HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmarks Minutes 10-09-2024CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION
Minutes
October 9th, 2024
PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Sara Stichert, Paulette Feld, Nikki Stoll Olthoff, Steve
Cummings, and Council Member Jacob Floam
ABSENT: Gerald Jacklin, Vicky Redlin
STAFF: Jeffrey Witte, Principal Planner
Agenda:
1) Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3:00 pm.
2) Approval of September 11th Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Floam motioned to approve the September minutes, and Mr.
Cummings seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously by voice vote.
3) 216 State Street – Local Landmark Request
Kelsie Lally gave a brief history of what they uncovered at 216 State Street while
rehabbing the building for a new restaurant. She presented the idea of landmarking 216
State Street. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that she needed to show that the building
represents and reflects the city’s architectural, cultural, social, and economic history of
the City. Ms. Stoll Olthoff asked if they would consider 208, and 224 State Street (former
Northwestern Building) in their request. Ms. Lally said that she would consider it. The
Commission discussed the process for locally landmarking historic buildings in the City
of Oshkosh. An application and a copy of the Historic Preservation Ordinance will be
forwarded to Ms. Lally. Mr. Witte will work with Ms. Lally and the Landmark
Commission to schedule a tour of the buildings.
4) WHS Certified Legal Government (CLG) Grant Application Letter of Intent
Ms. Brabender Mattox contacted Jason Tish, WHS CLG Coordinator, and he stated the
next important deadline is December 13 for the proposed nomination of a historic
district for the 500 Block of Hazel Street, between Merritt Avenue and Parkway Avenue.
Mr. Tish stated that the proposed district was included in the 2006 Historic Resources
Survey of the City and will need to be reviewed whether the proposed district is still
eligible and determine the boundaries of that district. There will need to be a public
information session inviting all property owners within the boundaries of the proposed
historic district. You will need to do this before submitting the final application. A
majority (51%) of the residents need to be supportive of the application. Ms. Brabender
Mattox will contact some of the homeowners to gauge support. Mr. Tish’s response
concluded that it is possible to expand the district.
5) Merrill School and Sacred Heart School – Wisconsin Historical Society
Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that she had not received the draft report from the
Wisconsin Historical Society. It is customary for a building that is potentially eligible
and is set to be razed, to photograph the interior and exterior and submit those photos to
the Wisconsin Historical Society for their files. The consulting firm hired by the school
district to look at Merrill School will be submitting the photos they took of the property
to the WHS. Ms. Brabender Mattox contacted Andy Ratchman, of Camera Casino, who
took photographs of Sacred Heart for the church community. He will be creating a
specific file of his photographs of the Sacred Heart School to send to Ms. Brabender
Mattox which she will then forward to the WHS.
6) UW-O Multicultural Center Renovations (Wall House)
Council Member Jacob Floam asked if the University of Oshkosh had to meet the
Historic guidelines for work at the UWO Multicultural Center located at 751 Algoma
Boulevard. Mr. Witte replied that the University is required to consult with the State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Mr. Cummings reiterated his concerns that the
building was being altered beyond what was approved by SHPO. Ms. Brabender Mattox
shared a message from Jason Tish stating that campus planners are required to consult
with them to review and advise them on the federal historic preservation requirements
and standards. It is usual practice to mitigate effects on historic properties. UW-O has
consulted with them on the replacement ADA ramp, roofing material, and rain gutters.
This project triggered state statute 44-40 which requires state agencies to consult with
the SHPO office when actions affect state-designated historic properties.
7) Marketing Historic Tax Credits
Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that there will be continued consultation with Paul Porter
on this subject.
8) Oshkosh Herald Article Topics
Mr. Cummings stated he would redo the article on Historic Tax Credits. Mr. Cummings
asked if the Wisconsin Historical Society had a more simplified process to apply for
historic tax credits. Council Member Floam followed up with a question to Mr. Witte
asking if we could utilize the information provided by the WHS to enhance our tax
credit program. Mr. Witte replied that we could. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked Mr. Witte
to post past articles in the Oshkosh Herald written by Landmarks Commission members
and Council Member Floam asked to share state historic tax credit data on the
Commission's Facebook page. Ms. Feld is researching Stringham Creek's history for a
December article. Ms. Brabender Mattox suggested that the route of the various
waterways be signed to educate the public about their location.
9) Commissioner Statements
a. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that she is applying for a historic plaque for her
house.
b. Ms. Brabender Mattox discussed developing a Commission handbook.
c. The Lewis Hine 150th Anniversary event was a success and Mr. Brabender
Mattox thanked Commission members for attending.
d. WHS Local History & Historic Preservation Conference is Oct. 16-18.
10) Staff Liaison Report
a. Monthly Building Permit Report
No permit on a historic designated property was applied for Historic Tax
Credits this month.
b. Agenda Items for Next Meeting
WHS CLG Grant Application, Marketing Historic Tax Credits, Oshkosh Herald
articles.
11) Adjournment
Councilmember Floam motioned to adjourn the meeting, and Ms. Feld seconded. The
meeting adjourned at 4:30.