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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.14.2024 Minutes Landmarks CommissionCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes August 14th, 2024 PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Sara Stichert, Paulette Feld, Nikki Stoll Olthoff, and Vicky Redlin, Steve Cummings, and Council Member Jacob Floam ABSENT: Gerald Jacklin STAFF: Amy Fels, Museum Archivist and Anna Cannizzo, Museum Director Agenda: 1) Call to Order Mr. Cummings called the meeting to order at 3:00pm. 2) Approval of July 10th Meeting Minutes Councilmember Floam motioned to approve the July minutes, and Ms. Redlin seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously by voice vote. 3) Introduction of Museum Director Anna Cannizzo Museum Director Anna Cannizzo attended the meeting to introduce herself to the members of the Landmarks Commission. The members of the Landmarks Commission each introduced themselves to Ms. Cannizzo. Ms. Cannizzo spoke briefly about her background and her hopes to foster a positive collaborative working relationship with the Commission, especially as the Museum is the designated liaison department for the Commission. She also spoke about her excitement for the future of the Museum and its newly expanded mission that includes public arts and culture. Mr. Cummings asked if the Museum was now in charge of the Hicks’ sculptures throughout the city, and Ms. Cannizzo explained that the funds for those sculptures are still stewarded by the Oshkosh Public Library but that the Museum will support the library in the care of those pieces. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked if the Museum would consider being locally landmarked by the Commission, and Ms. Cannizzo stated that she would certainly be open to that conversation and thinks that it is valuable for the Museum and Historic Sawyer Home to be recognized for the treasure that it is. 4) 413 N. Main Street Historic Plaque Application Ms. Brabender Mattox shared some of her latest research findings. She suggested some ideas for the wording of the plaque and is waiting to hear from the foundry company that manufactures the plaque regarding the flexibility of the lettering limit. Ms. Feld motioned to approve the filing of the plaque application, and Councilmember Floam seconded. Ms. Feld asked a question regarding the timeline, and Ms. Brabender Mattox stated the goal to have the plaque finished and ready is September 26. Mr. Cummings asked if a high school student would know who Lewis Hine is by just reading the plaque, and he felt that more information should be included. The Commissioners expressed concerns over the lettering limit. Ms. Fels reminded the Commission that is important to remember that the purpose of the plaque is to be seen by people and inspire their curiosity, rather than tell the entire story of the building or person recognized on the plaque. Ms. Fels and Councilmember Floam also explained that Lewis Hine and his work as a photographer is taught in high school history classes, so he is not unknown to young people. The motion of applying for the plaque was approved by voice vote. 5) Landmarks Commission Handbook Development Ms. Brabender Mattox reiterated the importance of developing a handbook for the Commission but suggested holding on it for the time being until other, more time sensitive projects, like the plaque for 413 N. Main and governor’s proclamation, are completed. The other Commissioners agreed. 6) WHS Certified Legal Government (CLG) Grant Application Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that the deadline for letters of intent to be submitted for the next round of CLG grant funding is September 13. She suggested that the Commission may have more success and get more out of any awarded money by applying for funding to have an already eligible district named as a historic district, like Hazel Street or Elmwood Avenue. The Commissioners discussed other potential grant application ideas, including an archaeology survey in light of the Native American village site uncovered at Menominee Park in 2023. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated she would check with Mark Lyons and Mark Rohloff regarding the archaeology survey idea. 7) Potential Historic Districts on the South and West Sides Ms. Redlin asked Ms. Feld and Ms. Stichert if they had talked to their neighbors in the midcentury homes, and they stated that they had, but their neighbors would likely find it helpful if they could provide a more concrete outline of what it means to become a historic district and the work involved. Ms. Redlin asked if some of the Commissioners could attend a neighborhood association meeting and provide some additional information. Ms. Brabender Mattox emphasized the importance of gathering research before beginning the process, because the State Historic Preservation Office has to determine if the district is eligible first. SHPO will then approach the neighbors to gauge interest levels. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that this is why it is easier to get a district named if the state has already determined it is eligible. 8) Oshkosh Herald Article Topics The Commissioners discussed future topics, and Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that she will write an article on Welton Becket and Park Plaza for August, as well as an article on Lewis Hine in September to coincide with the 413 N. Main Street plaque. They will determine a topic for October’s article at a future date. 9) Commissioner Statements a. WHS Local History & Historic Preservation Conference Oct. 16-18 Ms. Brabender Mattox informed the Commissioners of the upcoming WHS Local History & Historic Preservation Conference in Appleton taking place October 16-18. She encouraged any interested Commissioners to attend and stated that she would pay for their registration if they wished to do so. 10) Staff Liaison Report a. Open Alternate Seat Ms. Fels reminded the Commissioners that due to Kris Ulrich’s stepping down, there is an open alternate seat on the Commission and encouraged the Commissioners to reach out to anyone they know who may be interested in joining to apply. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated she reached out to David Loda and encouraged him to apply. b. Monthly Building Permit Report The Commissioners reviewed the monthly permits report, and Ms. Brabender Mattox stated she would contact the owners of the property on Linde Street listed who are putting on a roof. c. Agenda Items for Next Meeting 413 N. Main plaque application and Lewis Hine research, Herald topics, and the WHS CLG grant application. 11) Adjournment Mr. Cummings motioned to adjourn, and Ms. Stoll Olthoff seconded. The meeting adjourned at 4:26.