MONROE - An endeavor by the Green County Historical Society to possibly open the Lincoln Park water tower for public tours took a step forward Tuesday, when the Finance and Taxation Committee agreed to allow lighting at the site.
John Glynn, a member of the group, shared plans with the group. He indicated that the society's insurance company said tours would be permissible and suggested school groups or residents in general could take part.
"Our insurance company said it's all right to have people in there as long as they don't go up the stairs," Glynn said.
He added the switch for lights would be manual, so use of electricity would be limited.
There could be four lighting fixtures, Glynn said. All would be LED bulbs. Lighting would be placed inside the structure. Another light could be mounted to the roof of the southeast shelter to highlight the tank and spiral staircase. One could be placed above the doorway.
Alderwoman Brooke Bauman, who serves on the committee and is president of the Green County Historical Society, said the group was looking for permission to mount the lights and will fund the cost of the project themselves.
Glynn added that a flood light would provide light to the park overall, something Parks Director Paul Klinzing said would be a positive addition.
"More lighting at that park would be good," Klinzing said. "That is a place we do have problems with vandalism."
He added that if the bulbs were energy-efficient, additional costs to the city would be limited to roughly $25 per month.
Alderman Charles Koch moved to approve the plan, with the condition that the expired agreement between the historical society and the city be renewed with language indicating the lighting arrangement and ensuring scheduling between park use and tour groups would be managed well.
John Glynn, a member of the group, shared plans with the group. He indicated that the society's insurance company said tours would be permissible and suggested school groups or residents in general could take part.
"Our insurance company said it's all right to have people in there as long as they don't go up the stairs," Glynn said.
He added the switch for lights would be manual, so use of electricity would be limited.
There could be four lighting fixtures, Glynn said. All would be LED bulbs. Lighting would be placed inside the structure. Another light could be mounted to the roof of the southeast shelter to highlight the tank and spiral staircase. One could be placed above the doorway.
Alderwoman Brooke Bauman, who serves on the committee and is president of the Green County Historical Society, said the group was looking for permission to mount the lights and will fund the cost of the project themselves.
Glynn added that a flood light would provide light to the park overall, something Parks Director Paul Klinzing said would be a positive addition.
"More lighting at that park would be good," Klinzing said. "That is a place we do have problems with vandalism."
He added that if the bulbs were energy-efficient, additional costs to the city would be limited to roughly $25 per month.
Alderman Charles Koch moved to approve the plan, with the condition that the expired agreement between the historical society and the city be renewed with language indicating the lighting arrangement and ensuring scheduling between park use and tour groups would be managed well.