CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL – meeting convened at 6:54 p.m.

Members present: Audrey Alton, Betty Most, Ursula Peterson, Jeanne Zirbel, Bob Ebert; Rick Burgsteiner

Members absent: Lori Kukuska

Staff present: Jaclyn Throne, Planning Intern

Guests present: Marge Stokke

APPROVAL OF AGENDA/MINUTES –

At the last meeting Marge Stokke brought in some samples of Tubbs Medicine. Originally she stated that they were purchased at an auction in the 1970’s. She found the original auction bill and the auction was actually held on August 17, 1991. The change will be noted in the August minutes.

1. Update: Leadership River Falls Plaque Project

Throne reported that the owner of the Duncan McGregor building has requested that the name on the plaque be changed to only the McGregor Building with the date. This is a change from the discussion at the last meeting.

Peterson felt that it is still important to note that Duncan McGregor built several buildings in the area as did his son and she felt that it was important to include his first and last name as that is how he was known. Zirbel suggested that Peterson talk to the building owner this week about the importance of the name, but the building owner does have final say in what is put on the plaques. Alton added that it is possible the building owner does not know why the building was named the Duncan McGregor.

Zirbel asked if there was money in the budget to do the remaining buildings this year as well. Peterson stated that she felt it would be better if they let the Leadership River Falls group finish their project and then have the Commission do anything additional. She would like to see the plaques change a little to include a brief history of the building. Zirbel stated that the Commission has to decide to do the buildings now or wait until next year.

Ebert stated he thought they should let the Leadership River Falls group finish their project before the Commission starts anything new.

Throne added that to have the plaques paid for out of this year’s budget they would have to be paid for by the end of November.

Most asked if they would want continuity between the plaques. Peterson felt that the project was rushed because of the timeline and that many of the details were not really discussed by the Commission because the Leadership River Falls group already knew what they wanted to do.

Burgsteiner stated that the main question is whether the Commission wants to do the plaques now or wait until next year. If they want to wait until next year, details can and should be decided at that time. Most added that she thought if they have the money they should do what they can this year. Peterson noted that it may be hard to get a picture for the Lee building, but it was complete. The Ken Lee and Holt buildings could also be done. Alton asked if the Freeman building was also completed. Peterson stated that it was but that was a great example of why the history is important. The building was not built by Freeman but has kept the Freeman name since 1904.

MSC Most/Alton to plaque the Ken Lee and Holt buildings before the end of the year in the same fashion that the other plaques were done, if there is enough money in the budget to do so. Unanimous.

Throne will get the exact cost of the plaques and check to see that there is money in the budget.

2. Update: Photos of Main Street Businesses

Throne stated that she had previously thought they would purchase the wide angle lens that is needed to complete the downtown area photos, however it is more expensive that anticipated and there is no money in the City budget to purchase the lens at this time.

Most suggested she contact someone from the Journal to see if they have a lens.

Peterson suggested that if the Commission has money in their budget maybe they could purchase the lens since this is an ongoing project that they want to have completed over the years.

3. Update: HPC Web Page

Throne stated that she is going off of old files to find landmarks and information to include but would like help in compiling the list of achievements.

Peterson stated that they should add the locally designated houses.

Zirbel also suggested that they put the Freight House on the list of current projects.

4. 2008 Local History and Historic Preservation Conference/Scholarship

Throne stated that they applied for, and were granted, four scholarships for the conference, which totaled about $500.

5. River Falls Academy

Zirbel stated that she and Lucero will be meeting with the new School Board Chairman before the next meeting.

6. Foster Cemetery

Throne suggested that the Foster Cemetery might be a great location to designate and it is owned by the City so it will be easier that some others. Peterson stated that there is a state law to protect cemeteries already. Zirbel added that even so, it is still historic. Alton agreed and added that it would not only be designated to protect it but also to recognize that it is important. Peterson felt that there are other things in town that should be designated first; such has the houses listed in the study of 91.

Most suggested they try to get a list of those houses for the next meeting and look at which ones could be designated.

7. Agenda items for October 8, 2008 Meeting

The designation for the Glen Park Swinging Bridge is set for Saturday. Ebert and Mayor Richards will be unable to attend. Throne stated that the plaques are in place. Peterson will try to attend and say a few words.

Throne stated that the agenda for the October meeting will include ideas for next year’s projects, update on the budget and additional plaques, and any possible designations to work on.

ADJOURNMENT – Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jessica Urbach, Recording Secretary