McCall preservation commission seeks budget for historic properties inventory and replaced park signs

Samantha Westendorf, chair of the McCall Historic Preservation Commission, told the council the commission concentrated in 2025 on two priorities: launching a phased historic‑properties inventory and replacing deteriorated interpretive signage in Legacy Park.

Westendorf said the commission used a 2023 CLG grant to hire Doncaster Consulting for a literature review and a phased approach. Doncaster’s desktop survey focused on the downtown corridor (3rd Street to Mission Street north and south of the lake) and identified 10 properties worth a ground survey, including the Lake Street Station, the Yacht Club and the Carl and Ida Brown House. The commission plans to use a significant portion of its 2026 budget on a ground survey to evaluate integrity and, where warranted, prepare forms for the State Historic Preservation Office.

On interpretive signs, Westendorf described cooperation with Parks and consultation with Shoshone‑Bannock representatives (and noted existing Nez Perce content in other signs). She said five signs were replaced (one redundant map removed), a process that took longer because of tribal consultation and design updates.

Council members thanked the commission and asked staff to continue coordination on the Payette Lakes Inn renovation prospects and sewer‑connection constraints described by staff.