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Commission discusses updating member binders and adopting updated CLG manual; digitization encouraged
Summary
Members reviewed the commission's informational binder and discussed switching to the Wisconsin CLG manual, digitizing materials, and possibly public outreach to solicit local award nominations.
The Janesville Historic Commission discussed the content and format of materials distributed to new members and agreed to review the Wisconsin Certified Local Government (CLG) manual's updated 2025 guidance as a likely baseline for their materials.
Bridal Yu, a staff member, told commissioners that the state CLG manual is being updated for 2025 and that she will forward the link when it is available. Commissioners said the printed binder they currently receive contains useful historical information but includes older materials and missing updates; several commissioners cited specific items such as the Downtown Design Guide (2010), a 1987 National Park Service residential rehabilitation guide, and a 1998 Janesville history binder.
Multiple commissioners urged digitization of the materials to improve accessibility and updateability. One commissioner suggested packaging the materials on a thumb drive or moving them to a hyperlinked online manual like those used by other municipalities. Commissioners also asked for clearer maps and current ordinance references, noting that several local ordinance and overlay-district references in the binder may be dated.
The conversation also touched on the classification of 'contributing' and 'noncontributing' properties within historic districts. Staff explained that district nomination materials list whether each structure contributes to the district's historic character and that a 50-year guideline is commonly used; staff also said district nominations can be amended to change a property's status or to alter district boundaries, though that process carries costs and is not routine.
Commissioners supported using the updated state CLG manual as the working template for member materials and encouraged staff to pursue digitization and to coordinate with the city manager's office on broader public outreach about nominations and awards.
