Landmarks Commission

Landmarks Commission Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190 *In Person and Virtual Wednesday, February 05, 2025 - 7:00 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 7:01 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT Council Representative Orin Smith Board Member Gloria Buley Board Member Pat Blackmer Board Member Penolope Alwin STAFF Taylor Zeinert, Economic Development Director (EDD) GUESTS Jordan Riley Kelsey Herold Dan Richardson APPROVAL OF AGENDA A committee 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 Committee to be implemented. The agenda shall be approved at each meeting even if no changes are being made at that meeting. Motion made by Council Representative Smith, Seconded by Board Member Buley. Voting Yea: Council Representative Smith, Board Member Buley, Board Member Blackmer, Board Member Alwin CONSENT AGENDA Items on the Consent Agenda will be approved together unless any committee member requests that an item be removed for individual consideration. 1. Minutes of December 4, 2024 Landmarks Commission Minutes February 05, 2025 Page 2 Motion was to table the minutes until the next meeting. Motion made by Council Representative Smith, Seconded by Board Member Buley. Voting Yea: Council Representative Smith, Board Member Buley, Board Member Blackmer, Board Member Alwin HEARING OF CITIZEN COMMENTS No formal Committee 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 Committee discusses that particular item. 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. None. CONSIDERATIONS / DISCUSSIONS / REPORTS 2. Staff Report regarding budget for Effigy Mounds maintenance. EDD Zeinert explained that the city does it's budget every two years. They passed it in 2024. At that time, Eric Boettcher was previous Park and Rec Director. The Effigy Mounds fall under Park and Rec. Eric didn't budget for any upkeep of the Effigy Mounds in the budget. With that being said there is no current budget for the Effigy Mounds. We are hoping to get that rectified in the next budget cycle, but that will not be until 2026. EDD Zeinert has spoken to the Finance Director about this and Park and Recs Director Kevin Boehm on this. They plan on doing an CPI acknowledging that the Mounds are scared for so many reasons. Alwin asked about the budget. So nothing will be possible between now and then. Buley asked does that included general maintenance of it. Smith explained that Kevin did building it in to his maintenance and plans, it is just not specifically budgeted for just the Effigy Mounds. EDD Zeinert explained there is money for basic maintenance, such as mowing. But items such as excavating trees safely and things of that nature, there are no funds. Blackmer confirmed that it will be continued to be maintained with mowing. Alwin stated there was a possibility that Kurt Sampson, an archaeologist that does restorations of various mounds would be able to help. Kurt was supposed to have a meeting with the Parks and Rec Director. Alwin asked if that had happened. EDD Zeinert was unsure about Kevin's schedule or if this meeting had occurred. Landmarks Commission Minutes February 05, 2025 Page 3 Blackmer stated that Kurt Sampson was going to help us three years ago, however, nothing happened. EDD Zeinert stated that she would reach out to Kevin regarding Kurt Sampson. Smith asked if this was a budget expenditure, or if this would have to go in front of council. EDD Zeinert stated that yes, it would have to go to council. Blackmer explained that originally Kurt Sampson had volunteered to do this and he brings with him a group of volunteers to do this. Blackmer stated that a concern is that the volunteers that enter the site need to be specifically trained. In addition, City Council had imposed certain requirements, for example the use of tools. You can't . They were going to allow hand clippers. 3. Staff update on sign repair at Starin Park. -EDD Zeinert EDD Zeinert stated she did speak to the Public Works Director he knew of the sign. He was going to track it down and put it up. He is trying to track it down. Blackmer stated that it needs to be replaced, if he needs anything she has the original design information. 4. Discussion and possible action regarding lower basin lights on the Birge Fountain. Blackmer stated that they have been repaired. They are on. But not sure if the Maid of the Mist light is now off. Will drive by tonight. 