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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Chairperson Ryland Erdman called the Historic Preservation Commission to order on March 9, 2026 at 5:04 pm in City Hall in Garden Level Room 58. Members present were Ryland Erdman, Melissa Kneeland, John Sobota, Carl Rudenborg, Sylvia Gengenbach, and Tim Dotseth. Joshua Kohnke was absent. Also, present were David Schofield, Dave Kowieski, Christopher Johnson, Rebecca Schoenborn, Wade Lambrigtsen. Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve the minutes of the February 9, 2026 meeting by Keeland; Dotseth 2nd; motion carried unanimously on a voice vote. Public Comments: none. Old Business: none. New Business: a) Sign Color Palette. Schofield presented the proposed color palettes received by Lambrigtsen. Similar to the colors for buildings expressing concern over the enforceability of signs and their colors without an approved palette on file at City Hall. Presented are the following palettes from Nova Color, Ronan, and 1 Shot, which are currently in use in the district on signs. Schofield expressed concern over allowing Ronan Glow Shock Pink and other fluorescent colors. Question was raised by Erdman over future persons who many paint signs and if there would be a problem with these colors as the approved palette. Lambrigtsen indicated that it shouldn’t be a problem, as these colors are the standard for the sign painting industry. Discussion was had over a blanket exclusion of colors with the name fluorescent in the title. Schofield indicated, that excluding certain colors can be tricky as some colors that don’t have fluorescent in the name may be able to be used as a substitute, for example Ronan Glow Red and Ronan Poster Red. Kneeland commented that some time should be taken with Lambrigtsen to be able to go through line by line and remove colors that may be problematic. Lambrigtsen commented that cadmium colors are ones he is concerned about as those reds turn pink quickly in sunlight. Erdman suggested that the motion should read, as “suggested colors” vs “approved colors”. Kneeland expanded that the use of certain colors which are pre-approved puts the commission in a sticky spot for approving signs which incorporate pre-approved colors, but which may be aesthetically displeasing. Schofield indicated, that the use of pre-approved colors takes the comments of bias out of discussion when a COA is rejected due to color choice. Erdman commented that if the colors are too restrictive then it may cause businesses to have to change from using their existing branding. Gengenbach commented that not having pre-approved may invite people to skip the approval step with this body. Schofield suggested that the term “approved” should be used and noted that all signs will need to be brought before this body for approval in the district, but that this item can be brought back at the next meeting, after further review in conjunction with Lambrigtsen. Motion to approve the recommended colors for use in signs/murals in the downtown historic district Nova Color, Ronan, and 1 Shot color palates, excluding the Cadmium colors, 1 Shot Fluorescent, and the Ronan Glow/Fluorescent Palettes made by Dotseth, and then withdrawn. Schofield will work with Lambrigsten to prepare a draft list of excluded colors and bring this matter back to the next meeting. No action taken. b) Certificate of Appropriateness for one (1) mural on the exterior west wall of TWD Enterprise, LLC (616 3rd Street East – Lang Building). The project was summarized as presented in the packet by City Staff, it is exempt from the City’s Sign Ordinance due to the brand no longer being in operation, and as such is recommended for approval. The side of the west wall will be painted Black (HC-190) from the approved building palette, and the Sanna products mural will be painted on the black brick. Kneeland and Lambrigtsen commented there may be some small tweaks to the design before painting, adding “Menomonie the Birthplace of Hot Cocca Mix” as well as adding a date, moving the design up a bit on the wall while keeping the dimensions the same. Schofield indicated small changes like that won’t be a problem with the approval. Motion was made by Dotseth to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for one (1) mural on the exterior west wall of TWD Enterprise, LLC (616 3rd Street East – Lang Building) as presented, seconded by Gengenbach. Motion was approved by voice vote, with Kneeland abstaining. c) Certificate of Appropriateness for one (1) mural on the exterior west wall of Lake Line Properties, LLC (400 Main Street East). The project was summarized as presented in the packet by City Staff, it is exempt from the City’s Sign Ordinance as the company is no longer in operation, and as such is recommended for approval. This mural will be on aluminum panels attached to the wall with a treated lumber frame. Dotseth commented appreciation for the inclusion of “The Knapp, Stout, Co. Company”, which was the case at the time to mark the inclusion of the other silent partners. Lambrigtsen commented that the design may be raised from the design shown to better allow for photograph opportunities as the cross-cut saw will be painted in a manner that two people can pose with it. Dotseth suggested the inclusion of language stating that it was the largest lumber company in the world at time of operation. Kneeland and Schoenborn commented that there will be QR codes by the murals which will link to the history of the mural and its contents, to be hosted by the Dunn County Historical Society. Motion was made by Dotseth to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for one (1) mural on the exterior west wall of Lake Line Properties, LLC (400 Main Street East) as presented, seconded by Rudenborg. Motion was approved by voice vote, with Kneeland abstaining. d) Certificate of Appropriateness for a mural on the exterior east wall of Holden Smith Properties, LLC (438 Main Street East). The project was summarized as presented in the packet by City Staff, it is exempt from the City’s Sign Ordinance, as it is a piece of art not an advertisement for a business and that the Kraft State Bank is no longer in operation, and as such is recommended for approval. The mural will be painted on the brick wall. Question was raised by Schofield on the point of access as the property in front of this mural is private property, and as such written permission should be obtained from BMO Bank to use their lot, since unlike the other murals it is not being placed on a wall next to the public right of way. Schoenborn commented that there have been conversations with BMO Bank about using the lot, and it has been approved by them. Lambrigtsen expanded there will also be continuing conversations due to the height of the mural since regular scaffolding will not reach high enough, and a scissor lift will need to be rented to be able to reach the top. Motion was made by Erdman to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for one (1) mural on the exterior west wall of Holden Smith Properties, LLC (438 Main Street East) as presented, seconded by Dotseth. Motion was approved by voice vote, with Kneeland abstaining. Supplemental Discussion: Rudenborg’s Architects license is expiring in July and will need to be renewed. This comes with some continuing education classes, which he is willing to do to maintain status as the registered architect for the Historic Preservation Commission. Schofield commented that some professions have a non- practicing option which keeps the license, but cannot stamp plans. Schofield commented on upcoming certificates. For two new business signs at different properties and possible brickwork improvement from Holden Smith Properties at their property at 438 Main St E. Kneeland suggested that this commission should send an encouraging letter to downtown businesses/property owners for improvements and assistance, since the Murals in Menomonie is coming this summer to town to celebrate our historic city, and as such we should strive to look our best. Item to possibly discuss at the next meeting. The next regular scheduled Historic Preservation Commission meeting will be held on Monday April 13, 2026 at 5:00pm at City Hall, Room 58. Kneeland made a motion to adjourn; Gengenbach 2nd; motion carried unanimously on a voice vote; meeting adjourned, at 5:41 pm. Chris Johnson, Deputy City Clerk