The La Plata Historic Preservation Commission reviewed a draft "Centennial Plaque Program" that would recognize buildings, structures, objects and important sites in town that are at least 100 years old.

Don Dooley, planning staff, said the program would set eligibility criteria, nomination and application steps, and include an example plaque design. He told commissioners the subcommittee identified roughly 23 residential and 19 commercial buildings in town that appear to meet the 100-year threshold in 2025 and suggested the commission could award roughly five plaques per year, subject to town council budget approval.

Dooley described an approximate unit cost for the plaque illustrated in the draft: about $349 for a 10-by-7-inch bronze plaque; the transcript included a corrupted amount for an aluminum option, which the commission requested the staff clarify in future materials. Commissioners recommended using the higher-quality (bronze) plaque for durability and appearance despite the slightly higher cost.

Commissioners asked whether substantial renovation would disqualify a building. Dooley said the centennial plaque stream is primarily age-based (the building or a core element being 100 years old); by contrast, local historic designation that derives from a future town-wide resource survey would include integrity requirements and different standards.

On administration, Dooley agreed to add a written property-owner maintenance agreement to the draft so the town has a documented expectation and remedy if a plaque is not maintained. Commissioners also asked staff to include provisions for possible future enhancements — such as QR codes and walking-tour materials — while keeping the initial program simple. Staff will return a revised draft and a resolution for the commission to forward to council.