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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.11.2023 Minutes Landmarks CommissionCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes October 11, 2023 PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox Kristopher Ulrich, Steve Cummings, Nikki Stoll Olthoff and Gerald Jacklin ABSENT: Paulette Feld and Sara Stichert, STAFF: Amy Fels, Museum Archivist and Karl Buelow, City Council Member Meeting Minutes: 1) Call to Order Meeting called to order by Shirley Brabender Mattox at 3:02pm. Ms. Brabender Mattox welcomed Council Member Buelow and asked him about his interest in historic preservation. Council Member Buelow discussed his experience working at the Grand Opera House and his interest in Oshkosh’s history. The members of the Landmarks Commission then introduced themselves to Council Member Buelow. 2) Approval of September 13, 2023 Meeting Minutes Mr. Ulrich motioned to approve and was seconded by Mr. Cummings. Minutes were unanimously approved. 3) Public Comment Gretchen Harbourt, City resident living on Algoma Boulevard across from Read School, was in attendance to present concerns regarding the proposed school mural to be painted on October 18th on behalf of her fiancé David Loda, who could not attend. Ms. Harbourt presented concerns regarding Read School’s status as a building on the National Register of Historic places, as well as concerns regarding the addition of a mural to the school following the construction of the new fire department-themed playground and Rockets-themed wrap on the electrical box in front of the school. Ms. Harbourt expressed worry that adding a mural would make the front of the school more cluttered in appearance than it is presently, in a manner that is not fitting for a historic district. Ms. Harbourt also presented concerns over the artist chosen to lead the mural painting, stating that some of the artist’s other work expressed violent themes she felt were potentially problematic for children. Ms. Harbourt asked the Commission for guidance and insight. Ms. Brabender Mattox thanked Ms. Harbourt for her attendance and concerns. 4) Review City Mural Ordinance a. Concerns regarding Read Elementary School Mural Stemming from Ms. Harbourt’s concerns in item three, Ms. Brabender Mattox asked if the neighborhood association had been in touch with Read School regarding the mural. Ms. Harbourt stated she did not know, but also qualified that the entire neighborhood may not share the same concerns. Ms. Brabender Mattox explained the City has a mural ordinance that restricts where murals can be painted on buildings. Mr. Ulrich explained that a permit must also be issued by the City for any external murals to be painted. Ms. Harbourt expressed that she and Mr. Loda were most concerned if it was to be done on the front facade, and if that’s not allowed by City Ordinance, it was less of an issue. In the course of the discussion, Mr. Ulrich stated he just learned that mural has been postponed until Spring 2024. Mr. Cummings stated he would reach out to his contact at Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods and also repeated his concerns over the lack of power the Landmarks Commission has regarding these types of issues. He expressed a desire for someone from the State Historic Preservation Office in Madison to attend a future meeting to provide suggestions regarding how the Commission could have greater power in determining what buildings can be altered or torn down. Ms. Brabender Mattox cautioned that renovating such structures for the sake of saving historic building facades is not always feasible for property owners due to expense. Mr. Ulrich provided that Jennifer Skolaski is the point of contact for the Read School mural project. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated she had met with Skolaski in January regarding the new Read School playground. Ms. Stoll Olthoff stated that the primary concern of the Commission is the painting of historic brick, if the mural is to be located on the exterior of the school. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked Fels if the public arts board was now connected to the Oshkosh Public Museum, and Fels replied that she understood that the public arts board was now merged and called the Museum, Arts, and Culture Board. Ms. Brabender Mattox offered this board to Ms. Harbourt as another avenue of assistance. 5) Certified Local Government Program Historic Preservation Fund Subgrant Application Nominees a. Oaks Candy, 1200 Oregon Street b. G. Reinke & Co., 900 S. Main Street Ms. Brabender Mattox informed the Commission that the G. Reinke & Co. building nomination was on hold and proposed replacing it with the Lustron House located at 919 W. 4th Avenue. Ms. Stoll Olthoff stated fewer than 2,000 of these prefabricated, steel-panel homes remain in the United States and were built between 1948 and 1950. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked the Commissioners if they supported her proposal idea, and they agreed. 6) Pratt Trail Archaeological Excavation and Research Update Ms. Brabender Mattox provided a general update regarding the archaeological research being done by researchers from UW-Milwaukee following the discovery of an ancient Native American village site beneath Pratt Trail at Menominee Park. She explained that the findings are of interest to the Commission because it may be potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Sites. She expressed disappointment with how the City previously handled the archaeological findings at the Butte des Morts site and wants Landmarks Commission to have a seat at the table this time. She stressed the historical significance of the find and is concerned the City’s priorities lie with completing the study so road construction can resume. Ms. Brabender Mattox encouraged the Commissioners to remain updated on the topic. 7) Commissioner Statements a. Tour of Park Plaza with Kris or Jim Larson, preparation for Section 106 review of Jackson/Oregon Bridge Commissioners informed Council Member Buelow of their plans and tentatively agreed to tour the Park Plaza building during an upcoming morning at a date to be determined later. b. National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) Short Summer Course Report Item postponed to an upcoming meeting. c. Lewis Hine Working Group No updates were provided. d. Wisconsin Historical Society 2023 Fall Local History and Historic Preservation Commission Conference Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that Mr. Jacklin and Ms. Stoll Olthoff will be attending the conference with her, held in La Crosse, WI. She reiterated that if any other Commission members wished to attend, she would pay the registration fee. e. Review Historic Resources Survey 2006, results for potentially eligible properties Ms. Brabender Mattox encouraged the Commissioners to pay attention to the potentially eligible properties as they move about town so they can be prepared to nominate properties in 2024. 8) Staff Liaison Report a. Monthly Building Permit Report Commissioners reviewed the month’s building permits and did not notice any immediate concerns. b. Grand Opera House Expansion Update Fels stated that Joe Ferlo was contacted by Jeffrey Witte previously and that he intends to attend the November meeting to provide the Commissioners with an update. She will follow up with Mr. Ferlo. c. Agenda Items for Next Meeting Commissioners expressed interest in staying informed of and involved in mural projects. Mr. Cummings reiterated wanting to have someone from the State Historic Preservation Office attend a meeting to learn more about strengthening the city’s historic preservation ordinance. 9) Adjournment Mr. Ulrich motioned to adjourn, and Ms. Stoll Olthoff seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 4:29pm.