Committee directs counsel review before removing historic items from courthouse crawlspace

The Oneida County Facilities Committee on May 4 directed staff to consult Corporation Counsel and the Clerk’s Office before proceeding with removal and inventory of historic materials from the courthouse crawlspace.

Facilities Director Troy Huber provided background on the request and said the committee’s priority is to "remove the items, complete an inventory, and determine appropriate preservation efforts." Public commenter Steven Schreier urged a preservation-first approach, saying the Wisconsin Historical Society provides guidance and that the effort is "not to dispose of items, but to preserve and properly assess any historically significant materials." Kerry Bloedorn offered to assist with the project and enter the crawlspace.

Committee members raised safety and liability concerns about allowing non-employees access to the crawlspace. The committee explicitly instructed staff to consult with Corporation Counsel and the Clerk’s Office to clarify access protocols, liability mitigation and next steps. Chairman Russ Fisher requested the item be placed on a future agenda after staff reports back.

The committee did not vote on removal or preservation actions at the meeting. The decision point now centers on counsel’s guidance: whether non-county personnel may participate in the inventory and under what conditions, and what preservation steps will be recommended following the Wisconsin Historical Society’s review.

The next committee meeting is scheduled for June 8, 2026, where the courthouse crawlspace matter is listed for follow-up.