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Clarkdale preservation panel discusses marker wording, CLG steps and volunteer needs for expanded July 4 program
Summary
At its March 3 meeting the Historic Preservation Commission heard plans for an expanded July 4 parade and concert, discussed updating historical marker language to include Hispanic and Native American heritage, reviewed gazebo maintenance, and planned CLG follow-up with SHPO. Commissioners were asked to volunteer for marker drafting and to consider grant options.
The Historic Preservation Commission of the Town of Clarkdale spent much of its March 3 meeting on preservation priorities, including proposed updates to historical marker language, a Certified Local Government (CLG) follow-up with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), gazebo maintenance, and a request for volunteers and grant exploration tied to an expanded July 4 celebration.
Parks and Recreation Director Joni Westcott told the commission the town plans a larger parade for the nation's 250th anniversary while retaining a children’s-only section and adding an evening concert. "We do need volunteers across the board. It takes about 50 volunteers for us to put on the event," Westcott said, outlining plans for an ice cream social, pancake breakfast, music and a kids' art show. Staff encouraged the commission to consider participating with a float or booth.
On historical markers, commissioners asked staff to include language that acknowledges Hispanic and Native American heritage. Staff said they have reached out to cultural resource officers for input and recommended forming an advisory group including tribal and Hispanic community members. "We just wanna hit the highlights and the important things that help shape the community," a staff member said when describing the committee’s approach to drafting marker text.
Budget concerns shaped the marker discussion. Commissioners noted that updating or rehabbing markers will cost money and that attempting major changes without a funding plan risks inaction. Staff said they had identified potential grants that could help pay for markers or construction, but that many grant application deadlines were this week; staff suggested compiling materials now so the commission could apply in the next grant cycle.
On the CLG process, staff reported contact with Ariana Urban of the State Historic Preservation Office; Urban indicated willingness to attend a meeting in April and to present an award. Staff and commissioners confirmed Clarkdale will not be a CLG by April but said they will bring a timeline and a redraft of the commission’s strategic plan to the next meeting to clarify priorities, including the town's mandated inventory of historic structures (commissioners said Clarkdale's inventory has not been updated since 1989).
Staff also summarized gazebo maintenance procedures: weekly visual checks, biweekly electrical checks, and a repaint cycle every two to three years depending on condition. The commission asked staff to produce sign mockups and cost estimates and to put the marker language and July 4 participation on a future agenda for more detailed planning.
The meeting concluded with the commission adopting a new meeting start time and listing the July 4 discussion and mockup review as future agenda items.
