Landmarks Commission

Landmarks Commission Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190 *In Person and Virtual Wednesday, February 07, 2024 - 6:00 PM Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Topic: Landmarks Commission Time: Feb 7, 2024 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number: (262) 473-0108. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER - Adamitus called the meeting to order at 6:00pm ROLL CALL Present Adamitus, Schreiber, Weigel, Richardson, Olm Absent: None Others present: Gloria Buley, Kevin Boehm APPROVAL OF AGENDA A commission member can choose to remove an item from the agenda or rearrange its order; however, introducing new items to the agenda is not allowed. Any proposed changes require a motion, a second, and approval from the commission to be implemented. The agenda shall be approved at each meeting even if no changes are being made at that meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Meeting minutes January 4, 2024 - Motion by Richardson to approve minutes as presented. Seconded by Schreiber. - Unanimously approved via voice vote. HEARING OF CITIZEN COMMENTS No formal commission action will be taken during this meeting although issues raised may become a part of a future agenda. Participants are allotted a three minute speaking period. Specific items listed on the agenda may not be discussed at this time; however, citizens are invited to speak to those specific issues at the time the commission discusses that particular item. Landmarks Commission Agenda February 07, 2024 Page 2 To make a comment during this period, or during any agenda item: On a computer or handheld device, locate the controls on your computer to raise your hand. You may need to move your mouse to see these controls. On a traditional telephone, dial *6 to unmute your phone and dial *9 to raise your hand. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 2. Update on Water Tower Signage Repair a. Kevin Boehm gave an update on the sign and will bring this item back for discussion after getting pricing to replace with an interpretive sign. 3. Birge Fountain Funds a. Kevin Boehm gave an update on the budgeted funds for the Birge Fountain. There is $500 budgeted for 2024 and 2025 for minor repairs. There is a fund balance of $10, 336 and these funds are to be used to fund repairs and maintenance of the fountain. b. Ben Adamitus asked if this money could be put into the conduit account with the community fund. Boehm said he would find out and bring that back. 4. Territorial Oak Site a. Kevin Boehm gave an update and recommended the Landmark Committee work closely with the Urban Forestry Commission. b. Discussion was had on to who has the stone and the plaque that came from the site. Boehm will find out where it is and report back. 5. Initiating Commission Members a. Ben Adamitus recommended this item be included in the Initial framework for the 5 year strategic plan. NEW BUSINESS 6. Initial Framework for 5 Year Strategic Plan a. Ben Adamitus recommended having separate meetings on this plan and bring information back to commission meetings for discussion. Planning will include the ordinance, goals, mission statement, how the commission aligns with these items and how to develop interest in joining the commission. Jim Olm and Jaime Weigel both volunteered to assist Ben with working on this. 7. Information Needed to List Landmarks for Sale a. Ben Adamitus discussed his findings of what needed to be done to list properties as being designated as Historic Landmarks. Little is done and Ben has a realtor looking into changing the disclosure documents. b. Dan recommended giving local realtors a complete listing of all properties that are not publicly owned, a copy of the city ordinance, and sending a letter to current residences to thank them for keeping their homes up according to city ordinances and to remind them to disclose the fact their residence is a historical landmark if they go to sell. c. Ben recommends this become part of the strategic plan to update every year and disseminate the information. CONSIDERATIONS / DISCUSSIONS / REPORTS 8. CLG Annual Report (Adamitus) Landmarks Commission Agenda February 07, 2024 Page 3 a. Ben Adamitus completed and submitted the CLG Annual report. Ben reported on the availability of funds through the CLG partnership and how they could align with the strategic plan. He will invite representatives to visit at a future meeting. 9. Wisconsin Association of Historic Preservation Commissions membership (Adamitus) a. Ben reported on the membership and he paid the membership dues. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS  Meeting with the state historic preservation office.  Investigate plaques for historic properties. o City funds availability o Incorporating QR codes  Listing of other properties  Update Clio website  Update on Walton Oaks site o Mowing o Invasive species removal and treatment  White Memorial Building roof replacement on east side of building  Landmark Hotel update o What has been done o What has been promised to be done o Update status on entrances  Who owns the Prairie Tiller Landmark Building?  Information on the future of the Starin Park Water Tower. ADJOURNMENT - Motioned to Adjourn by Schreiber, seconded by Olm. - Unanimously approved via voice vote at 7:13pm. A quorum of the Common Council may be present. This notice is given to inform the public that no formal action will be taken at this meeting. Anyone requiring special arrangements is asked to call the Office of the City Manager / City Clerk (262-473-0102) at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.