Review of a Certificate of Appropriateness for a proposed sculpture
installation in Riverside Park. (Veteran's Memorial)
2.
Staff provided an overview of the project and provided the standards to the
Commission when reviewing Certificate of Appropriateness that are not within
a historic district. John Satory asked who was paying for it. John Satory moved
to open a public hearing. David Riel seconded. The motion passed 5-0. Carol
Gross stated that it will all be fundraised for. John Satory asked about the
design and color. Val Schute described the design and provided additional
details on the design. CM Mindel asked if this memorial needed to be removed
would it leave little impact to the park. Val stated that some more work was
need to determine how it would be affixed to the base. It would have to be
attached to a fairly permanent base. Monica Gorski moved to close the public
hearing. John Satory seconded. The motion passed 5-0. David Riel asked about
John Nolen's role with Riverside Park and what exists today that was part of
his plan. Staff stated that he had developed a very in depth landscape and
planting plan that was largely not implemented. His plan also included
winding paths and other features that existing today but in a different form.
David Reil compared reviewing this item to changes in architecture of
buildings and the challenges with determining the significant features of parks.
Staff agreed and stated that a larger discussion with the Parks Department and
the Park Board and this Commission will need to take place. CM Mindel
agreed. Dan Trussoni also added that a final H&H study needs to be completed
as well as final approval by the Parks Board. John Satory moved to approve
the Certificate of Appropriateness. David Riel seconded. The motion passed
4-1. Gorski voting no.
Request to approve a statue donation request for Riverside Park, presented
by Barbara Kroner.
3.
Staff provided an overview of the project. John Satory asked if the new levy
goes up to this area. Dan Trussoni stated that the new levy is located to the
south of the proposed location for this statue. CM Kahlow asked about the
statue being raised on a platform and if that would be affected by the
floodplain. Dan Trussoni stated that the statue and its installation would not be
affected by the floodplain or would need to meet any requirements. David Riel
asked if the cost would be financed solely by the applicant. Dan Trussoni
stated that it would be and that they would be required to maintain it. David
Riel also expressed concern over the general public just donating statues in
public parks for personal purpose. Barbara Kroner stated that the statue was in
memoriam of her mother who was a past City Clerk for La Crosse. Dan
Trussoni stated that this item would also have to go back to the Park Board for
approval. David Riel stated that he was unsure about statues being erected in
this manner versus the previous item where it was honoring veterans. There
should be some distinction between when a statue or memorial is permitted in
a public space. CM Mindel asked about whether the question on quantity is
what the Commission can factor in. Staff stated it is a valid question when
considering these requests. John Satory stated that he agreed about not
wanting to commercialize the park but argued that this statue was in honor of
a past public official. John Satory moved to approve. The motion failed due to
the lack of a second. David Riel moved to deny. Monica Gorski seconded. The
motion passed 4-1. Satory voting no.
Nomination of the Charles Felber House- Sears Roebuck & Co Home, located
at 2326 Madison Street, to be designated as a Local Historic Landmark.
4.
This item was referred from April in order to revise the nomination.
Commissioner David Riel stated that he would work with the applicant but also
