Winona Landmarks Commission reviews sign plans, CLG grant options and Frostwoods National Register listing

The City of Winona Landmarks Commission met on June 16, 2026, approved the minutes from March 17 and heard updates on several preservation projects, including procurement of a new interpretive sign, possible Certified Local Government (CLG) grant applications and the recent National Register acceptance of the Frostwoods Historic District.

Commissioners opened the meeting with routine business and a motion to approve the March 17 minutes; the chair called the vote and reported no opposition. The commission then moved into updates on ongoing projects and outreach efforts.

Why it matters: the commission advises on local landmark designations, signs and Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) that can affect property owners, developers and public interpretation of local history. Funding through CLG grants and coordination with the planning department shape which projects the commission can pursue in the coming year.

Procurement and interpretive text: Commissioners reported they had contacted a vendor for an angled 18-by-24 interpretive sign for the "Royal Airport / Charles Lindberg" marker but had not yet received a quote. Members said they will follow up with the vendor and are seeking review of the proposed interpretive text from historians, including outreach to a University of Wisconsin historian and the Minnesota Charles Lindberg House.

Walking tour and promotion: The commission discussed the Madison Trust specialty walking tour planned for late August (registration opens Aug. 1, event around Aug. 27). Commissioners agreed to help publicize the tour on the Landmarks Commission website, in their newsletter and via local radio, and invited members to serve as docents if available.

CLG grant possibilities and archaeology study: A staff member proposed pursuing a CLG grant to fund archaeological planning to better map prehistoric resources in Monona for planning and permitting purposes. Commissioners discussed the confidentiality of sensitive site information and noted that CLG grants often fund surveys and National Register work; one member said CLG awards used to be around $24,000 but now may be on the order of $50,000 and typically require no local match, making them attractive for planning-scale projects.

National Register news and website posting: Staff reported receiving the Wisconsin Historical Society letter confirming FrostwoodsHistoric Districtwas accepted into the National Register. The commission posted a map and related material to its website, and members discussed outreach to local residents and the library about Preservation Month materials. Several members expressed frustration with the state historical societywebsite redesign, saying some previously available resources and historic maps are harder to locate.

Signage, COAs and property coordination: Commissioners said they would contact property owners about signs observed at the Thomas House and other sites and advised that permanent signage on landmarked properties should come to the commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness. Staff will photograph existing signs and follow up with property owners about any needed applications.

Next steps and scheduling: Commissioners agreed to prepare a CLG letter of intent by the September deadline, gather a short list of eligible project types after consulting Planning Director Doug Common, and place several items (including the Spring Haven pagoda and a possible school nomination) on the next meeting agenda. A motion to adjourn passed at the meeting's close.

The commission did not take policy votes beyond approval of the minutes and adjourning; most items were status updates and direction for staff follow-up.