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Menomonie preservation commission approves mural with “Swiss Miss,” new storefront signs and advances guidebook updates
Summary
At its May 11 meeting the Menomonie Historic Preservation Commission appointed David Schofield chair pro tempore, unanimously approved a revised Certificate of Appropriateness allowing a mural that references “Swiss Miss” and repainting of a west wall, approved storefront signage for Fiber Lab, and reviewed an updated preservation guidebook draft.
Menomonie’s Historic Preservation Commission met on May 11, 2026, and approved a series of routine but consequential preservation actions, including a revised Certificate of Appropriateness for a mural that will incorporate the name “Swiss Miss,” and a matching set of storefront signs for Fiber Lab as the business expands to an adjacent suite.
Public Works Director David Schofield, serving as chair pro tempore after the commission noted the previous chair was not reappointed, opened the meeting at 5:03 p.m. and led unanimous votes to appoint him chair pro tempore and to approve the meeting minutes from April 13, 2026.
The commission considered a revised application from TWD Enterprise, LLC for a mural on the west wall of Hygge Properties (616 3rd Street East / 301 Main Street East) and to repaint that wall black. Applicant representative Wade Lambrigtsen told the commission that the black paint is not part of the mural and that funds raised for mural upkeep will be dedicated to maintaining the mural itself rather than the whole wall. Lambrigtsen said Murals in Menomonie provided written approval from ConAgra for use of the “Swiss Miss” name; Schofield cautioned that donated upkeep funds are finite and that property owners remain ultimately responsible for long-term maintenance. The commission approved the revised Certificate of Appropriateness on a unanimous voice vote (motion by Tim Dotseth; second by John Sobota).
The commission then reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application from TWD Enterprise, LLC for six window signs and one wall sign at Fiber Lab’s new Suite A (305 Main Street East) intended to match the business’s existing storefront. City staff and Lambrigtsen summarized the plan and the commission voted unanimously to approve the signage (motion by Sylvia Gengenbach; second by Tim Dotseth).
Deputy City Clerk Christopher Johnson updated commissioners on a revised draft of the Historic Preservation guidebook. Johnson said the draft now includes a section explaining reasons for owner and business buy-in, a table cataloging properties by period and style with local or national designation, and a completed step-by-step signage section intended as a template for other topics. Johnson and Commissioner Melissa Kneeland will continue edits and return the draft for further discussion at a future meeting; no formal action was taken on the guidebook at this meeting.
Schofield also presented an updated Certificate of Appropriateness application form with an adjusted timeline and submission requirements to reflect current review practices and invited commissioner feedback. The commission scheduled its next regular meeting for Monday, June 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in City Hall Room 58 and adjourned at 5:32 p.m.
Actions recorded at the meeting include appointment of Chairperson Pro Tempore David Schofield; approval of the April 13 minutes; approval of the revised mural Certificate of Appropriateness (including repainting the west wall black and use of the “Swiss Miss” mark per the applicant); and approval of six window signs and one wall sign for Fiber Lab’s expansion. The meeting packet and staff reports provide the administrative details and the commission asked staff and applicants to return with any requested clarifications at a future hearing.
