The meeting was held at the Highland Park home of Pete & Terri Cone, 1604 22nd Street.

President: Anderson called the meeting at 7:15 pm.

Secretary: Diane Oestreich emailed the May minutes.

Vice President: Despite flooding on the Rock River, Martha Dismer is still planning on hosting the July 15 meeting. Pam Saunders said that Bryan Pattschull and David Cordes had volunteered to host a meeting and tour of the Smyth-Jackson house at 824 20th Street sometime. That could be an option if the Rock River doesn’t settle down. Otherwise she will try to schedule a meeting there for the next trimester.

Treasurer: Daryl: Linda suggested that we should do an occasional internal audit of our treasury as good policy. Pete Cone volunteered to review the books for the past two years. Treasurer Daryl Empen had another meeting and was not present. On a motion by Clayton Peterson, seconded by Pam, we voted to renew our membership in Moline Preservation Society at a cost of $10.

Corresponding Secretaries: No activity.

Committee Reports/Business

1. Awards:
   Linda asked if we had any ideas for improvement of awards. Pete & Terri, who had received a Certificate, said that they liked the way we presented them at the City Council. Clayton delivered the Certificate to Enyo Dewith, who had not been able to attend the presentation. He said Mr. Dewith was very pleased to have received this recognition. Terri moved, seconded by Pete, to authorize Martha to purchase award frames in advance when she sees a good buy on sale. Martha has been purchasing the frames for several years, but this year had trouble finding them at a good price, noting there are often good sales after the Christmas holiday season. Linda noted that Moline Preservation Society gives their awards in certain categories and that these categories can provide good ideas for us.

2. Neighborhood Partners:
   Terry Anderson had said that Keystone has asked for a discussion of a leaf burning ban at the July NP meeting with a potential to take the issue to City Council. Those present at RIPS decided that, because of diversity of opinions and the nature of our organization, we would not take a position pro or con on this issue. There was a strong consensus that our NP representatives ask that viable alternates are in place before such a ban is requested. It was noted that the Moline policy of placing leaves along curbing was not successful.

3. Endangered Buildings/Preservation Projects:
   The City Council voted positively to support the Artspace Survey for potential conversion of Old Lincoln School into artist lofts. Linda was at that Council meeting and noted that there was still a great deal of criticism of the project.
   It was also noted that the RI School District will save the ornate terra cotta entrance of the villa – dismantled and stored – for potential future use. (See additional discussion below).

4. Long View Centennial Update:
   Linda said the event will be held on Friday, July 18, beginning at 5 pm. Food – either purchased or picnic – will begin at 5 pm, accompanied by live music. There will be a “surprise” unveiling, followed by the History Lives enactment of historic characters in Long View’s history, directed by Mick Elliott, who directed several Epitaphs events at Chippiannock. The evening will conclude with birthday cake and lemonade. Linda, Diane & Daryl have nearly completed production of a full color history of the park and FOLV has received a grant from the Day Foundation to produce 500 - 600 copies to be given away.

5. Notecards to sell at Long View Centennial:
   This can be done comparatively easily, depending on the time Daryl has after preparing the Long View History booklet.

6. Fall Event?
   Diane suggested that we could put a tour together in a short time if necessary, but would prefer to wait till after the Long View Centennial for such a decision. If we do a tour, Linda suggested the Burgaert Addition might be a good selection.

7. Potential Preservation Project:
   Linda summarized information presented at the RI Preservation Commission meeting about the original terra cotta entrance archway at the Villa. The school board has committed to about $11,000 to dismantle and store the monumental arch with the hope that money can be raised to reimburse this cost as well as the cost of reassembling it somewhere, hopefully on the Villa land. The total cost is estimated at $20,000. It was suggested that RIPS could take the leadership in raising this money. Mary Welling had volunteered to use her extensive church and villa network to contact former students and other church members. There was a strong consensus that, if at all possible, the arch should remain on the villa site rather than in another location such as armory park.

   A great deal of discussion about the pros and cons of RIPS involvement and potential risks ensued. One important factor is that it would be difficult to raise money with out a plan for where the archway would be rebuilt. A summary of our decision and immediate action follows:
   1. Any money collected would have to be kept in an escrow account until adequate funds are raised.
   2. Perhaps pledges, rather than checks, should be solicited. Question? What is the collection/default rate of pledges?
   3. We would need a contract with the school system before proceeding (perhaps Steve Andich would volunteer his legal expertise)
   4. What happens if pieces are broken/lost when the arch is dismantled and stored? This could drastically affect the reconstruction price.
   5. Before trying to raise funds, we need to be able to present a firm concept plan to potential donors, who would want to see where their money is going. Ideally, it would be a very visible location.
   6. We can do a mail survey this fall (when school plans should be totally solid) to see if there’s interest in donating to the archway fund. We could do this at a cost to RIPS of under $100
   7. Linda will contact Mary Welling to tell her we want her assistance. She will also contact Mike Oberhaus to tell him RIPS is very interested in this project, but that we will need more information about potential spots for relocation of the arch (which probably shouldn’t be done till other construction is complete).
   8. We need a good contemporary photo of the arch, probably from all sides.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Blossoms at Butterworth – This Sunday, June 22, 12 – 5 pm, there will be the celebration at the historic homes in the Butterworth area, including the RI County Historic Society.

Moline Preservation Society – Linda will try to attend their annual potluck picnic at the home of Barb & Dick Sandberg on July 29, to encourage our friendship with the MPS folks.

Portieres for Sale - Alan Egly has some vintage burgundy velvet portieres (used between rooms) and their hanging hardware for sale. Contact Diane for more info.

ADJOURNMENT - by consensus to a birthday cake (and great pies, too) for recent retiree Pete! If you weren’t there, we won’t say how many candles were on the cake.