HISTORIC SITES PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Friday, May 30, 2008
Administrative Center – Room B390
9:00 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Vicki Twinde-Javner, Barb Kooiman, Richard Bedessem, Kent Sween, King Holley
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Harriet Schuppel and 1 vacancy
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Vicki Twinde-Javner, Commission Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Richard Bedessem noted a correction needed under “Possible Nominations - Striped School” relating to the 4-H Club contact; that being: Linda Saley can be reached by calling Mildred Saley as listed in the phone book. MOTION by Kooiman/Sween to approve meeting minutes of March 28, 2008, including the noted correction. Motion carried unanimously; Schuppel excused.
UPDATE ON NOMINATIONS / RESOLUTION PROCESS
Iron Overhead Truss Bridge (tabled) – status quo.
Others – None mentioned.
UPDATE ON POSSIBLE NOMINATIONS / NOMINATION PROCESS
Striped School / owner Norman & Phyllis Berg (Kooiman & Twinde-Javner) - Status quo.
Oehler Farmstead – owners Swing & Jahnel (Kooiman & Twinde-Javner) - Status quo.
Greenfield Town Hall (Holley) - Status quo.
Mindoro Cut (Kooiman) - Status quo.
Swarthout House (Kooiman) – Status quo.
Lake Neshonoc Dam & Powerhouse/ owner Best Power (Kooiman) - Status quo.
Palmer Lewis Octagon House (Schuppel) – Status quo.
Stone Cellar in Town of Greenfield – (Twinde-Javner & Holley) - Status quo.
Onalaska Town Hall (Sween) – Status quo.
Others – None mentioned.
STATUS ON HIRING OF INTERN
Vicki noted that she attended the Executive Committee meeting in April and explained the need for the intern that was approved in the commission’s 2008 budget; there were a lot of questions. It was pointed out that there were no paid interns in the County system, and several members of the committee suggested searching for an unpaid or for-credit intern from UW-La Crosse. Vicki noted that would be time consuming and not sure if time spent searching would be efficient or worthwhile; also noted wrong time of year to pursue an unpaid intern.
STATUS OF COMMITTEE JURISDICTION CHANGE
Vicki noted that she attended the May Executive Committee meeting at which time an ordinance was introduced, that being, having the commission report to the Planning, Resources and Development Committee as a better fit vs. under the authority of the Executive Committee. Anticipate that the County Board will approve this concept at their June 19th meeting.
POSSIBLE MEETING DATE CHANGE
If the committee change occurs and the commission is under the jurisdiction of the Planning, Resources and Development (PRD) Committee, it would be beneficial for the commission to have a member of the PRD Committee to serve on the commission – filling the vacated membership that was previously held by Jason Gillett. Noted that the PRD Committee takes their monthly zoning tour on the last Friday of each month so that would be in conflict with the current meeting dates of the commission. After some discussion, general agreement to move the meetings to the first Friday of each month starting August 1.
REVIEW AND DETERMINE 2008 PRESERVATION GRANT RECIPIENT(S)
Two applications received: Preservation Alliance of La Crosse sent their application via email to the Board Chair Office with copies sent with the agenda; the one from Norskedalen was sent to MVAC Office so Vicki distributed copies; both met the application deadline. Details of each as follows:
· Preservation Alliance of La Crosse, Inc. (PAL) submitted a $1,000 request for creating a colored brochure to promote PAL’s contributions to the community and serve as an educational brochure relating to local preservation efforts and foster the support of historic preservation in the greater La Crosse and Coulee Region. Total project cost is $1,000, including in-kind donation by volunteers and board of directors.
· Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center, Inc. submitted a $1,000 request to assist with the expenses of “Twilight History Tour at Norskedalen”; a nighttime tour led by guides with lantern light; visitors will step back in time and meet live historical characters of the area’s past; the grant funds would assist in the purchase of lanterns and costumes that would also be used for future tours. Total project cost is $2,200, including in-kind match by volunteers.
After some discussion, MOTION by Bedessem/Sween to approve $500 to each (PALS and Norskedalen) based on both organizations having worthwhile projects. Motion carried; Kooiman abstained; Schuppel excused.
2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Vicki distributed draft copies for review and input. General agreement to add the names of the 2007 historic site/structure nominations, add the date of the Octagon House move, and note the notification relating to two cell tower locations. MOTION by Kooiman/Bedessem to approve the 2007 Annual Report as presented, including the noted revisions and some other minor corrections. Motion carried unanimously; Schuppel excused.
POSSIBLE FUNDRAISER – JOINTLY SPONSORED EDUCATIONAL PUBLICATION
Status quo. Noted that without the intern/work assistant position, this may not occur soon.
WI HISTORICAL SOCIETY WORKSHOP IN LA CROSSE
A mailing was received from the Wisconsin Historical Society regarding an upcoming conference in Madison toward the end of September. Barb said she would check and that maybe coming to La Crosse was no longer being considered.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Most of the same items, excluding meeting date change, preservation grant, and annual report.
NEXT MEETING
Friday, June 27, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. Richard noted that he needs to be excused. Vicki noted it as a week of vacation and not sure if available. If a quorum is not anticipated, the meeting will be cancelled and moved to the first Friday in August as previously agreed upon.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Bedessem/Kooiman to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously; Schuppel excused. The meeting adjourned at 9:42 a.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder