Minutes of the April 17, 2008 Meeting
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION

MEMBERS PRESENT:                       Chair Don Johnson, Pam Schmidt, Dave Stewart, Chris Shoff
MEMBERS ABSENT:                         Karen Szymanowski, Bev  Cotter, Tom Staker
OTHERS PRESENT:                            Bob Graham, Community Development Director; L Baker, City Council;
                                                                W Flugum, Community Dev / Downtown Liaison

A quorum was not present, therefore, the minutes of March 20, 2008 were not presented for approval.

ITEMS FOR REVIEW

HPC News
Pamela Schmidt and Bev Cotter volunteered to distribute the HPC Newsletter over the next two weeks and will invite building and business owners to attend the Artspace public meeting and the Marion Ross theater dedication event. 

Marion Ross Performing Arts Center
Banners for the Performing Arts Center are being designed by preservation architect, Pat Waddick, and will be installed before June 7.  A new picture of Ms Ross will replace the existing sign on the north end of the building; it will fit the existing frame size.

Artspace Projects, Inc.
HPC members were reminded to participate in the public forum on May 5 to show support for a project in the downtown.  All other meetings with Artspace have been scheduled in accordance with Artspace requirements.

Downtown Signs
Bob Graham showed a series of slides with signs from various parts of the country and representing various scales of development.  He indicated that scale is significant when planning for signs.  For example, a narrow European street scene may have small signs at the pedestrian level and there may be very little automobile traffic compared to Broadway Avenue which is 100 feet wide with significant automobile traffic with drivers looking for specific businesses or services.  Signs in other communities were discussed, for example, in Redwing projecting signs may not exceed 3 sq. ft. per side.  Sign information was handed out for Menomonie, WI.  Pictures of former projecting signs were viewed from downtown Albert Lea.  Additional ordinances will be reviewed by staff and commissioners with emphasis on projecting signs.   (Chris Shoff – Faribault & Dave Stewart – Red Wing)

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Heritage Preservation Committee Meeting