Caretakers Coalition asks supervisors to void contract with OHFA

A fight is shaping up between two historic preservation groups.

Members of the Caretakers Coalition appeared before the Winneshiek County Board on Monday to ask supervisors to void the county's contract with the Oneota Historic Future Alliance and to issue a new contract with the Caretakers Coalition instead.

At issue is the fate of the Caretakers House at Wellington Place.  The county board has been dealing with OHFA about the property for the last three years.  OHFA has until April 30th to demolish the building since it has not been able to find a buyer or renter for the property.  It would cost an estimated $100,000 to bring the building into usable condition.

Winneshiek County Board Chairman Les Askelson says he has received an e-mail from OHFA saying the group is making progress on the demolition of the building.

Members of the Caretakers Coalition want to preserve the building instead.  They questioned the legitimacy of OHFA, saying the group consists of just five members.  Supervisor Bill Ibanez was sympathetic to the argument, asking for more information about OHFA.  But supervisor John Logsdon told Caretakers Coalition representative Deborah Bishop, "You were one of the original members of OHFA, so this shouldn't be any surprise to you."

County officials say they have been contacted by OHFA officials about a possible appearance before the county board next Monday, but the group is not yet on next Monday's agenda.