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HomeMy WebLinkAbout Minutes CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes August 141h,2019 PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Paul Arnold, Nikki Stoll Olthoff, Matt Mugerauer EXCUSED: Steve Cummings ABSENT: Elizabeth Hintz,Jeremy Galica STAFF AND OTHERS: Steven Wiley 1. Call to Order Chair Brabender Mattox called the meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. and a quorum was declared present. She asked Mr. Mugerauer to provide his background for the Commission. She also provided him with a copy of A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia &Lee McAlester as a reference for information on residential architectural styles. Mr. Mugerauer provided a brief introduction and explained that he was a lifelong Oshkosh resident and was elected to the Council in April 2018. He was active on the Long Range Finance Committee and did coaching for youth sports. He previously lived on the south side and currently lived on the west side of the city. 2. Approval of July 101h,2019 Meeting Minutes Ms. Brabender Mattox asked the Commission if there were any revisions for the July meeting minutes. Mr. Wiley stated that he would correct the spelling for Mr. Mugerauer's name which was missing an e. Mr. Arnold noted a spelling error in Item 2 where the minutes list the builders of his home as Dr. Henry W. and Mrs. Emma Morganroff. He stated that the last name was spelled Morganroth and asked Mr. Wiley to correct this in the minutes. For Item 5,Mr. Arnold mentioned the last line of paragraph 1. The line stated, "He stated that removing siding would be easier for vinyl than for stone." Mr. Arnold stated that the line should read, "He stated that removing siding would be easier for vinyl than for stucco." For Item 10 Ms. Brabender Mattox noted the line stating, "Mr. Cummings explained that he, Ms. Brabender Mattox, Dennis Zack from UW-Oshkosh and Mr. Wiley went up to Keshena on Monday,June 171h and met with the Menominee Indian Nation." She asked that the line read, "Mr. Cummings explained that he, Ms. Brabender Mattox, Dennis Zack from UW-Oshkosh and Mr. Wiley went up to Keshena on Monday,June 171h and met with the Menominee Indian Nation tribal leader Douglas Cox and Tribal Historian David Grignon." For Item 14(c),Ms. Brabender Mattox asked that the second line read, "Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that Ms. Brown had planned an open house for August 31yt to celebrate the 1501h anniversary of the house." No other comments occurred so the Commission voted 3-0-1 to approve the minutes with revisions (Arnold/Stoll Olthoff, (Abstain: Mugerauer)). 3. Building Permit Review Ms. Brabender Mattox asked Mr. Wiley if he had explained to Mr. Mugerauer why the Commission did the building permit review. Mr. Wiley stated that he had explained this to Mr. Mugerauer the previous day when they met to discuss the Commission. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that the building permit review started when Allen Davis became Community Development Director. She had approached Mr. Davis about doing the review to keep the Commission informed regarding projects occurring in historic districts. Ms.Brabender Mattox stated for 1115 Merritt Avenue that she had emailed the owner regarding tax credits and informed them about the possibility of phasing work out over five years. She stated that she had not heard back from the owner. For 415 Linde Street,Ms.Stoll Olthoff noted that the Landmarks Commission had just presented a historic plaque to the owners on August 12,11. She asked if the Commission would like to provide the owners with information on tax credit options. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that she had spoken to Sharon, one of the owners, and that they had already done the reroofing work. They were not aware of tax credit options. For the property at 1236 Algoma Boulevard Ms. Brabender Mattox had contacted the owner and forwarded her email to Mr. Wiley. She stated that she was waiting to hear back from the owner. For 1025 Merritt Avenue,Mr.Arnold stated that the project turned out well. For 434 Church Avenue, Ms. Stoll Olthoff noted that owner Marlo Ambas had stopped in to Landmarks and it looked like he would just reside the gable areas rather than paint. Mr. Wiley showed the Commission the permit. For 1025 Merritt Avenue and 919 Merritt Avenue, Ms. Brabender Mattox asked about the proposed solar on the two properties. Mr.Wiley explained that the panels would be flush-mounted but that the zoning ordinance typically required a Conditional Use Permit for solar and wind systems in many zoning districts. Mr.Arnold asked for clarification on the well at 1219 Algoma Boulevard and Mr.Wiley explained that the well was for obtaining water to use on the lawn. 4. Smith School (William Waters,Auler,Jensen&Brown) -Discussion Mr.Wiley explained that a number of developers were interested in the Smith School property. He stated that he would keep the Commission informed as updates occurred. 