Oneida County panel directs counsel review before inventorying historic items in courthouse crawlspace

The Oneida County Facilities Committee on May 4 directed staff to consult with Corporation Counsel and the county clerk’s office before proceeding with removal and inventory of historic items found in the courthouse crawlspace, after members of the public urged preservation and careful assessment.

Troy Huber of Buildings & Grounds provided background on the request to remove items from the crawlspace for inventory and review. Steven Schreier, citing guidance from the Wisconsin Historical Society, said the “goal of this effort is not to dispose of items, but to preserve and properly assess any historically significant materials.” Public attendee Kerry Bloedorn offered to assist with the project and said she was willing to enter the crawlspace to help with inventory work.

Committee members raised safety and liability concerns about allowing non‑employees into the crawlspace. The committee prioritized removal and inventory for preservation and directed staff to consult with Corporation Counsel and the Clerk’s Office on access, liability and next steps. Chairman Russ Fisher asked staff to place the matter on a future committee agenda once those consultations and preliminary work are complete.

The action creates a pause for legal and administrative review before any physical removal, and it leaves decisions about conservation, retention or longer‑term storage to a later meeting after counsel and clerk input.