Historic Resources Board finalizes America’s 250th concert plans, schedules Phoebe Hearst statue unveiling

The Historic Resources Board on May 7 approved final plans for an America’s 250th Birthday concert and moved ahead with logistics for the June 13 unveiling of the Phoebe Hearst statue.

Chair Bob Wren opened the meeting at 9:30 a.m. at the Community Service Center. The board accepted the April 2 minutes by a 4-0 vote. Board members present were Bob Wren (Chair), Terry LaValley, Lynette Foulger, Tammy Mattson and Rose Nyman; Gayla Hess served as staff.

On event planning, the board kept the music order in the second program draft for the May 16 concert at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and approved volunteer job lists. Tammy Mattson moved to keep the presented music order; Lynette Foulger seconded and the motion passed 5-0. After a brief discussion about printing, a proposal to order 125 color postcards failed for lack of a second; Tammy Mattson then moved to order 125 black-and-white postcards, Terry LaValley seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

Margie Smith, a member of the Friends of the Stack, asked the HRB to provide volunteers for Smeltermen’s Day tours Aug. 8–9 and noted site improvements including a new boardwalk and interpretive signage. "Narratives for guides are provided and FOTS members would be available to help answer questions," she said.

Rose Nyman updated the board that the Phoebe Hearst statue has been completed. Bob Wren said there was a brief crack in recently poured concrete that has been resolved and that he and another person worked on the statue’s final elevation; a stone retaining wall is planned between the concrete and the lawn.

The board continued planning for the June 13 unveiling and reception. Carlye Hansen of the Elks said the Elks can handle the $200 insurance deposit, provide tables and tablecloths and supply two bartenders at no charge; she will prepare an invoice for the deposit and promote the event in the Elks calendar. Tammy Mattson, County Attorney Morgan Smith and the artist are scheduled to speak prior to the unveiling.

Lynette Foulger moved to order two fruit trays, two vegetable trays and one meat-and-cheese tray from Albertsons for the reception; Terry LaValley seconded and the motion carried 4-0. (Tammy Mattson had left the meeting.)

The board also approved an updated ad for a June 11 speaker event—revising the title to “The Remarkable Life of Phoebe Hearst” and listing the location as the Hearst Free Library, 2nd floor—and charged Lynette Foulger with arranging a Sept. 10 speaker. Six oral-history interviews have been recorded or scheduled and staff will reach out to an additional candidate. The HRB also voted 4-0 to cancel its planned participation in the Sportsman’s Club Conservation Day due to volunteer availability changes.

During miscellaneous announcements, board members discussed Friendship Park and concerns that a retaining wall makes the area seem private. Rose Nyman said she objected to statements made by Beaudette at the April 21 county Commission meeting about the HRB’s former Marcus Daly statue project, calling the statements factually incorrect; Bob Wren said he had urged commissioners to attend HRB meetings for accurate information.

The Historic Preservation Officer’s report included a CLG reimbursement request linked for review. The board noted its next regular meeting is scheduled for June 4, 2026. The meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.

Votes at a glance: • Accept April 2, 2026 minutes — Motion: Terry LaValley; Second: Rose Nyman; Vote: 4-0 (Bob Wren, Terry LaValley, Lynette Foulger, Rose Nyman yes; Tammy Mattson absent to vote). (SEG 007) • Keep music order for May 16 program — Motion: Tammy Mattson; Second: Lynette Foulger; Vote: 5-0 (all members present yes). (SEG 015) • Order 125 black-and-white postcards — Motion: Tammy Mattson; Second: Terry LaValley; Vote: 5-0. (SEG 016) • Order catering (2 fruit, 2 veggie, 1 meat-cheese tray) from Albertsons — Motion: Lynette Foulger; Second: Terry LaValley; Vote: 4-0. (SEG 021) • Accept ad changes and title for June 11 speaker event — Motion: Lynette Foulger; Second: Terry LaValley; Vote: 4-0. (SEG 025) • Assign Lynette to arrange Sept. 10 speaker — Motion: Rose Nyman; Second: Terry LaValley; Vote: 4-0. (SEG 026) • Cancel HRB participation in Sportsman’s Club Conservation Day — Motion: Rose Nyman; Second: Terry LaValley; Vote: 4-0. (SEG 029)

The board discussed next steps for event volunteer coordination and for the statue unveiling; staff will follow up on invoice/insurance from the Elks and complete vendor/catering arrangements.