5. Staff update on where the signage for Territorial Oak is located and when it will be replaced. (EDD Zeinert) EDD Zeinert explained that the streets department found it. Blackmer stated that Landmarks should meet with Urban Forestry, because she is unsure if they are going to remove the stump of the Territorial Oak. 6. Discussion and possible action regarding a joint meeting with Urban Forestry regarding Territorial Oak. EDD Zeinert asked they commission if this was something that they would be willing to do at an Urban Forestry Commission meeting. Blackmer stated that not everyone would have to be there, there could be just representation. Smith pointed out that if action is needed, there would need to be a quorum of the commission there. EDD Zeinert stated that the next Urban Forestry meeting is on February 24th. That is a Monday. Smith and Buley stated that both would not be able to attend. Landmarks Commission Minutes February 05, 2025 Page 4 EDD Zeinert asked if it would be best to send a Representative to the Urban Forestry Meeting . The Representative can express Landmarks thoughts, and bring back to the Landmarks Commission. Both Blackmer and Alwin stated that they could attend the Urban Forestry Meeting on February 24, 2025. 7. Staff update regarding Chamber's financing of landmarks brochure. EDD Zeinert stated that the last time we spoke to the Chamber and the Tourism Council they had said they would not fund the update. We have had more discussion with them and they will be willing to fund the update. We are on their March agenda to represent the hopes of the Landmarks Commission. Blackmer stated that she would like to add that they allow the Landmarks Commission direction, to hire once again with financial support, the individual that created the second Landmarks brochure. He has all of the digitized information and all he would have to do is reconfigure and add the Landmarks that are currently not in the brochure. Smith asked that like everything else the City puts out, can this be a bilingual initiative? Blackmer stated that it would likely have to be two separate brochures. Alwin stated that with all the wording under each one it would be very expensive to do it in both English and Spanish. 8. Discussion regarding budget recommendations for Landmarks Commission. Blackmer explained that the Landmarks Commission dies not have a budget. And never really had a budget. Way back in history the Landmarks Commission had $1,800 dollars, but we were doing something special at that time and they were also, paying for people to attend the State Preservation Conference. This year it is October 15th to the 17th, hosted by the Wisconsin State Historical Society in Baraboo. In the past, if you wished to attend the conference the City did pay to cover the registration fee. Since we no longer have a budget anymore, the City will no longer do that. Smith asked about the cost. Blackmer stated the registration is usually $150.00. Blackmer stated to think about the budget, we have a year and a half. Things that have been donated in the past have been photos at the local library. Blackmer asked if the City still pays for the postage. EDD Zeinert stated that yes. Blackmer asked if the City will still to pay for our membership fee to the Wisconsin Historic Preservation Commission? It is usually $40.00 dollars. EDD Zeinert stated she will look into this. Blackmer stated that we need to belong to the Wisconsin Historic Preservation Commission because we are a certified local government. And that maintains our status as a local certified government. Landmarks Commission Minutes February 05, 2025 Page 5 EDD Zeinert stated that she will find funds. 9. Discussion and possible action regarding renovations for the Delta Zeta House. EDD Zeinert stated that she still has not heard. She will keep following up with the Delta Zeta House. Blackmer confirmed that Geri Katz is EDD Zeinert's contact. EDD Zeinert confirmed that Geri Katz was her contact. Blackmer stated that they want to remove their handicap ramp and replace it. It is an ADA issue. What they are thinking about would be a much better addition to the house than what is currently there. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Alwin asked about putting the discussion about commission turnover back on the agenda. Blackmer stated that we will have two new commission members. And I third possible member is getting married and moving to Tennessee so that won't work. We need one more commission member. Smith stated he knew someone who would be interested. Delta Zeta house Birge Fountain to determine next steps. EDD Zeinert stated that she would like to add to the next agenda has to do with ceramic plaques. There were a series of ceramic plaques that were supposed to be on each historical buildings. When we cleaned out the White Building. Staff uncovered all of them. Most of them are broken or in some state of disarray. Would like the commissions feedback on what to do with them. America 250 updates-Q2 or Q3 Lecture Series updates-Q2 or Q3 Little Red School House and Halverson Log Cabin updates Q2 or Q3 NEXT MEETING DATE MARCH 5, 2025 ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.