Landmarks Commission Agenda Packet (PDF)

203 S. Farwell Street, P.O. Box 5148, Eau Claire, WI 54702-5148 Phone: 715-839-4914 Landmarks Commission Agenda September 21, 2026 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that there will be a meeting of the City of Eau Claire Landmarks Commission on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the North Conference Room at City Hall, 203 S. Farwell Street, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The following items will be on the agenda: 1. Call to order 2. Roll Call 3. Open public comment period for items that do not appear on this agenda. 4. Approval of 7/20/26 Minutes 5. Discussion – Owen Park Bandshell 6. Discussion – Commissioner Gyorfi’s Landmark Properties Videos 7. Discussion – Comprehensive Plan Update and Homework 8. Future agenda items and announcements 9. Adjournment In order to accommodate the participation of individuals with special needs at this meeting, the City will provide the services of a sign language interpreter or make other reasonable accommodations on request. To make such a request, please notify the City at 715-839-4902 at least two days prior to the meeting. _________________ Peter Baumgartner Associate Planner c: News Media Landmarks Commission ________________________________________________ Date: September 16, 2026 To: Commission Members From: Peter Baumgartner, Associate Planner Re: September 21st Meeting Items Reference Item 4. Approval of 7/20/26 Minutes Please review and approve the draft minutes. See Attachment 1. 5. Discussion – Owen Park Bandshell A request from Community Services for feedback on a draft scope of work for the future repair and renovation of the Owen Park Bandshell. The request for feedback will precede a future meeting where a recommendation will be made to the State Historic Preservation Office. See Attachment 2 6. Discussion – Commissioner Gyorfi’s Landmark Properties Videos An opportunity to review a memo from the City Attorney’s Office regarding the proposed video project. See Attachment 3 7. Discussion – Comprehensive Plan Update and Homework An update on the comprehensive planning effort and the Landmarks Commission’s initial role in the process. See Attachment 4 8. Future Agenda/Updates 9. Adjournment Landmarks Commission Minutes July 20, 2026 Members Present: Raivo Balciunas, Aaron Brewster, Robert Gough, John Gyorfi, Megan Beer- Pemberton, Dave Barnes, Bob Tollefson Staff Present: Peter Baumgartner The following items were on the agenda: 1. Call to order Chair Balciunas called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. Roll call Roll was taken and a quorum was present. 3. Open public comment period for items that do not appear on this agenda. None. 4. Approval of the 6/15/26 Minutes Motion by Commissioner Gough to approve the Landmarks Commission minutes, seconded by Commissioner Brewster, and approved unanimously. 5. Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) – 403 3rd Avenue Baumgartner went over the application from the Department of Health Services on the lead abatement that they wanted to perform at the former First Congregational Church Parsonage (403 3rd Ave). In his presentation he covered the proposed abatement options on the lead contaminated portions of the trim, windows, doors, and porch posts. During the discussion, the Landmarks Commissioners had the following comments: • The replacement of materials with aluminum or aluminum cladding should be prohibited. • The replacement of windows with glass blocks should be prohibited. • The replacement of any wooden elements, such as the porch posts, should be done with like materials. • They were in favor of scraping and stripping the lead contaminated/painted surfaces. • One commissioner mentioned that an alternative to wood that was suitable for longevity might be LP SmartSide that looked like wood. • decided that any form of aluminum siding or trim shouldn’t be allowed as an option; it was acceptable to replace wood with materials that are suitable for longevity, such as LP smart siding; Motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness was made by Commissioner Brewster with the conditions that: the replacement of materials with aluminum or aluminum cladding is prohibited; the replacement of windows with glass block is prohibited; and the replacement of wooden elements such as the porch posts, must be done with like materials. Second by Commissioner Tollefson, and the Certificate of Appropriateness was approved unanimously. 6. Discussion – Commissioner Gyorfi’s Landmark Properties Videos Commissioner Gyorfi presented his concept of a video series covering various historic properties, interviewing the local historians and residents, and delving into the folklore surrounding them. The discussion revolved around wanting to engage various local historians, the Chippewa Valley Museum, and the community. One thought was to put the videos on YouTube (either through the museum or the City’s page), another was to have a solicit the public for ideas (potentially through a paid contest). One commissioner suggested that they look at haunted houses in the area. The commission was in favor of the project and staff reminded them that they should keep in mind the lack of budget that they have available. Ultimately, Commissioner Gyorfi was to come back to the next meeting with a fleshed out concept for his project and Baumgartner was discuss the project with the City Attorney’s office and come back with feedback on what they can and can’t do. 7. Future Agenda Items and Announcements Baumgartner announced that the demolition of 1310 State Street was officially approved ad that the Landmark Application had been submitted to the state. 8. Adjournment Chair Balciunas called for adjournment of the meeting at 6:10 p.m. Motion to Adjourn by Commissioner Brewster, Second by Commissioner Barnes, and approved unanimously. Submitted by, Robert Gough, Secretary 2026 Owen Park Bandshell CIP Repair and Renovation Project Priorities - Exterior Repairs o Repairing in kind any damaged or excessively weathered exterior surfaces including repainting to match existing color - Roofing Repairs and Waterproofing; Drainage and grading Improvements o Address/remediate any areas of water intrusion around roof and base of building, replacing in kind with like material. o Mitigate ACM found in tar and paper of roofing per ESA report o Adjust grading around perimeter of building to shed water away from foundation o Addition of gutters and downspouts where needed to aid in water abatement Picture 1 – water intrusion in interior of bandshell from prior night’s rain - New Paint Coating & Stair Step Surface Coating Picture 2 – Condition of existing concrete and steps needing repair - Replacement and addition of Electrical services, Lighting & Lighting Controls - Close off Cove Space Somehow to deter nesting birds Picture 3 – pigeon nesting in period neon