HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.12.2024 Minutes Landmarks CommissionCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION
Minutes
June 12th, 2024
PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Steve Cummings, Gerald Jacklin, Sara Stichert, Paulette
Feld, Nikki Stoll Olthoff, Vicky Redlin, and Council Member Jacob Floam
ABSENT: Kristopher Ulrich
STAFF: Amy Fels, Museum Archivist
Agenda:
1) Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3:01 p.m.
2) Approval of May 8th Meeting Minutes
Mr. Floam motioned to approve the minutes of the May 8th meeting, and Ms. Stichert
seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously by voice vote.
3) Plaque Application, 413 N. Main Street
Ms. Brabender Mattox has begun the application form and anticipates submitting it in
June. Ms. Feld and Ms. Stichert offered to visit the Register of Deeds office to get some
additional research about the building’s history to inform the application. A name has
yet to be picked out to put on the plaque.
4) Oshkosh Herald article topics
Mr. Floam will write the article for June regarding the Miller’s Bay neighborhood and its
mid-century modern architecture. Ms. Feld will write an article for July regarding the
history of Stringham Creek on the South Side and its impact on the surrounding
neighborhood.
5) Handbook for Oshkosh Landmarks Commission
a. Consistency and standards
The Commissioners discussed the development of a handbook to formalize some of the
guiding principles the commission follows and provide additional information about
historic districts and preservation in the city. Having a handbook is important for
keeping consistency and standards in their work as a CLG. The Commissioners
discussed the need for strengthening the City’s historic preservation ordinance, as well
as ways to increase public awareness, realtor support, and education regarding home
restoration and the availability of historic tax credits.
6) Section 106 Review – Jackson/Oregon Street Bridge
Ms. Brabender Mattox has submitted her research and letter to the Department of
Transportation regarding the potential impact of the new bridge on adjacent, potentially
historically eligible structures.
7) Potential Historic Districts on the South and West Sides
The Commissioners continued their discussion regarding identifying potential historic
districts on the South Side. Ms. Redlin also described what would constitute the West
Side and potential historic districts in those neighborhoods, as many buildings have
reached or are approaching the 50-years-old eligibility requirement. Ms. Feld asked Ms.
Brabender Mattox what actionable steps could be taken to begin the process of
identifying and nominating a district on the South Side. Ms. Brabender Mattox
recommended compiling research and photographs of houses and structures that could
be used in an application.
8) Inclusion of Landmarks Commission in City development project discussions
a. Razing of 656 N. Main Street
b. Downtown Visualization project
The Commissioners discussed their desire to be more involved in City demolition and
construction projects that affect historic districts or potentially historically eligible
buildings. They expressed frustration about not knowing of many of these projects until
it is too late to do anything about preserving some of these structures. Mr. Floam
offered, as the Commission’s council representative, to reach out to relevant City staff
members to share the Commission’s concerns and desire to have a seat at the table at
some of these project discussions.
9) Staff Liaison Report
a. Monthly Building Permit Report
Ms. Brabender Mattox would reach out to the owners of 606 Franklin Street
regarding their roof project if the work had not already begun.
b. Agenda Items for Next Meeting
413 N. Main Street plaque application; Continue discussion regarding the
development of a Landmarks Commission Handbook; continue discussion
regarding potential historic districts on the South and West Sides; Continue
discussion regarding ways to increase public education, realtor support, etc.,
of home restoration and historic tax credits; the future of the Pollock House
on UW-O’s campus
10) Adjournment
Ms. Feld motioned to adjourn, and Mr. Cummings seconded. The meeting adjourned at
4:47 p.m.