance to save the building would be to find a buyer or developer for the building and adjacent land who could restore and/or convert the building for alternative uses. The best option would be to talk to the new superintendant so they may look into beginning the process to have the building designated as historic. This may be discussed further at the July meeting.

5. 2009 Budget and CIP

Lucero noted that for the 2008 budget there were four itemized costs. They were as follows:
Recording Secretary

Historic Preservation Commission Salary

State Historic Society Dues

Historical Commission Plaques

Lucero suggested for 2009 that the Commission adds funds for travel and training. This can include attendance at outside meetings or bringing in someone to do some extra training. He will look at some of the upcoming meetings for 2009. It was agreed to tentatively add funds for these expenses.

Lucero also suggested that they consider adding funds to cover professional services for research and documentation of buildings to be added into the budget for 2009.

The budget for plaques will also be increased to allow for extra funds to continue the buildings that cannot be completed by the Leadership River Falls group and for other buildings that may be dedicated throughout the year.

6. Agenda items for July meeting

- Leadership River Falls Project Update

- 2009 Budget Review

ADJOURNMENT – Meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jessica Urbach, Recording Secretary