Landmarks Committee
Regular MeetingWhitewater, WI · October 5, 2023
Minutes
Landmarks Committee
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Thursday, October 05, 2023 - 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.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone via the link below:
https://meet.goto.com/924791741
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 924-791-741
United States: +1 (872) 240-3412
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.
** EMERGENCY RE-AMENDED ** AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
- Ben Adamitus called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL
- Present: Olm, Richardson, Schreiber, Adamitus
- Absent: Weigel
- Others Present: Staff Representative Ben Kloskey, Gloria Buley, Geri Kratz
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 Agenda
2.) Approval of the Minutes of September 7, 2023
3.) Set date of next meeting: November 2, 2023
- Motion to approve made by Schreiber, seconded by Olm.
- Unanimously approved by voice vote, Adamitus abstained as he was not at the September meeting.
a. Richardson asked if he can alter tonight’s agenda, Schreiber and Adamitus clarified the process for
amending the agenda. No amendments were made at this time.
Landmarks Committee Agenda October 05, 2023 Page 2
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.
A. Gloria Buley asked if the back-porch situation at the Hamilton House can be addressed at the
next meeting. She was assured it would be by all members.
OLD BUSINESS
1.) Territorial Oak: Current Condition and Future Plans
a. Richardson stated that he went to previous Urban Forestry Commission Meeting, and
expressed at the meeting that the Territorial Oak Situation is important to the Landmarks
Commission, Walworth County Historical Society, and the Whitewater Historical Society. All
entities want to be updated on matters regarding the tree moving forward.
b. Richardson said there was interest expressed at the UFC to potentially use old parts of the tree
as benches, and to replace the old tree with a new oak, but previous attempts at a new tree have
failed to take hold.
c. Olm added that the Arboretum club wants to use old parts of the tree to memorialize the oak
at their space at Starin Park.
d. Richardson said Brian Neumeister claimed they were waiting on a quote for how much the
tree will cost to bring down. The whole tree will have to go for safety reasons, but the placards
will remain.
NEW BUSINESS
1.) Delta Zeta Sorority House Upgrade Requests
a. Geri Kratz of Delta Zeta sorority upgraded to new commercial locks on the back/side doors of
the building previously. Requesting a new smart and keyless lock for the front door.
- Motion to Approve made by Schreiber, seconded by Richardson.
- Unanimously approved via roll call.
2.) Farewell Event for the Territorial Oak
a. Richardson claimed that the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War memorialized the
“mustering tree” burr oak in Delavan with a group photo of them with the tree. Richardson suggested
we could do something similar, and the group agreed.
Landmarks Committee Agenda October 05, 2023 Page 3
b. Olm asked if there were any other groups interested in a combined farewell event. Adamitus
followed up by asking if it was safe to have an event by the oak, to which Olm responded with
“No.” and asserted that the oak is on private property. The reasoning for the safety concern is
because the tree is located right on the corner of W Main St. and Franklin St., which makes traffic
and space for people to congregate an issue.
c. Buley suggested selling the branches as a fundraiser, and Olm was said it was a good idea.
d. Adamitus said that the Landmarks Commission will have a presence at the next UFC meeting.
3.) Digitization
a. Adamitus said no progress has been made.
4.) Landmarks City Website Updates
a. Olm sending links to get the website updated by Staff Rep. Kloskey.
b. Adamitus asked to keep the Commission updated as progress is made.
c. Schreiber requested that his address be updated.
5.) Thank You Notes for Landmark Hotel and Hamilton House
a. Thank you notes to be sent to Landmarks Hotel, Hamilton House, and Delta Zeta Sorority.
- Motion to approve by Schreiber, seconded by Olm.
- Unanimous approval by roll call.
6.) Water Tower Situation & Signage
a. Richardson said the signage is damaged and wanted to know if the city is doing anything about it.
b. Adamitus said he would reach out to relevant departments at the city to find out.
c. Schreiber added there was no update given about the tower from the Finance Committee. He also said
he would reach out to the City Manager.
7.) 312 Elkhorn Rd. Telecommunications Tower – Invitation to Comment
a. Kloskey explained the letter to the group.
b. Richardson said the tower will affect the city skyline, but this is normal to happen over time.
c. No official comments.
Landmarks Committee Agenda October 05, 2023 Page 4
CONSIDERATIONS / DISCUSSIONS / REPORTS
1.) Report from the Friends of the Effigy Mounds
a. Olm said a small group of people attended, and the meeting went very well. He added that the
next meeting should be scheduled soon, but he is still waiting on Bill Quackenbush to arrive in
November.
b. There is an informational seminar on Nov. 6th hosted by Amy Rosebrough at the library.
c. Adamitus asked Kloskey to ask if there will be an issue if the Landmarks Commission has a
quorum at that meeting.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- Suggested future agenda items: Back porch of Hamilton House renovation, thank you note to City
for efforts with the mounds, Water tower situation, Birge Fountain fundraising, DZ shed and
other changes, Potential orientation for new members
ADJOURNMENT
- Adamitus adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m.
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.
