HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.10.2024 Minutes Landmarks CommissionCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION
Minutes
January 10, 2024
PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Kristopher Ulrich, Steve Cummings, Paulette Feld, and
Gerald Jacklin, Nikki Stoll Olthoff, Council Member Karl Buelow
ABSENT: Sara Stichert
STAFF: Amy Fels, Museum Archivist
Meeting Minutes:
1) Call to Order
Meeting was called to order at 3:00pm.
2) Approval of December 13, 2023 Meeting Minutes
Mr. Buelow motioned to approve the minutes, and Ms. Feld seconded. Minutes were
unanimously approved by voice vote.
3) Public Comment
a. Joseph Ferlo, Grand Opera House
Mr. Ferlo, accompanied by Mike Karrels and David Lange, was in attendance
to inform the commissioners of a PBS special to be filmed in the Grand Opera
House in March. In order to facilitate this special, the Grand will essentially
be stripped of its current lighting so that beauty lights and other lighting
necessary for television filming can be installed. Mr. Ferlo informed the
Commission that Mike Karrels and his team have designed a solution that
allows new lighting to be installed in a manner that is removable and does
not touch or affect any historical material in the building. Any new elements
will be attached to an existing steel truss that is not original to the building
and was installed in 2010. The speakers, which are currently on the stage, will
be elevated off the ground and will remain elevated after the taping. Mr.
Ulrich asked if there were concerns about finding damage to the floors or
wallpaper behind the speakers, and Mr. Ferlo said no, because the speakers
are frequently swapped out and the area around them kept clean. Mr. Ulrich
motioned to state that Landmarks Commission is in support of the proposed
technical upgrades to the Grand in keeping with historic preservation
methods and further beautification of the facility. Ms. Feld seconded, and the
statement was unanimously approved by the Commission by a voice vote.
4) Commissioner Statements
a. Oshkosh Herald Article Topics
The commissioners discussed ideas for potential future articles on historic
preservation topics or topics related to buildings to be featured in the Herald.
For January, Mr. Ulrich stated he would write one on a housing style.
b. Historical Structures on the South Side
Mr. Cummings stated that the South Side has historically been ignored and
that he would like to give greater attention to the historical structures located
on the south side of the city.
c. Section 106 review – Jackson/Oregon Bridge
Ms. Brabender Mattox stated she is still in the process of writing the
statements regarding the commission’s thoughts about the potential historic
eligibility of the structures near the bridge that is to be replaced.
d. Landmarks Commission Annual Report for 2023
The commission’s annual report needs to be prepared to send to the State
Historic Preservation Office and presented to the City Council. Ms.
Brabender Mattox asked Ms. Fels to have the report completed in February.
Ms. Fels agreed and stated she would ask Jeffrey Witte for assistance if
needed.
e. Baumann Block Nomination to State Register letter to SHPO
Ms. Brabender Mattox is waiting to hear from the project coordinator about
when the nomination report is to be reviewed by the State. She stated that she
will draft a letter on behalf of the commission in support of the nomination
prior to the report’s review. The commission will review her letter before she
submits it.
f. Wisconsin Association of Historic Preservation Commissions (WAHPC)
Newsletter
Ms. Brabender Mattox has renewed the commission’s membership to
WAHPC for the next year.
g. NAPC webinar
Ms. Brabender Mattox informed the commission she will be attending an
upcoming virtual webinar.
5) Staff Liaison Report
a. Monthly Building Permit Report
No permits warranted review.
b. Agenda Items for Next Meeting
Review of work in planning stages for the building south of the old Oshkosh
Daily Northwestern building on State Street. Review categories and language
for upcoming 2024 Acanthus Awards. Review City’s historic building grant
program. Discuss additional Herald article ideas.
6) Adjournment
Mr. Ulrich motioned to adjourn, and Ms. Feld seconded. The meeting adjourned
at 4:48pm.