HISTORIC SITES PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Friday, August 1, 2008
Administrative Center – Room B390
9:00 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Vicki Twinde-Javner, Barb Kooiman, Richard Bedessem, Kent Sween, King Holley, Harriet Schuppel
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Beverly Mach
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: John Thornsen and Robert Dempsey (Bangor VFW Post #8278), Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Vicki Twinde-Javner, Commission Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Kooiman/Sween to approve meeting minutes of May 30, 2008. Motion carried unanimously; Mach excused.
DISCUSS HUSSA BREWERY OFFICE DESIGNATION
Representatives of Bangor VFW Post #8278, John Thornsen (Commander) and Robert Dempsey, were present to discuss options of saving the Hussa Brewery Office that is currently owned and used by the Bangor VFW Post. The Village of Bangor is proposing a TIF District for an area that includes their Post; the brewery and nearby home have already been condemned and will be torn down; and in addition to the VFW Post, other buildings included in the proposed TIF District are a tavern, bank, funeral home, auto garage, gas station, and village hall; noted that the developer is also the owner of the bank. The plan is to build a new village hall, fire station/EMT/police, a new bank, and an assisted living facility.
In August 1991, the Hussa Brewery Office (now the VFW Post #8278) was designated as a County historic site. Kooiman noted, per the function and role of the County Historic Sites Preservation Commission as spelled out in Chapter 22 of the County Ordinances, historic designations are honorary and there is nothing in Chapter 22 that can prevent demolition; also noted the commission does not have any authority in the incorporated areas, such as cities and villages – only in the unincorporated areas. Barb noted that VFW Post could be eligible for the National Register; she offered to make a few phone calls at the State level. Pointed out per s. 22.06 of Chapter 22, that voluntary restrictive covenant could be added to the real estate Deed; the Post could discuss this option with an attorney. Conclusion: Barb will make some phone calls and keep in contact with representatives of the Bangor VFW Post. Harriet also suggested the Post contact Jason Gilman, City of Onalaska Planner, to get more information on how TIF Districts work, etc. The Post was welcomed to attend future commission meetings.
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. Barb had called the Berg’s regarding the situation that being the neighborhood club no longer exists and if the property was historically designated, it may have to go back on the tax roll; the Bergs indicated they would discuss with their children; Barb noted that she has not received a return phone call.
Oehler Farmstead – owners Swing & Jahnel (Kooiman & Twinde-Javner) - Status quo.
Greenfield Town Hall (Holley) - Status quo.
Mindoro Cut (Kooiman) - Status quo. Barb noted she attended the Mindoro summer festival at which time they were given a plaque for the Cut’s National Register nomination.
Swarthout House (Kooiman) – Status quo.
Lake Neshonoc Dam & Powerhouse/ owner Best Power (Kooiman) - Status quo.
Page 2 – Historic Sites Preservation Commission Minutes of August 1, 2008
Palmer Lewis Octagon House (Schuppel) – Harriet thought the basement was almost completed. This site may have been annexed into the Village of West Salem which the County commission would not have any designation authority. Harriet will further check into this.
Stone Cellar in Town of Greenfield – (Twinde-Javner & Holley) - Status quo.
Onalaska Town Hall (Sween) – Kent noted the Town Board has tabled their idea of replacing the hall; he suggested that it be removed from this list.
Others – None mentioned.
STATUS OF COMMITTEE JURISDICTION CHANGE
Vicki noted the change of committee oversight is officially approved. The commission will no longer report to the Executive Committee and is now under the jurisdiction of the Planning, Resources and Development (PRD) Committee. Beverly Mach, as a member of the PRD, was just appointed to the commission as the County Board representative.
DISCUSS AND DETERMINE FUTURE MEETING DATE/TIME
Noted that the PRD Committee currently takes their monthly zoning tours on the last or first Friday of each month, depending when their monthly meeting is, so that may be in conflict with the current meeting dates of the commission. Noted that the PRD Committee at their August 4th meeting is considering a date change for their tours; if this occurs, then there will not be a conflict with commission meetings. General agreement by commission members to see what PRD decides.
DISCUSS AND APPROVE COMMISSION’S BUDGET FOR 2009
After review and discussion, MOTION by Kooiman/Holley to approve the following budgeted amounts for the commission’s 2009 budget:
Printing - $900, Postage - $40, Advertising - $125, Dues - $195, Fees/Deed Recording - $100, and Preservation Grant - $1,000 for a total of $2,360. Motion carried unanimously; Mach excused.
POSSIBLE FUNDRAISER – JOINTLY SPONSORED EDUCATIONAL PUBLICATION
Some discussion; noted the book project (similar to City of Eau Claire) would be time consuming; maybe a smaller project should be considered. General agreement to leave on future agendas for continued discussion.
UPDATE - WI HISTORICAL SOCIETY WORKSHOP
The two-day workshop is September 26 and 27 in Madison. Not sure why La Crosse was not chosen as the event site. Pointed out that attendees at the workshop may apply for scholarship opportunities to help defray the cost; 2 options: one night at motel and registration = $127 or 2 nights at motel = $124. Vicki and Barb may attend.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Most of the same items. Suggestion to prepare a packet of information for the PRD Committee relating to the commission’s function, brochures, minutes, etc. King also suggested need to update Chapter 22 ordinance
NEXT MEETING
Friday, September 5th at 9:00 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Bedessem/Kooiman to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously; Mach excused. The meeting adjourned at 9:57 a.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder