CITY OF OSKALOOSA
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2026
A regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order at 12:00 pm by Chair Mark
Tennison at City Hall, 220 South Market Street, Oskaloosa, Iowa.
1. Roll Call
Present: Mark Tennison, Cheryl Benson, Linda Howard, Cheryl Lockwood, Pat Sodak
Absent: Natalie Reed, Carri Vande Ree
Staff: Shawn Christ
Others:
2. Citizens to be Heard.
None
3. Approval of the Minutes.
It was moved by Benson, seconded by Sodak, to approve the minutes from the December 19,
2025, meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
4. New Business
A. Election of Officers for 2026
Motion by Sodak, seconded by Benson, to nominate and approve Tennison as chair, Benson
as vice chair, and staff as secretary for 2026. Motion carried unanimously.
B. Consider the Certified Local Government Annual Report for 2025
Shawn Christ introduced the final draft report and provided some background. The City
Council approved the report at their February 17th meeting and the report is due to the state by
February 28. Motion by Lockwood, seconded by Sodak, to approve the CLG report as
presented for submission. Motion carried unanimously.
C. Assign project manager and members to create survey/inventory subcommittee
Commissioners referred to the work plan and discussed anticipated work and purposes of the
subcommittee. Cheryl Lockwood stated she had volunteered to be on the committee. Linda
Howard volunteered to be chair and help.
D. Assign representative(s) to attend the Preserve Iowa Summit in Ankeny June 2-3 for required
training
Cheryl Benson and Mark Tennison offered to attend at least one day of the conference. Shawn
Christ will forward information on conference registration.
5. Reports
Shawn Christ reported cost estimates were higher than expected to replace the city square park
concrete walls. The project may be delayed a few years as funds are saved up. Repairs may be
made to critical areas. The commission is available to provide input to the city council if desired.
6. Adjournment
With no further business it was moved by Benson, seconded by Sodak, to adjourn at 12:44 pm.
Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes by Shawn Christ
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