May 22, 2025 Ad Hoc Historical Committee Meeting Minutes

Tom Madigan called the meeting to order at 6:03 P.M.
Members in attendance:  Tom Madigan, Jenn Hill, Liz vogel, Ian Tompkins, Anna Jacobson, Jim Grebe, Chief Honas. Kate Raglow and Carrie Paulette (DEI Committee) Joined the meeting later.

•	Minutes for the April meeting were approved..

•	Seventy-fifth anniversary sign. After discussing several versions, including comments from Kate and Carrie, the following was chosen to be presented to the Council:
⁃	On July 2, 1951, the Roeland Park Homes Association and the Johnson County
⁃	Commissioners voted to incorporate Roeland Park, Kansas as a third-class city. Prior to its incorporation, Roeland Park was governed by deed restrictions enforced by the Roeland Park Homes Association. These restrictions contained racial covenants that specifically excluded Black and Jewish families. In the 75 years since its founding, the city has been a leader in acknowledging the history of racial covenants in Johnson County and finding legal means at the state level for residents who wish to strike this extreme language from their property deeds. Today, Roeland Park strives to be a welcoming city, where residents are uniquely rooted and united through place.
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•	Redlining essay. It is in the outlining stage and Anna will report at the June meeting.

	Roe family essay. Anna  presented the final draft which was met with approval .
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•	Location and interpretive signs. Committee members voted for which three of the seven signs  should take priority.  Those are: 
⁃	“Original Environment of Roeland Park”
⁃	“The Roe Family”
⁃	“Charles Vawter and the Founding of Roeland Park”
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•	Art Master Plan. Nothing to report although we understand that the city will be sending out a survey to the public.
        
	Other items on the agenda will be moved to the June meeting.
	
	Our next meeting will be June 26.
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Adjourned at 7:15 P.M.

Submitted with respect,
Jim Grebe