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Tomah Historic Preservation Commission re-elects chair, affirms state certification and sets agenda for local preservation work
Summary
At its May 20 meeting the Tomah Historic Preservation Commission re-elected Shawn Zabinski as chair, elected officers effective after the meeting, confirmed it remains certified by the Wisconsin State Historical Society pending routine documentation, and set bi-monthly meetings and several future agenda items including a local designation ordinance and public outreach.
The Tomah Historic Preservation Commission re-elected Shawn Zabinski as chair and voted new officers to take effect after the close of its May 20 meeting, while confirming the commission remains certified by the Wisconsin State Historical Society.
Chairman Shawn Zabinski called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners present were Zabinski, Suzanne Baker-Young, Deb Chesser, John Glynn, Teresa Devine and, via Zoom, Dan Crego. Charlie Handy, the city zoning administrator, also attended.
John Glynn moved and Deb Chesser seconded approval of the April 2025 minutes; the commission approved them by a voice vote of "all ayes." With several new members present, each commissioner introduced themself before the body conducted officer elections that will take effect for one year after the meeting closed. Glynn nominated Zabinski to continue as chair; the nomination, seconded by Chesser, was approved unanimously by a show of hands. Suzanne Baker-Young was nominated for vice-chair (nominated by Dan Crego and seconded by Glynn) and elected by show of hands. Glynn nominated Crego for secretary, seconded by Chesser; Crego was elected secretary by show of hands. The minutes include a signature line reading "Suzanne Baker-Young, Secretary," reflecting the minutes' authoring and the fact that newly elected positions become effective after the meeting.
Zabinski told the commission she had been in contact with Jason Tish of the Wisconsin State Historical Society and that the Tomah Historic Preservation Commission has not lost its certification. She said the commission must continue to submit agendas, meeting minutes with roll call, and other evidence of active work to Tish in a timely manner to remain certified.
Zabinski also delivered a short PowerPoint on historic preservation in Wisconsin and why it matters, and said she will invite Tish to the next meeting to provide additional information and answer questions. Commissioners discussed placing a local designation ordinance, potential incentives and tax credits, organization publicity (flyers or social media), a "Downtown" presentation and the creation of self-guided walking tours on future agendas.
The commission set a bi-monthly meeting schedule (March, May, July, September and November) to be held on the third Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., with future meetings to take place at City Hall or the Tomah Area Museum and a Zoom option available. Zabinski said a quorum will consist of a majority of members present in person or via Zoom.
The commission scheduled its next meeting for July 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tomah Area Museum, 321 Superior Avenue. Teresa Devine moved to adjourn, John Glynn seconded, and the meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
