EAU CLAIRE
LANDMARKS COMMISSION

Meeting of December 5, 2011

Members Present: Jenny Ebert, Katrinka Bourne, Patrick Kurtenbach, Carrie Ronnander, Kathy Mitchell, Ken Ziehr

Members Absent:   Karen Nusbaum

Minutes.    The minutes of the November 7, 2011 meeting were approved as written.

The meeting was chaired by Jenny Ebert and called to order at 4:30 p.m.

1. Discussion of UW-Eau Claire’s Historic Survey Report.

Dr. John Mann, from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, was present at the meeting to discuss the recently completed draft of the historic intensive building survey for the UWEC campus.  The survey was prepared by Tim Heggland and included all the UW campuses with the exception of Madison.  John indicated that the UWEC History Department will be preparing a centennial history for the University, which will be in 2016.  As part of the history project, the History Department would like to sponsor an internship to prepare a plan on how the University should proceed with implementing the findings of the intensive survey report.  John mentioned that this could include some preliminary work on National Register nominations for buildings identified in the intensive survey report.  The Commission indicated that they were interesting in assisting, if their help is needed.  John stated that he would keep in touch with Pat Ivory regarding the status of the project and need for assistance.

John added that his public history students are continuing their work on surveying the western portion of the Historic Randall Park Neighborhood in the vicinity of Lake Street and would like to give a presentation to the Commission in 2012 regarding their findings.

2. Discussion of City Hall Building Analysis and Updates.

The Commission continued their discussion regarding the 2012 City budget item to hire a consultant to conduct an in-depth analysis of the condition of the City Hall building complex.  At the November meeting, the Commission noted that they hoped that the analysis would include a review of the historic features of the buildings.  The 2012 budget includes $50,000 to undertake this study. 

Pat Ivory indicated that he had contacted the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) to inquire about possible funding sources to help in funding the analysis.  He stated that he was given names of several possible sources, which could be contacted.   Pat also contacted the Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation, but had not received a response.  Katrinka Bourne and Carrie Ronnander also discussed other possible funding sources, but wanted to further research the issue. 

The Commission stated that they would continue their discussion at their next meeting and asked Pat to determine when the City is proposing to send out an RFP for consultants for the analysis. They also requested copies of the National Register nominations for the buildings.

3. Update on Landmark Activities and Properties.

A. Commission Membership.  The Commission noted that this was Jenny Ebert’s last meeting and thanked her for her work and enthusiasm while serving on the Commission.  Possible replacements were discussed. 

B. Update from Eau Claire Historic Preservation Foundation.  Pat Kurtenbach provided and update of Foundation activities.  The annual home tour is planned for May, 2012.
 
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.  

Submitted by,

Patrick Kurtenbach, Secretary