Respectfully submitted,
Ben Kloskey, Staff Representative
Agenda
Landmarks Committee
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Thursday, October 05, 2023 - 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.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone via the link below:
https://meet.goto.com/924791741
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 924-791-741
United States: +1 (872) 240-3412
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.
** EMERGENCY RE-AMENDED ** AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
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 Agenda
2.) Approval of the Minutes of September 7, 2023
3.) Set date of next meeting: November 2, 2023
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.
OLD BUSINESS
1.) Territorial Oak: Current Condition and Future Plans
Landmarks Committee Agenda October 05, 2023 Page 2
NEW BUSINESS
1.) Delta Zeta Sorority House Upgrade Requests
2.) Farewell Event for the Territorial Oak
3.) Digitization
4.) Landmarks City Website Updates
5.) Thank You Notes for Landmark Hotel and Hamilton House
6.) Water Tower Situation & Signage
7.) 312 Elkhorn Rd. Telecommunications Tower – Invitation to Comment
CONSIDERATIONS / DISCUSSIONS / REPORTS
1.) Report from the Friends of the Effigy Mounds
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
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.
1821 Walden Office Square, Suite 500, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 - 630.227.0202 - www.trileaf.com
September 27, 2023
Whitewater Landmarks Commission City of Whitewater
Attn: Ben Klosky, GIS Analyst
P.O. Box 178
Whitewater, Wisconsin 53190
Phone: 262-473-0142
Email: bkloskey@whitewater-wi.gov
RE: Tillman Infrastructure, LLC – WI0671 / Whitewater WI / Project# TI-OPP-23028 – Trileaf
Project #734411
312 Elkhorn Road, Whitewater, WI 53190
Walworth County, Whitewater Quadrangle (USGS)
Latitude: 42° 49’ 50.10” N, Longitude: 88° 42’ 39.25” W
Dear Ben Klosky:
Trileaf Corporation is in the process of completing a NEPA Review at the referenced property. Tillman
Infrastructure LLC proposes to construct a 195-foot (199-foot-overall) self-support telecommunications tower and
associated equipment within a 100-foot by 100-foot (10,000 square foot) lease area. A 30-foot-wide access/
utilities easement is proposed to extend approximately 113.5 feet north from the tower compound to intersect with
E Clay Street. The site is currently a manicured grass lawn and forested area. The antenna will be licensed by the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Our investigation includes determining if the site is contained in, on or within the viewshed of a building, site,
district, structure or object, significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering or culture, that
is listed, or eligible for listing on the State or National Registers of Historic Places, or located in or on an Indian
Religious Site.
Trileaf is requesting information regarding this tower’s potential effect on Historic Properties. All information
received will be forwarded to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) as part of the Section 106 review
process. Additionally, this invitation to comment is separate from any local planning/zoning process that may
apply to this project.
If you wish to comment or be considered a consulting party, please respond within thirty (30) days of the date of
this letter. If a response is not received within thirty (30) days, it will be assumed that you have no objections to
this undertaking. A site topography map and aerial photograph are enclosed for your reference.
Please call me at (630) 227-0202 or email l.skeens@trileaf.com if you need additional information or have any
questions. Thank you for your assistance in this regard.
Sincerely,
Lisa Skeens
Project Scientist
JOHN M. BANKS
ARCHITECT
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ARCHITECT
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JOHN M. BANKS
ARCHITECT
ELEVATION
ELEVATION 1
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Site Location & Surrounding Properties
Site Location Easement
Aerial Photographs (2021)
Tillman Infrastructure LLC – WI0671 / Whitewater WI
312 Elkhorn Road
Whitewater, WI 53190
Whitewater Quadrangle, Wisconsin (2022)
Contour Interval = 10 Feet
Scale 1 Inch = ~2,000 Feet
Latitude: 42° 49’ 50.10” N, Longitude: 88° 42’ 39.25” W
North
Township: T4N Range: R15E Section: S3
Site Location
Site Vicinity Map
Tillman Infrastructure LLC – WI0671 / Whitewater WI
312 Elkhorn Road
Whitewater, WI 53190
Landmarks Committee
Whitewater Municipal Building Cravath Lakefront
Room, 312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI
53190 *In Person and Virtual
Thursday, September 07, 2023 - 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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://meet.goto.com/269324973
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.
CALL TO ORDER
- Kori Oberle (filling in for Ben Adamitus) called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL
- Present: Richardson, Olm, Oberle, Schreiber, Weigel
- Absent: Adamitus
- Others: Staff Representative Kloskey
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the Consent Agenda will be approved together unless any committee member requests that an
item be removed for individual consideration.
Approval of Agenda
Approval of the Minutes of July 6, 2023
Set date of next meeting: October 5, 2023
- Motion to approve all three items on the consent agenda made by Olm, seconded by Schreiber.
- The motion passed unanimously.
Landmarks Committee Agenda September 07, 2023 Page 2
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.
CONSIDERATIONS / DISCUSSIONS / REPORTS
1. Thank you to Karen Coburn for her service on the Landmarks Commission
a. Oberle stated that Karen Coburn has retired from the commission, and suggested
sending a thank you card. All members agreed with this sentiment.
b. Gloria Buley was suggested as a replacement member; Olm made plans to reach out
to her soon.
2. Landmarks Educational Series Update (Olm)
a. Olm stated that part 2 of the Passenger Depot video should have been aired early this
week, but there are delays relating to the city Media Coordinator resigning. The video
should be available by September 15th. If the city can no longer assist in the video
making, Olm stated he would do it alone if necessary.
b. Olm said the Effigy Mounds episode will be done in October with Bill Quackenbush.
c. Olm considered doing a mini-episode on the Burr Oak tree instead of missing a month
of content, Oberle said there is no shame in taking a month off.
d. Olm was interviewed by Kim McDarison from Fort Atkinson Online, and an editorial
was uploaded.
e. Olm mentioned he had been messaged by former UW-Whitewater alumni in support
of his new educational series.
f. Weigel suggested sharing the Landmarks Educational Series with the Library, and
Sarah French in particular. Richardson suggested multiple people to contact, and is
forwarding their info to Olm.
g. Olm is planning on making a “Landmarks Trek” walking path of the city landmarks
sites. He would like to make signage and presented the commission with a template.
The sign proposed had a QR code and map attached to the front of it. Weigel
suggested potentially doing two different QR codes, one for the map and one for
Olm’s videos. Staff Representative Kloskey suggested an interactive web map to be
added to the city website as well as a QR code on the signage.
3. Effigy Mounds Strategic Planning Update (Weigel)
a. Weigel stated that originally there were two groups taking care of Effigy Mounds
related issues, but have since dissipated early on in the summer.
b. Weigel contacted Michelle Dujardin, Andrew Beckman, John Weidl, and Brian
Neumeister about the current state of the Effigy Mounds and only received a
Landmarks Committee Agenda September 07, 2023 Page 3
response from Neumeister, who said that any new issues must wait until a new
Director of Parks and Recreation is hired.
c. Weigel then set up a meeting with the Interim Director, Dujardin, who relayed the
same sentiment, stating that Effigy Mounds related issues will have to wait until there
is a new Parks Director. Weigel said that the hiring is likely to occur in November.
d. Weigel expressed concern with different holes and brush scattered across the
mounds, and is worried that the issues won’t be resolved before winter.
e. Oberle added that those issues are park maintenance related, and therefore should
be in the queue to get done.
f. Oberle suggested the creation of a 5 year plan, to “keep the ball in the air” so that
there is a plan when the new Parks and Recreation Director is hired.
g. Oberle also floated the idea of a new group being created that is knowledgeable
about the mounds, to lead it’s development as an “accessible entity”, this group
would not be maintenance related.
h. Oberle stated that the commission cannot expect the next Parks Director to have any
extensive mounds experience, and suggested that the commission or a member
should take Bill Quackenbush to dinner and have him assist in creating a plan. This
idea was supported by the rest of the commission members.
4. Friends of the Effigy Mounds (Weigel)
a. Weigel met with the Director of Curriculum at Whitewater Unified School District to
potentially include more mounds related content in local education. The Director was
receptive to this idea, according to Weigel.
b. Amy Rosebrough, from the Wisconsin Historical Society, is coming to town on
November 6th for potential professional development as well as hosting an event at
the Library.
c. Weigel said there is a Friend of the Effigy Mounds meeting on Monday to gauge group
interest.
OLD BUSINESS
5. City-Owned Local Landmarks: Ongoing assessment of condition, maintenance and/or
repair needs and progress, future plans, etc.
6. Birge Fountain
7. Re-Installation of painted components (Oberle)
a. Oberle mentioned that she had seen the four missing pieces of the fountain being
reinstalled today.
8. Fundraising (Adamitus/Oberle)
a. Oberle wants to do a large fundraising event next June, an outdoor event at the
fountain to generate revenue for its repairs. This includes selling centennial booklets
at a suggested price of $20 per book to assist the fundraising.
b. Olm added that not all fundraisers have to be done by the Landmarks Commission.
c. Oberle said that Ben Adamitus and herself should have a total dollar amount for
donations received up to this point at the October meeting.
Landmarks Committee Agenda September 07, 2023 Page 4
NEW BUSINESS
9. Territorial Oak: Current condition and future plans
a. Oberle stated that the oak is now considered dangerous, per the Urban Forestry
Commission. She added that they are considering taking it down.
b. Oberle suggested that a celebration event be held for the Territorial Oak be held
before it is brought down. This sentiment was shared by the rest of the commission.
c. Richardson added that the Whitewater Historical Society has a keen interest in the
tree, and are worried it will be taken down without notice. Richardson stated that the
Historical Society wants to know the facts before the tree is taken down. Richardson
ended his statement by saying it would be a mistake to not inform the various local
historical societies about the situation. Richardson claimed he would let the Walworth
County historical society know about the Territorial Oak situation.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- Suggested future agenda items were: Farewell Event for the Territorial Oak, Digitization,
Landmarks City Website Updates, Possible Thank You Notes for Landmark Hotel and Hamilton
House, Water Tower Situation/Signage, and Report from the Friends of the Effigy Mounds.
ADJOURNMENT
- Oberle adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
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.
Respectfully submitted,
Benjamin Kloskey, Staff Representative
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