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

Members absent: Mike Woolsey, Betty Most

Staff present: Tony Steiner, Urban Forester (arrived at 6:31 p.m.) and Mikayla Fisher, Intern

Guests present: Aloha Hovde

PUBLIC/CITIZEN COMMENTS – Hovde let the Commission know that she has been approached by a developer who would like to build apartment buildings on the property she owns north of Division Street, east of the River Glen apartments.

1. The Trees of River Falls – Urban Forester

Steiner was asked questions regarding the trees in town, if anything is being done to protect them and does he know how old any of them are for their historic significance. Steiner stated that there was an ordinance up for approval through the City Council in 2003 that did not pass. The ordinance was an attempt to require developers to save the larger trees in the developments they are building rather than bulldoze the entire area bare of any vegetation before beginning their project. Steiner also stated that in the future the Ash beetle would wipe out the Ash trees in the area like Dutch Elm disease wiped out the Elm trees. Also, Oak wilt affects certain species of Oak trees. Steiner suggested that Mike Kaltenberg, a professor at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, might be able to help establish the age of some trees. Bergsteiner will contact Kaltenberg before the next meeting.

2. Main Street Development Update

The Commission discussed the proposed building on the block of S. Main, Spring, Spruce and Cascade. The Commission decided that the building exterior should reflect the downtown buildings rather than look like a brand new building style. The materials used should be mixed with brick, stone, siding, and wood just as the rest of the buildings downtown have. The sidewalk should be stamped concrete with a patio paver look.

3. City Proposed Government Center and Preservation of River Falls Railroad Building

The Commission discussed refurbishing the old freight house and possibly having the Chamber of Commerce use it for their office, as well as public restrooms, a museum and information on the history of River Falls. There was some discussion in the group objecting the "rebuilding" a lost building versus "refurbishing" an old building.

4. Historic Preservation Goals 2007 and 2008

The Glen Park Bath House could possibly partner with the Park Board to fix up the inside. It was decided to table the rest of this until the December meeting.

Lori Kukuska has moved out of the State and no longer works in River Falls. She would like to continue working with the Commission and the Commission expressed that they would like to keep her on the Board. MSC Alton/Peterson to keep Kukuska on the Commission until another architect can be found to replace her. Unanimous.

1. Update on Plaques

Plaques have been ordered. They will take four to six weeks to arrive. They will probably need to be put in after the first of the year, after the ground has thawed. The Journal should be invited to take pictures and do an article.

2. Update on Previously Presented Plaques/Installation

A letter went out at the end of October reminding people who received the plaques to please put them up. The City will supply the screws if necessary but cannot help install the plaques for liability reasons. Buddy Lucero will follow up on the letters.

None

Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Molly McLagan, Recording Secretary