5. Chief Oshkosh—Steve Cummings-Update Mr.Wiley explained that he,Ms.Brabender Mattox,Mr. Cummings and Dennis Zack from UW-Oshkosh had met with Professors Pascale Manning and Stephanie May de Montigny from UW-Oshkosh on Wednesday,July 241h at City Hall to discuss the Chief Oshkosh signage. Mr.Wiley explained that he had contacted Paul Zimmerman Foundries which he worked with for the historic plaques. The foundry had provided an estimate of approximately$1,500 for a 24"x18" rectangular plaque with 864 characters. Mr. Mugerauer asked if the cost was per plaque or for the total. Mr. Wiley answered that the cost was per plaque and that there were four plaques total. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked if mounting the plaques to boulders was a possibility. Mr. Wiley replied that he had checked and that the mounting hardware included with the plaques allowed this. Mr. Mugerauer asked if the delay in getting the wording held up the project. Mr.Wiley replied affirmatively. Ms. Brabender Mattox provided an overview of the first meeting the group had with the Menominee Nation. She stated that the June meeting with Chairman Douglas Cox and Tribal Historian David Grignon went well. She explained that Dennis Zack from UW- Oshkosh had credibility with the tribe. Mr. Wiley explained that the UW-Oshkosh group would keep working on the draft and plan to meet in early September. 6. Historic Preservation Plan— Steven Wiley-Update Mr. Wiley stated that he needed to set up a workshop to continue on the plan. Ms. Stoll Olthoff stated that she would likely not be available the first two weeks of September. She stated that she could try to make a potential workshop in August. Mr. Mugerauer stated that his availability depended on the day. Mr. Wiley stated that if two Commissioners could attend and provide input, the workshop could be successful. Ms. Brabender Mattox cautioned against rushing into the plan. She stated that in Madison, the city hired a consultant (Jennifer Lehrke) for $200,000. Ms. Brabender Mattox suggested that Oshkosh's preservation plan examine what social pockets the city had. She stated that the plan could explain cultural heritage as it related to buildings. Mr. Arnold stated that in Oshkosh there was a shortage of skilled carpenters and masons. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked Mr. Wiley to set up a time for the workshop and propose a time to the Commission. She suggested examining Green Bay and Racine as examples of communities to draw from. 7. Lakeshore Historic Site -Discussion Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that she had watched the Advisory Parks Board meeting on August 121n and that Bob Poeschl brought up historic cultural elements during the meeting. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that currently the scope of the Lakeshore historic aspect consisted of two markers. She asked Mr. Wiley if he had heard anything from the Wisconsin Historical Society. Mr. Wiley answered that he had not heard anything. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked Mr. Arnold what his thoughts were. Mr. Arnold explained that he did not believe he knew enough to have an opinion. Ms. Stoll Olthoff stated that she was the same and asked if the process was too far along for Landmarks to weigh in. Ms. Brabender Mattox explained that Lake Mills was a successful precedent to look at. She stated that the City could potentially leave the 7 acres eligible for the National Register as natural area. She stated that the master planning process was occurring very quickly from April to October. She explained that she was frustrated when processes moved very quickly and that ideas and research often took time. Ms. Stoll Olthoff suggested the possibility of doing a recreation like the forts at Jamestown. Ms.Brabender Mattox asked Mr. Wiley to follow up with Peggy Veregin of the Wisconsin Historical Society and see what the state archeological staff came up with. She emphasized Landmarks'mission of preserving and restoring history. Mr. Mugerauer asked if including the Oshkosh Public Museum staff was a possibility. Mr. Wiley answered that this was possible. Ms. Stoll Olthoff asked if the alternatives from the consultant for the Lakeshore site were available. Mr. Mugerauer had Mr. Wiley display the August 1211, Lakeshore concepts. Mr. Mugerauer explained where the Oshkosh Corporation property was located and stated that the area potentially eligible for the historical registers was in a prominent area for foot traffic. He stated that there was not a lot of developable space in this area. