Landmarks Commission

Landmarks Commission Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190 *In Person and Virtual Wednesday, November 05, 2025 - 6:00 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT Council Representative Orin O.Smith Board Member Pat Blackmer Board Member Penolope Alwin Board Member Kelsey Reilly Board Member Jordan Reilly STAFF Llana Dostie, Zoning Specialist 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 Board Member Alwin, Seconded by Board Member Reilly. Voting Yea: Board Member Blackmer, Board Member Alwin, Board Member Reilly, Board Member Reilly 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. Approval of October 1, 2025 Minutes. Motion made by Board Member Alwin, Seconded by Board Member Reilly. Voting Yea: Board Member Blackmer, Board Member Alwin, Board Member Reilly, Board Member Reilly 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. Landmarks Commission Minutes November 05, 2025 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. None OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS / DISCUSSIONS / REPORTS 2. Update on Effigy Mounds and Historical Garden (Alwin) Alwin stated that the state archeologist said that the information they currently have is inconclusive regarding the historical garden. They don't have the technology. Looks like something was there based on the soil formation but that is as far as she could go. Alwin explained that the Effigy Mounds are under the purview part of Park and Rec board. Dostie explained that Landmarks still has jurisdiction related to education but Park and Rec Board has the maintenance. A joint meeting can be requested between the two groups. Alwin stated that the Bill Quakenbush is very adamant that there should be no disturbance to the area. Alwin stated that they have done some burning and cutting of raspberry bushes. They planted prairie grass but it didn't come up. Blackmer stated that there is a brochure of the Effigy's Mounds. It was to be updated but not done. J. Reilly asked if signage was part of education. Blackmer stated that we do have the educational signage for the mounds they are brass plates. 3. Update and possible action on landmarking of Lambda Chi building. (Smith) Smith stated that he is in contact with their president between homecoming and other community activies they have been busy. They are planning a meeting for this month. Blackmer stated she would like to be involved with that meeting. 4. Update on historical bookcase going to the Anderson Library. (Smith) Smith contacted both Kevin and the archivist for an update. Kevin has stated that any plans for them to look at the bookcases has fallen through. The bookcase is at the barn. 5. Update and discussion on the Birge Fountain. (Blackmer) Landmarks Commission Minutes November 05, 2025 Page 3 Blackmer stated that the fountain is closed for the winter. Would like an updated from Brian Neumeister regarding the rust inside the unit. When McKay came out to investigate the fountain which is going to be 10 years ago in 2027. There were issues that need to be taken care of. 6. Update and discussion regarding Starin Park Water Tower. (Blackmer) Blackmer stated that she received a report from Brad that he received from McEnroe. She doesn't know why the report was done. Looks like they will only be consultants. She needs to schedule a meeting with Brad to get more clarification. Blackmer stated that we have $10,000 anonymous donation if the city will match and other's who may donate. Would like to bring to the Starin Water Park Tower Community Committee. J. Reilly not sure why Cornerstone didn't provide an estimate, thought that was the plan. Blackmer stated she will ask Brad Marquardt to come to the next meeting along with the Starin Water Park Tower Community Committee. 7. Update and discussion on the Hamilton House. (Blackmer) Blackmer stated the Hamilton House has been removed from the market and the Barbers intend to remain here. Dostie explained that they needed an easement from the City of 12 inches for the ramp. This is going to council. 8. Discussion on Lyman Wight Octagon House. (Blackmer) Blackmer stated that it was for sale and the sale is pending. The current owners didn't know when they purchased it that it was a local landmark. Blackmer has informed the realtor handling the transaction of its status as a local landmark which falls under city ordinance. 9. Discussion and possible action related to community education. (Blackmer) Blackmer stated that thank you for the Reilly's participation in the Spirit Tour. Smith stated that we spoke at the last meeting about library presentations. Smith did reach out to the Anderson library about interest in hosting a presentation program. They were interested in hosting. Blackmer stated that we have usually had a display in May at the library. The public library will be reopen in December. How long is the University library timeline? Alwin stated that we did a library display for the Effigy Mounds. Blackmer stated that we need to bring knowledge of all the landmarks. People like looking at pictures and artifacts not reading. Smith stated there is no timeline. 10. Discussion regarding Certified Local Government status. (Blackmer) Blackmer stated that we are renewed for another year. Landmarks Commission Minutes November 05, 2025 Page 4 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS -Lambda Chi House -Starin Water Tower Park -Birge Fountain report rom Brian Neumeister -Bookcase ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.