De Pere Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2012
A regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of De Pere, Wisconsin, was held on
January 16, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. at White Pillars Museum, 403 N. Broadway, De Pere, Wisconsin.
Roll Call.
Members present: Mike Fleck, Carla Nicks, Gene Hackbarth, Brian Netzel, Larry Lueck, and Mary Jane Herber.
Members excused: Tom Monahan.
Also present: Tom Walsh and Adam Stueck of the De Pere Historical Society
Approve minutes of the December 19, 2011 Meeting.
Chair Mary Jane Herber asked for approval of the minutes of the December 19, 2011 meeting. Mike Fleck
motioned and Brian Netzel seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried.
De Pere Historical Society property purchase.
Tom Walsh, past president and Adam Stueck, Director of the De Pere Historical Society came to the Historic
Preservation Commission to present what the Historical Society is proposing to do with the property immediately
north of the “White Pillars” property. The former Nan Workman house, 409 N. Broadway, is being purchased by
the Historical Society. The Society has spent the last two years discussing and working on this purchase. Chris
Renier an architect who serves on the Society board has come up with a plan for the Society to best utilize the
property. The Society is planning to add on to the existing Society building. Therefore what to do with the Nan
Workman house. The Society is considering that the Nan Workman house be available to move on to another
site. What the conditions are for this move is still in the planning stages. Gene Hackbarth and Mary Jane Herber
said that they would be willing to work with the Society on this. There are several lots located on the east side of
the City which would be appropriate for a house of this size. Tom Walsh said that the closing on the house is
February 6. After discussion of the possible moving of the house Carla Nicks moved and Mike Fleck seconded
the following. The De Pere Historic Preservation Commission supports the De Pere Historical Society’s purchase
of 409 N. Broadway for the purpose of expansion of their programs and outreach.
The Commission members are encouraging the De Pere Historical Society to market 409 N. Broadway “For Sale,
to be moved” and that it will support the De Pere Historical Society in this effort. The Commission encourages
the Society to have at least a 90 day window from the date of purchase. Gene Hackbarth motioned and Mike
Fleck seconded. Motion carried.
Preserve America Grant.
Ken Pabich was notified that the Preserve America Grant matching monies and in-kind hours as submitted by the
City, have been accepted by the National Park Service in Washington.
Preserve America Community sign. Mary Jane Herber reported that she received information from the City of
Green Bay to contact the Park Department. She will continue to work on this to find out how the City was able
to acquire this through the Federal Government.
De Pere Neighborhood Preservation Plan & Local Landmarks Designation.
De Pere Lockkeepers and Dam District, the Commission is waiting for a letter from the Fox Navigational System
Authority. Randy Lawton has not been contacted about his house at 707 N. Broadway.
Fox-Wisconsin Heritage Parkway.
The City now has a membership in the Parkway which was paid for with funds from the 2011 budget.
Commission budget disbursements.
It was discussed that the Commission request quarterly statements from the City Clerk/Treasurer beginning in
March 2012. Motioned by Mike Fleck, seconded by Larry Lueck. Motion carried.
Fox-Wisconsin Parkway Master Plan.
Gene Hackbarth reported that he and Mike Fleck, Carla Nicks, Adam Stueck and Mary Ann Schumerth met about
the possibilities available for presenting the history of De Pere in the master plan of the parkway. Currently the
discussion is about putting up signage that would be in place for this navigational season, from May through
October. It will be paid for by the Fox-Wisconsin Heritage Parkway.
Currently the Riverview Walk project funding includes the scissors bridge, island walkway connector from
Voyageur Park to the scissors bridge. Signage for the Fox-Wisconsin Parkway will be near the Lock but not on
Government Island. There will be a small handout explaining the Fox-Wisconsin Parkway Project.
Historic Preservation Month - May 2012.
Discussion of possible programs included: 1. Workshop/meeting on tax credits for commercial properties,
2. Tours of the Lockkeepers House, 3. Showing of the Delmar Secor film owned by Dean Krause and possibly
some of the photographs from the Lawton Collection.
Historic Preservation Review Board.
Meeting on February 17. Gene Hackbarth and Mary Jane Herber said that they will attempt to go to Madison for
this meeting.
Local History & Historic Preservation Conference in 2013.
No report.
Report on properties and status.
301 Main Avenue: On Dec. 19, 2011 the Historic Preservation Division of the Wisconsin Historical Society
approved the plans. The owners and contractors are ready to start.
735 Fox River Drive: This house was raised.
The old Nicolet Dairy Bar building in the 300 block of Main Avenue is in bad shape, there are serious problems
with the roof. Dave Hongisto, City Inspector needs to be aware of this.
Motion to adjourn made by Carla Nicks, seconded by Gene Hackbarth. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at
7:45 p.m.
Mary Jane Herber, Chair
De Pere Historical Preservation Commission