lighting fixtures Picture 4 – bird droppings on floor of bandshell due to roosting birds o LED Strips in Each Cove Run w/Color Control in Upper Storage Room ▪ Add additional LED lights with multi-color controls o Flood Lights w/Soft Color Intensity, 4000k or so o Replace Floods at top of bandshell with security covers o Maintain stair step outlet locations o Multi-gang recessed & locked receptacles on either side inside bandshell o Relocate existing 50-amp receptacle to area where it’s more accessible for users o If funding allows, add 50 Amp California Twist connection on either outer side Picture 5 – front of Bandshell circa 2005 Picture 6 – front of bandshell September 2026 Picture 7 – view from inside bandshell circa 2005. Locations of additional LED lighting would be along topside of the arc. Bird- proofing fencing or deterrents would be installed along majority of archway, out-of-view from audience Picture 8 – inside view of archway from September 2026 - Ventilation for Upper Storage Area – Passive with addition of vents and possibly forced- air ventilator with addition of fans - Removal of majority of existing wooden benches in seating area. They are costly and labor-intensive to maintain and uncomfortable. Main user groups suggest that most patrons bring their own lawn chairs and the space could be better used to accommodate more lawn chairs. Some wooden benches may remain to accommodate those for whom it’s preferable. Picture 9 – deteriorating condition of existing wooden bench seats Picture 10 – deteriorating condition of existing wooden bench seats Budget $250,000 allocated in 2025 via CIP budget. Additional $5,000 pending grant application Possible EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant Funds Toward Phase 1 Environmental Analysis OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY “Committed to providing excellent legal service to the City of Eau Claire” Stephen C. Nick, City Attorney Jenessa Stromberger, Assistant City Attorney Blake Edward Herbison, Assistant City Attorney Morgan Wilbur, Paralegal Memorandum To: Landmarks Commission From: Blake Edward Herbison, Assistant City Attorney Date: September 15, 2026 Re: Landmarks Commission’s Authority to Produce Educational Videos This memo responds to a question about the Landmark Commission’s authority to produce a series of educational videos about Eau Claire’s history. City Ordinance 2.65.040 F. grants power for the Commission to “work for the continuing education of the citizens about the historic heritage of this City and the landmarks and landmark sites designated under this chapter.” The Commission has helped with producing educational materials in the past. For example, there is a tour booklet that was last updated in 2016 and many other print publications linked on the City’s webpage. There is no prohibition against producing educational video content. Please be aware, however, of certain constraints the Commission is subject to even when producing educational material. First, the Commission is subject to Open Meetings laws. This means Public Notices are required when a sufficient number of Commission members meet, discuss, or conduct Commission business – including the production of educational materials. Because video projects are complex, a “walking quorum” that would trigger Public Notice requirements is more likely. Commission members should be careful to avoid violations of Open Meetings law and will need to coordinate with City staff for proper notices to be published. Second, video production can be time and resource intensive, so there are financial constraints to consider including that the Commission itself does not have budgetary authority. Third, because the Commission is a City body, various City staff would need to be involved throughout the project to review and approve the work being done. The Commission may also want to consider discussing a review and update of the various print materials about the historic heritage of the City. The various print materials available have not been reviewed or updated for many years, and there are likely various new landmarks that could have print materials created for them or that should be included in other materials. Though the same constraints apply to the production of print materials, production of print materials is less complex and therefore less likely to implicate some of those constraints. 2 Thank you for your continued service to the City, and thank you for considering contributing your time, skills, and expertise on work that would help highlight and preserve the City’s historic and cultural heritage. Sincerely, Electronically signed by: Blake Edward Herbison Blake Edward Herbison Assistant City Attorney BEH:mlw City of Eau Claire Comprehensive Plan Update As part of the public participation plan approved by the City Council and Plan Commission, the City’s boards, commissions or committees (BBCs) will have opportunities to provide input into the update process. The project website can be accessed at https://engagerdg.com/PlanEauClaire. Homework Assignment We would like the chair (or vice chair if the chair cannot attend) of said BCC to attend the upcoming community kick off and guided discussion meeting and report back to their respective BCC. Please see below for specific directions. 1. Attend September 22nd, 6 pm to 7:30 pm kickoff meeting at the library to learn more and participate. See attached flyer. 2. At your next regular BCC meeting in October, place the Comprehensive Plan Update Review & Feedback item on the agenda as a discussion item. Share what you learned and this assignment to fellow members. 3. Tell them to take the month in between to review the existing comprehensive plan (See the 5 year update of the 2015 plan version and health and sustainability chapters for relevant section(s)). See cross reference list below. 4. Then at your November meeting, place on the agenda the Comprehensive Plan Update Review & Feedback item again for direction back to the project team staff. Members should bring their feedback suggestions on existing policies that the City should keep, anything to modify/edit and any new ideas for the update. 5. The BCC staff liaison should capture the information either in the minutes or in a document to provide to the project manager, ned.noel@eauclairewi.gov in the Planning Division. Cross reference list • RDA review Land use, Downtown and Economic development chapters • BPAC review Transportation and Parks and Trails chapter • Transit Commission review Transportation chapter • SAC review Natural resources and Sustainability chapters • Landmarks Commission review Historic & cultural resources chapter • Waterways, Parks, & Urban Forestry Commission review Parks and Trails and Natural resources chapter • HOC review Housing chapter • EDI review Housing and District & Neighborhoods chapters • Board of Health/Health Alliance committee review Health chapter