HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 6.14.23
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CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION
Minutes
June 14th 2023
PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Paulette Feld, Gerald Jacklin, Sara Stichert, Kristopher
Ulrich, Nikki Stoll Olthoff, and Steve Cummings
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 May 10th,
2023 Meeting Minutes.
2) Public Comment
A motion was made to approve the minutes by Mr. Ulrich and seconded by Ms. Feld.
3) Public Comment
April Chase – Owner of 515 N. Main Street. Building built-in 1887. The owner wants to
replace the windows on the upper floor. Discussion occurred about architectural detail
and the original features of the building. Ms. Chase provided a description of the plastic
windows she plans on replacing the existing windows with. Further discussion about
the State of Wisconsin Historic Preservation Office and the technical assistance that they
provide for commercial buildings. The owner expressed that they would like to restore
doors and other millwork in the building. After further discussion, Ms. Brabender
Mattox recommended that the owners work with the State Historic Preservation Office
and provide a list of 4 window companies that make historic replacement windows. The
owner wants to use replacements. Historic integrity already has been compromised.
Further discussion about possible funding programs through the Business Development
District (BID) for façade improvements is possible.
4) Landmarks Commission Staff Liaison Transition
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 reminded the Landmarks Commission that the administrative
function/ staff liaison will be moved to the Oshkosh Museum. Ms. Phillips, Museum
Director, and Mr. Rohloff, City Manager stated the report didn’t specifically recommend
a staff change but Mr. Rohloff made the decision to further outreach efforts with the
community by moving the administration function to the Museum. Ms. Brabender
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Mattox continued to voice concerns about taking the administrative function out of the
Community Development Department. Issues include Certified Local Government
Program (CLG) status and local landmarking on the National Historic Register. Mr.
Cummings expressed that there should be increased cooperation between the Museum,
the City of Oshkosh Landmarks Commission, and the Winnebago County Historic
Society. Ms. Phillips stated that opportunities exist on focused agenda items such as the
riverfront signage program, continued outreach, and advocacy. Discussion occurred
around how preserving historic assets in the community should have more teeth
including education in the community. Discussion occurred around the painting of
historic brick and the choices that the community and business owners make when that
happens.
Mr. Rohloff stated after a discussion with Ms. Phillips that his intention is to marry art,
culture, and history. Mr. Rohloff asked to support the efforts to broaden the outreach
efforts being made to increase the presence of the Landmarks Commission in the
community. Mr. Cummings ended the discussion with that we don’t allow teeth in our
ordinances to make historic preservation happen.
5) 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 are
continuing to work with the owner.
6) 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.
7) Historic Plaque Dedication
a. Chief Oshkosh’s plaque dedication is scheduled for June, 16TH at 10:00 am at
Menomonie Park. Activities include dedication and a light pow-wow. Mr.
Cummings expressed concern that the major donor be recognized. Mr.
Rohloff stated that the donor will be recognized at the ceremony.
8) Commissioner Statements
a. Oshkosh Herald Article – Mr. Cummings has an article titled “More than
Sawdust” about the historic Oshkosh businesses on the waterfront for the
month of July. Ms. Brabender Mattox would like to relate waterfront
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.
businesses to landmarks and preservation. Mr. Cummings stated that
nothing remains. Leach company 6th and South Main photo to be included.
Mr. Ulrich gave a preview of his article. The Oshkosh Herald staff
appreciates the articles submitted to them for publication.
b. Working Group Lewis Hines – Museum planning an exhibit in 2026.
9) Public Notice – Potential Effects on Historic Properties
a. U.S. Cellular / Oshkosh DT (776305) - Ms. Brabender Mattox contacted 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. Commission to
review the full packet from the consultant and be reviewed at the July
meeting.
10) Building Permit Review
a. The hardware store may be eligible for tax credits
b. The former Read School – Commission reviewed the permit application for
the front entrance. Mr. Brabender Mattox to follow up with the State Historic
Preservation Office.
11) Agenda Items for Next Meeting
a. Public Landmarking
b. Mid-Century Modern Neighborhood
c. Grant Application
d. Southside Neighborhoods – Discussion occurred around potential focus
areas for future historic preservation efforts.
12) Adjournment
Ms. Feld called the meeting to adjourn seconded by Mr. Cummings at 5:18 pm.