Historical Commission Meeting

Historical Commission Meeting Madison Heights, Michigan January 10, 2024 A Historical Commission Meeting was held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 6:30 PM at Library - 240 W. 13 Mile Rd. CALL TO ORDER at 6:31 by Staff Liaison Verdun-Morris. Motion by Bliss, supported by Scott, to appoint Covert as Chair for today's meeting. Passed unanimously. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Council Representative Mark Bliss Rebecca Chambliss Martha Covert Martha Kehoe Robert Konenske Jason Kowalski Margene Scott Justin Suarez Cheryl Suiter ALSO PRESENT: Council Alternate Sean Fleming Staff Liaison Vanessa Verdun-Morris Motion by Bliss, supported by Kehoe, to excuse those members who gave notice. Passed unanimously. EXCUSED: Chair Jennifer Ballantine Pat Ross Kevin Wright ADDITIONS/DELETIONS APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Minutes from October 11, 2023 Motion by Kehoe, supported by Scott, to approve minutes from October 11, 2023. Passed unanimously. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 1 Adam introduced himself as a former member of the Historical Commission. Colton introduced himself as the son of Historical Commissioner Chambliss. REPORTS Verdun-Morris reported the Heritage Rooms computer is working, a printer/scanner was ordered, and one security camera is available in the hallway. IT has access to video recordings. For live video, IT needs to provide a unique link to the commissioner's email address. The link and video stream expire after 24 hours. Scott reported the Department of Public Services is ordering additional shelves for the Heritage Rooms. Bliss reported a History of Music display should be ready for April, with a live event in the Active Adult Center dining room, followed by a walk to Heritage Rooms. WORK PLAN REVIEW 2. Historical Commission Work Plan Report for FY 2023 FINAL REPORTS: Naming Madison Heights: Bliss reported that 2023 locations were named after Gary McGillivray, Bob Corbett, and Bob Gettings. An official process is now in place to recommend names to council. Martha Kehoe and Martha Covert volunteered to be on committee. Experiencing Madison Heights: Bliss reported the exhibit area in the library was the biggest accomplishment. The grand opening display was well-received. Digitizing Madison Heights: Councilman Fleming reported that getting the printer is a big move forward. The Heritage Rooms computer is now working. 3. Historical Commission Work Plan 2024-2025 Experiencing Madison Heights: Scott reported they are hoping to do reenactments with scout groups. Naming Madison Heights: Bliss reported the committee suggests honoring Ed Swanson, Lindell Ross, and Alva Mills. Motion by Chambliss, supported by Suarez, to pursue Naming Madison Heights recommendation honoring Swanson, Ross, and Mills. Passed unanimously. The committee will identify locations with staff and bring back to commission for council recommendation. Digitizing Madison Heights: Fleming reported committee is reviewing copyright restrictions and will be requesting photographs from residents. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 2 Memorial Request from October 11, 2023, meeting: Scott reported she contacted Ron Binienda's wife and conveyed that while he couldn’t be carved into monument, he would be honored on the Wall of Heroes if a photo was supplied. NEW BUSINESS 4. Heritage Rooms Hours and/or Volunteer Schedule Commission discussed the state of rooms and possibly reopening in April. Chambliss motioned, supported by Scott, that key fobs to City Hall elevator door be provided to Chair and Vice Chair. Passed unanimously. 5. Elect Vice Chair. Suiter motioned, supported by Kehoe, to nominate Scott as Vice Chair. Scott accepted nomination. Passed unanimously. Scott motioned, Kehoe supported, to nominate Chambliss as Treasurer. Chambliss accepted nomination. Passed unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS Scott reported Mary Merkle and Lee Davids passed away. The Yearbook and Research Library in the Heritage Rooms are named after Joy & Lee Davids. Joy David passed in 2018. ADJOURNMENT Adjourned at 8:22 p.m. by Chair Covert. NOTICE: Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation through electronic means in this meeting should contact the City Clerk at (248) 583-0826 or by email: clerks@madison-heights.org at least two working days in advance of the meeting. An attempt will be made to make reasonable accommodations. 3