HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 5.10.23
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CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION
Minutes
May 10th 2023
PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Paulette Feld, Gerald Jacklin, Sara Stichert, Kristopher
Ulrich, Steve Cummings, Nikki Stoll Olthoff
ABSENT:
STAFF: Jeffrey Witte, Principal Planner
Meeting Minutes:
1) Call to Order
Ms. Brabender Mattox called the meeting to order at 3:02 pm. Approval of April 12th,
2023 Meeting Minutes.
Ms. Brabender Mattox wanted clarification that the State of Wisconsin Historical Society
would be notified of the elevator project at the Grand Opera House and that Ms. Stichert
should be added to support the Landmarks Commission of not painting on historic
brick. A motion was made to approve the amendment minutes by Mr. Ulrich and
seconded by Ms. Feld.
2) Public Comment
Beverly and George Dakin – The home at 1246 Washington Avenue was purchased by
them in 1972 and has been rented over the last 10 years. The owner said that a realtor
told them that he thought the house was worth $150,000, which was severely
undervalued based on the current housing market. Further discussion about the State of
Wisconsin Historic Tax Credits occurred. The owners expressed that they would like to
restore the house but are looking at stabilizing the home so it doesn’t deteriorate. A full
restoration estimate came in at $200,000. After further discussion, Ms. Brabender Mattox
recommended that the owners take an incremental approach to restoring the home and
prioritize elements to stabilize the house. Staff will meet with homeowners to assist with
city funding programs and a tax credit application with the State of Wisconsin Historic
Society.
Kelly Nieforth, City of Oshkosh Community Development Director updated the
commission members on the outcome of the review of the City’s boards and
commissions. She informed the Landmarks Commission that the administrative
function/ staff liaison will be moved to the Oshkosh Museum because of the increased
opportunity for public outreach. Ms. Brabender Mattox expressed concern that technical
and planning expertise will diminish. Ms. Nieforth assured the commission that that
expertise will still be available and staff will be made available for input and assistance.
Additional discussion occurred about the pros and cons of moving to the Museum.
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If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact the office of Planning Services at
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3) Acanthus Nominations – Ms. Brabender Mattox is meeting with Mr. Dumke to discuss
The Cabrini School Flats on Monday, Ada and Krystal Ramirez current owners of 926 N
Main Street (McComb House), Aaron Wagner and Deanne Cushman owners of 601 S.
Main Street have been notified of the Acanthus Award presentation at the City Council
Meeting scheduled for May 23rd. Ms. Ramirez provided photos of the interior of 926 N
Main Street. PowerPoint presentation and narrative have been started and will be
submitted as an agenda item.
4) Pending Permits
a. 411 N Main Street – This permit will remain pending until further
information is provided from the applicant. Restoration first followed by
wood window replacements is recommended by the Commission. We will
continue to work with the owner.
5) Historic Plaque Application
a. 1641 Jackson Street - application remains pending, looking for additional
information. Owners are out of the country until August.
b. 413 North Main – Working group to continue exploring an exhibit honoring
Lewis Hine.
c. 222 East Parkway Avenue (Helen Farnsworth Mears) – Efforts continue to
contact the current owner and let them know about the program to identify
historic properties in the City of Oshkosh.
6) Commissioner Statements
a. Oshkosh Herald Article –Mr. Ulrich to submit May’s article “Architectural
styles is not just a character home”, using the example of Tudor Revival. Mr.
Cummings to look at existing articles about the historic Oshkosh businesses
on the waterfront for the month of June. Ms. Brabender Mattox would like to
write an article about bungalows in July. Mr. Ulrich gave a preview of his
article. The Oshkosh Herald staff appreciates the articles submitted to them
for publication.
b. Ms. Brabender Mattox updated the commission on the Helen Farnsworth
Mears Art Contest State winners that will be in the Summer Exhibit at the
Oshkosh Public Museum. The WAHPC Conference occurred in Marshfield at
the end of April; Ms. Stoll Olthoff was recognized for attending the
conference and she updated the Commission on what she learned. Ms.
Brabender Mattox recognized a presentation by Jason Flatt, Historic
Preservation Specialist with the City of Green Bay who gave a presentation
If you are unable to attend this meeting, notify staff (920-236-5059).
If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact the office of Planning Services at
andersonrach@ci.oshkosh.wi.us or 920-236-5059.
on a public housing project in the City that was nominated to be on the
National Historic Register.
7) Annual Report
Annual Report to be presented at the May City Council meeting.
8) Historic Preservation Loan Application
The commission reviewed a Historic Preservation Program loan application for 1220
Algoma. The work includes the repair of the front porch, the repair of a portion of the
front soffit, and the repair of 13 windows. A motion was made by Ms. Feld to approve
the application and Mr. Cummings seconded the motion. The motion carried
unanimously.
9) Public Notice – Potential Effects on Historic Properties
a. U.S. Cellular / Oshkosh DT (776305) - Ms. Brabender Mattox called Jake
Rieb, Archaeologist and Compliance Specialist with Edge Consulting
Engineers to request plans for what was going to be placed on top of the
Raulf Place Building at 530 N. Main in Downtown Oshkosh. Mr. Ulrich stated
that any additional antenna should blend in with the building and be less
obtrusive. Mr. Ulrich stated that additional information about height, color,
location, and how it will be mounted should be requested. Ms. Brabender
Mattox and Mr. Witte to follow up with the consultant. A motion was made
by Mr. Cummings to follow up with the consultant with a letter stating the
position of the Landmarks Commission. Mr. Jacklin seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
10) Agenda Items for Next Meeting
a. Lewis Hine Working Group
11) Adjournment
Ms. Brabender Mattox called the meeting to adjourn at 4:45pm.