Volunteer urges council to fund dedicated historic preservation staff and resources

Vicky Larry, a volunteer with the City Historic Preservation Board and a member of the Cheyenne County Historic Association, urged the City Council on June 10 to create a dedicated staff position and a budget line for historic preservation.

Larry told council members the city’s preservation efforts are scattered among departments, lack continuity and rely largely on LB840 funds earmarked for downtown redevelopment rather than education, resource coordination and enforcement. She said city-owned landmark properties need care and that current city code and ordinances (she cited City Ordinance 17-58, passed February 2015, and City Code section 12-82) provide guidelines but lack an accountable city staff member to coordinate preservation efforts.

Larry described years of turnover in city leadership and staff — she said the community has seen multiple city managers and economic directors over the past 17 years — and said that institutional changes have left preservation work inconsistent. She urged council members to add dedicated funding and staffing so preservation and education do not get sidelined in redevelopment efforts.

Larry requested stronger enforcement, clearer codes and penalty options, and easier public access to records and resources for historic properties. She said volunteers are trying to save local monuments and would welcome city support. The council did not take action on the request during the June 10 meeting; Larry made her remarks during the public-comment portion of the meeting and the matter was not placed on the agenda for immediate action.