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked Mr.Wiley to follow up with the state and keep the Commission informed. S. Historic Tax Credit Projects—Ongoing Projects Ms. Brabender Mattox explained that she had asked Mr. Wiley if he could place this item on the agenda and asked if he followed up on the Frontenac Building. Mr. Wiley stated that he had not yet done so. Mr.Arnold stated that for 907 Washington Avenue,the front porch was off. Ms.Brabender Mattox asked Mr.Wiley if he had worked on the project for 1025 Merritt Avenue. Mr.Wiley stated that he had assisted with the zoning approval. Mr. Arnold stated that the project at 1025 Merritt Avenue had come through. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked if Judy Burton was moving forward. Mr. Wiley replied that he had not heard. She asked Mr. Wiley if someone was a contractor and had a historic home if that person would require three bids as part of the process for receiving tax credits. Mr. Wiley stated that he would check with Mark Buechel. 9. Social Media—Discussion/Action Ms. Stoll Olthoff stated that she invited all of the people she was friends on Facebook with to like the Landmarks Commission page. She suggested that Ms. Brabender Mattox do the same. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked about posting something on the Facebook page for the 1501h anniversary of the William Doe House. Ms. Stoll Olthoff asked Mr.Wiley if he had received the images from her on Facebook of the plaque presentation at the Doe House. Mr. Wiley stated that he would follow up. 10. Winnebago County Historical and Archeological Society(WCHAS) 100 Years—Update—Steve Cummings Mr. Cummings was not able to attend and Ms. Brabender Mattox and Mr.Wiley stated that he did not have any updates on this item. 14. Commissioner Statements a. 404 W. New York Avenue: Local Landmarking—Shirley Brabender Mattox/Rich Green Ms.Brabender Mattox explained that Mr. Green was in California but that someone was maintaining the property on a regular basis. b. Wisconsin Historical Society Local History—Historic Preservation Annual Conference— October 251"and 261"in Lake Geneva Ms. Brabender Mattox asked if anyone had received the flyer for this conference. Mr. Arnold answered that he had and that he usually went every few years. He stated that he would go again this year and that he was planning to attend the Substitute Materials, Wood Windows and Small and Mighty Rehab Projects sessions. c. Feedback on Landmarks Website Stats—Steven Wiley Mr. Wiley shared the Landmarks website stats from the past month. He explained that the number of page views had decreased from 141 to 66 since June, the number of unique pageviews had decreased from 112 to 50 and that the average time on the page had decreased from 1:13 to 0:52. Ms. Stoll Olthoff noted that when she entered "Oshkosh Landmarks Commission" into Google, the link was broken. Mr. Mugerauer asked Mr. Wiley to pass onto IT that the link was broken as a reminder. Mr. Wiley stated that he would do so. d. Historic Plaque Presentation—415 Linde St. —August 121n Ms. Brabender Mattox asked what impressed the other Commissioners the most about the presentation. Mr. Arnold answered that the owners were thoughtful in their restoration. Ms. Stoll Olthoff answered that the attention to detail that the owner displayed and that they would sit and think about the historic features of their home, such as the first-floor fireplace. Mr. Arnold stated that the house contained two very different fireplaces and noted the importance of the restoration work the owners had done. Ms. Brabender Mattox thanked Mr.Wiley for taking photographs at the presentation. e. 303 Washington Avenue (Corbett House) —Discussion—Steve Cummings Mr. Cummings was unable to attend the meeting and no updates occurred. f. 456 Mount Vernon Street Open House—August 31s'—Need docents Ms. Brabender Mattox explained that the open house was set to occur August 31s'from 10 am— 2 pm. She stated that the restoration of the Doe House was still in progress and that there was an advertisement in the Oshkosh Herald for it. She stated that she was serving as a docent for the open house and that more docents were needed. 13. Agenda Items for Next Meeting (September 11th12019: 3 PM in City Hall Room 203) Ongoing items such as the Building Permit Review, Historic Preservation Plan, Lakeshore site and Chief Oshkosh signage would remain on the agenda. Any other items that Commissioners brought forward or came up. 14. Adjournment Mr.Arnold made a motion to adjourn and Ms. Stoll Olthoff seconded. Meeting adjourned at 4:45 pm(4- 0). Recorded by: Steven Wiley,Assistant Planner