Middleton commission orders two new plaques, approves FASTSIGNS to produce them

The Middleton Landmarks Commission voted to fabricate two new plaques and approved FASTSIGNS as the contractor to produce them, while agreeing to develop a prioritized plan for additional plaque fabrication and installation.

Commission members noted the commission's operational allocation for plaques is $1,000 per year and does not roll over; staff said no money had yet been spent this year. "So, at this time, you haven't spent any of the money, so you have 1000 dollars to spend," staff said. Commissioners discussed whether to spend the full amount this year or spread work across years and whether public-works crews could perform installations on public property (staff said public-works crews generally do not install plaques on private property).

One commissioner who inspected many sites told the panel that while plaque faces are often intact, the wooden mounting structures are failing and the commission should consider requesting more maintenance funding. "I really think we should push for more money," the commissioner said.

After discussion, the commission adopted a motion to order two new plaques (one for the Elm Lawn School pillars and one for the effigy mound) and to postpone decisions on other installations until commissioners prepare a prioritized list. The commission later approved FASTSIGNS to fabricate the aluminum signs after comparing bids from AlphaGraphics, FASTSIGNS and Signs by Tomorrow; commissioners said AlphaGraphics' quote seemed markedly higher than other estimates.

Members emphasized they will seek the affected residents' consent before placing plaques near private homes and will decide installation timing after the group develops the prioritized list.