Members present: Audrey Alton, Mike Woolsey (arrived at 6:45p.m.), Betty Most, Rick Burgsteiner and Jeanne Zirbel

Members absent: Lori Kukuska, Ursula Peterson

Staff present: Buddy Lucero, Planning Director and Mikayla Fisher, Intern

Guests present: Marge Stokke

PUBLIC/CITIZEN COMMENTS – Stokke discussed some articles that she has been reading in the magazine "Old House Journal". The article talked about plaques for historic places.

 Review Highlights of the National Preservation Conference October 2-5, 2007.

Lucero highlighted four events that he experienced during the convention. First, he took a field trip of all the parks in Minneapolis and St. Paul. They have the second oldest Rose Garden in the Nation. Second, included in the packet is a list and some photos of homes that received grants from the City to help defer the cost of restoring the porches and facades. Third, there is a place called "Art Spaces" out of Minneapolis. They restore 20-40,000 square foot buildings turning the first floor into gallery space and the rest into studios and living space. Woolsey talked about a friend who lived there and said the rent was reasonable and the neighborhood got revived. Fourth, there was a speaker on "Communications" who talked about figuring out how to get people to support you and your cause.

Zirbel also highlighted some of the events that she attended. First, the preservation commissions take places and turn them into low cost housing. Second, a brewery was restored. The tanks were used from the brewery to collect gray water and then reuse the water. If you want grants, you need to prove that you are going to incorporate "green" techniques. Third, she listened to a stone mason who was sent to Germany to learn the craft and he brought the knowledge back to restore the buildings. Fourth, she learned about how to get awards and how to get money for other projects.

The Commission then brainstormed for ideas in River Falls. Possibly use the Depot to redesign into a museum. In Germany, they rebuild buildings that have be lost by using old photos and old plans. They Commission may check with New Richmond to see if they want to sell their Depot since they aren’t using it. Stokke stated that the Depot at Rice Lake is on the State Historic Registry. This will be continued at the next meeting.

Two plaques have been ordered.

It was decided to make the second "city" on the Gen Park sign to be lowercase. That was the only change. When the plaques come in it will be decided where to place them. Burgsteiner requested that as you are approaching the sign, you are reading about the area that you are looking at. The signs will be positioned to look like a book.

Update on Previously Presented Plaques/Installation

The owners of ten buildings have received plaques. Four owners have put the plaques up for display. A letter will be sent to all recipients either thanking them for putting their plaque up or asking them to put the plaque up with an offer of help installing the plaque if needed. The letter will be signed listing the names of the members of the Commission.

Lucero discussed the area of a parking lot where the medical clinic used to sit on the block of Spruce and Spring Street. It is being considered to put a building up with retail and restaurants on the first floor, underground parking and two or three levels of housing for students. Lucero suggested the Commission may want to take a look at the site and the plans before the planning goes much further.

An arbor was made by Lloyd DeMotts and placed at the head of the brick pathway near the smokestack. Lucero reported that weeds will be removed and sod will be put in its place. Alton may donate a bench to be place close to the fence near the smokestack.

Burgsteiner asked about historic trees. Lucero will ask Tony Steiner, City Forrester, to come to the next meeting to answer questions the Commission may have about trees in the area.

Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Molly McLagan, Recording Secretary