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Landmarks Commission Minutes July 20, 2026 Members Present: Raivo Balciunas, Aaron Brewster, Robert Gough, John Gyorfi, Megan Beer- Pemberton, Dave Barnes, Bob Tollefson Staff Present: Peter Baumgartner The following items were on the agenda: 1. Call to order Chair Balciunas called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. Roll call Roll was taken and a quorum was present. 3. Open public comment period for items that do not appear on this agenda. None. 4. Approval of the 6/15/26 Minutes Motion by Commissioner Gough to approve the Landmarks Commission minutes, seconded by Commissioner Brewster, and approved unanimously. 5. Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) – 403 3rd Avenue Baumgartner went over the application from the Department of Health Services on the lead abatement that they wanted to perform at the former First Congregational Church Parsonage (403 3rd Ave). In his presentation he covered the proposed abatement options on the lead contaminated portions of the trim, windows, doors, and porch posts. During the discussion, the Landmarks Commissioners had the following comments: • The replacement of materials with aluminum or aluminum cladding should be prohibited. • The replacement of windows with glass blocks should be prohibited. • The replacement of any wooden elements, such as the porch posts, should be done with like materials. • They were in favor of scraping and stripping the lead contaminated/painted surfaces. • One commissioner mentioned that an alternative to wood that was suitable for longevity might be LP SmartSide that looked like wood. • decided that any form of aluminum siding or trim shouldn’t be allowed as an option; it was acceptable to replace wood with materials that are suitable for longevity, such as LP smart siding; Motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness was made by Commissioner Brewster with the conditions that: the replacement of materials with aluminum or aluminum cladding is prohibited; the replacement of windows with glass block is prohibited; and the replacement of wooden elements such as the porch posts, must be done with like materials. Second by Commissioner Tollefson, and the Certificate of Appropriateness was approved unanimously. 6. Discussion – Commissioner Gyorfi’s Landmark Properties Videos Commissioner Gyorfi presented his concept of a video series covering various historic properties, interviewing the local historians and residents, and delving into the folklore surrounding them. The discussion revolved around wanting to engage various local historians, the Chippewa Valley Museum, and the community. One thought was to put the videos on YouTube (either through the museum or the City’s page), another was to have a solicit the public for ideas (potentially through a paid contest). One commissioner suggested that they look at haunted houses in the area. The commission was in favor of the project and staff reminded them that they should keep in mind the lack of budget that they have available. Ultimately, Commissioner Gyorfi was to come back to the next meeting with a fleshed out concept for his project and Baumgartner was discuss the project with the City Attorney’s office and come back with feedback on what they can and can’t do. 7. Future Agenda Items and Announcements Baumgartner announced that the demolition of 1310 State Street was officially approved ad that the Landmark Application had been submitted to the state. 8. Adjournment Chair Balciunas called for adjournment of the meeting at 6:10 p.m. Motion to Adjourn by Commissioner Brewster, Second by Commissioner Barnes, and approved unanimously. Submitted by, Robert Gough, Secretary