In a recent meeting of the Monona Landmarks Commission, members discussed the ongoing concerns regarding the maintenance and safety of the pagoda's roof, which has faced deterioration over the years. The conversation highlighted the need for preventive measures to protect the newly planned roof from potential vandalism and unauthorized access.

One commission member recounted a recent experience with local boy scouts who had cleaned up around the pagoda. During this activity, a scout demonstrated how easily he could access the roof, raising alarms about the lack of fencing or barriers to deter such actions. This prompted discussions about the importance of designing the new roof to withstand potential damage from climbers, particularly at its vulnerable edges.

The commission reviewed previous plans from 2021, which included bids for roof restoration. The selected contractor had proposed a cost of $31,300, significantly lower than other bids received. However, the commission debated whether to proceed with a complete roof removal or to explore options for restoring it in place, as suggested by a subsequent engineer's assessment.

Concerns were also raised about the structural integrity of the columns supporting the roof, which led to a recommendation for further evaluation by a qualified engineer. The commission is now considering whether to engage the original contractor, Legacy, to include options for both repair and restoration in their plans.

As the commission moves forward, the discussions underscore the importance of safeguarding Monona's historical structures while balancing restoration efforts with practical safety measures. The next steps will involve clarifying the scope of work with the contractor and ensuring that the pagoda remains a cherished landmark for the community.