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New Berlin Landmarks Commission approves 2026 budget, pays WAHPC dues; plans sign, database and website updates
Summary
The New Berlin Landmarks Commission on Jan. 15 approved a $2,000 budget for 2026, authorized $40 to cover annual WAHPC dues and advanced administrative work on replacement cemetery signs, correction of the landmarks database and a website refresh. The commission set a target of early February 2026 to complete database corrections.
The New Berlin Landmarks Commission on Jan. 15 approved its 2026 budget of $2,000, authorized $40 from that budget for annual WAHPC dues and discussed several administrative actions including replacement of cemetery landmark signs, correction of the commission's landmarks database and updates to the commission website.
Chairperson Orzel opened the meeting at 6:04 p.m. and confirmed a quorum with Alderman Harenda and Commissioners Erdmann, Jennifer Tyskiewicz and Warczak present. The commission unanimously approved the Nov. 20, 2025 minutes on a motion by Commissioner Warczak and a second by Alderman Harenda.
In the Treasurer’s report, Commissioner Warczak said $1,323.21 remaining from the 2025 Landmarks Commission budget was returned to the City Treasurer’s Office and that the commission’s 2026 budget had been approved at $2,000. On a motion by Commissioner Jennifer Tyskiewicz, seconded by Commissioner Erdmann, the commission unanimously approved allocating $40 from the 2026 budget to pay the commission’s annual WAHPC dues.
On signage, Chairperson Orzel said printing of replacement signs for New Berlin Center, Holy Apostles, Sunny Side and German Evangelical Protestant Cemeteries has been delayed by plowing and salting operations but that the new signs will include corresponding QR codes and the Landmarks Commission logo.
Deputy City Clerk Megan Godshall told the commission she is working with the Waukesha County Clerk’s Office to rectify and update missing procedures and information in the landmarks checklist and database. Commissioner Warczak said flash drives intended for downloading the commission binders had not been purchased because of a software problem and reiterated that the checklist should be corrected before binder material is transferred. Warczak said the list is expected to be fully corrected by the beginning of February 2026. The commission noted that the New Berlin Common Council approved the Luthi Barn at its Dec. 9, 2025 meeting.
Chairperson Orzel reported contacting Jason Tish of the Wisconsin Historical Society about the Certified Local Government evaluation; Tish indicated the evaluation will be sent to and completed by the City Clerk’s Office.
Alderman Harenda raised a discussion about potentially reducing the number of commission members. Commissioners discussed pros and cons; Alderman Harenda will consult with the City Attorney about specifics for appointing consultants. The commission tabled the item for a future meeting.
On a proposal to update the commission website, Deputy City Clerk Megan Godshall recommended revising content and links. Commissioner Erdmann will compile a list of links that do not lead to the intended information, and Chairperson Orzel said she will prepare a shorter biography template for each landmark; the commission also discussed adding new photos to the site.
The commission scheduled its next meeting for Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Conference Room A/B. Commissioner Jennifer Tyskiewicz moved to adjourn; Commissioner Warczak seconded, and the meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
