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

Members absent: Rick Burgsteiner

Staff present: Jaclyn Throne, Planning Intern

Guests present: Margaret Smith, Leadership River Falls

APPROVAL OF AGENDA/MINUTES –

1. Update: Leadership River Falls Plaque Project

Margaret Smith stated that they had Pella convert what they thought to be the worst quality (details & clarity) photo into a drawing as an example. The photo that was done was of the Rossel Building. There were two versions; one had a small portion of the adjoining building showing in the drawing, the second did not. Building owner Erin Tomlinson was also shown the drawing conversion and liked the one without the neighboring building showing. The Commission agreed. Smith will have Pella create one plaque of this building so everyone can see the actual final format.

Smith also noted that Planning Director Buddy Lucero would like to use screws that are 1" in from the edges to mount the plaques to the buildings rather than bolts. When the sample plaque comes in she will see how it will work and then all of the buildings will have to be checked to see if they will be able to use screw mounts.

Planning Intern Jackie Throne will notify the Commission members when the sample plaque comes in so they may stop in to view it. If the plaque format is acceptable by all of the members Smith will have Pella proceed with the rest of the plaques. Smith would like it if everyone could view the plaque within 7-10 days.

Smith also mentioned that it would be great to recognize the many monetary contributors that they have had for this project if there is any publicity done. The contributors so far include each of the building owners plus:

Wisconsin Credit Union

River Falls Municipal Utilities

River Falls State Bank

St Croix Electric

River Falls Community Foundation

State Farm Agency

Edward Jones

1^st National Bank of River Falls

River Falls Rotary

Pierce Pepin Cooperative

Frisbee Architects

River Falls Chamber of Commerce

Riverland Laser

Pierce County Historical Association

University of River Falls Archives

Zirbel stated that for the Sanderson/Wolff Building the Commission needed to decide with how to proceed with naming and plaquing the buildings. Peterson stated that because it was two buildings built at two different times, nearly 20 years apart, they should be plaqued individually. The Sanderson was the first building, built in 1868. The Wolff building was built in 1884 and was designed to look identical to the Sanderson building. Zirbel also noted that they would need to decide on what photos to use. The Commission members agreed that the buildings would be plaqued separately. The plaque for the Sanderson building would feature the older photograph of the individual building with all of the original details. The plaque for the Wolff building will contain a photo of the two buildings with all of the original details. Throne will also notify each member when the drawings come back from Pella to make sure that they are acceptable before plaques are ordered. The drawing proofs will also be shown to the building owners.

2. Glen Park/Glen Park Swinging Bridge Plaques

The June 14 dedication did not happen due to vandalism. The plaques and posts had been taken out of the ground and thrown into the river. They were recovered. Zirbel stated they needed to decide if the plaques should be put back or moved. Peterson feels that they should be put back, as the location was not the reason for the vandalism; other members agreed. Throne stated that the company is willing to replace the posts; they will only need to pay shipping. The posts will be solid with no welds. It was suggested that the posts be cemented in, possibly even filled with cement if they are hollow. Throne stated that would take approximately three more weeks before the posts arrive as they were ordered last week. Zirbel suggested they set a date at the August meeting to hold the dedication.

3. Photographing Downtown Area Buildings

Throne provided some examples of photographs she took of a few of the downtown area buildings. The Commission members agreed that the photos were what they would like to see and agreed that there was no need to hire someone to do the photos.

Ebert suggested that photos also be taken of adjacent buildings in addition to the individual building. Peterson agreed that it would be nice to see the sides of the buildings or the attached buildings.

The photos can be saved to a CD or DVD. Many members also felt that a printed hard copy would also be a great reference. When this first round of photographs is done, the Commission will decide how often to complete the project.

4. 2009 Budget and CIP

There were no additions to the proposed 2009 budget.. Kukuska stated that as the Commission is more involved and people start seeing what they are doing with the plaques and dedications they will gain more support.

5. Agenda Items for August Meeting

- Leadership River Falls Project Update

- Glen Park/Glen Park Swinging Bridge Plaque & Dedication

- Throne stated that the City is working on revising the main webpage. She asked if members would like to have a separate page for the Historic Preservation Commission. They agreed that would be a great way to feature their work and goals. Throne will work on content and layout options.

ADJOURNMENT – Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jessica Urbach, Recording Secretary