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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmarks Minutes 04.09.2025 Minutes of the April 9, 2025 Landmarks Commission Meeting Page 1 of 3 CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes April 9, 2025 Approved at the June 11, 2025 Commission meeting PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Vicky Redlin, Steve Cummings, and Council Member Jacob Floam ABSENT: Sara Stichert, Paulette Feld, and Nikki Stoll Olthoff STAFF: Avis Seizert, Museum Archivist; Anna Cannizzo, Museum Director; Sara Rutkowski, Interim Community Development Coordinator; Kimberly Gierach, Planning Services Manager; Darryl Eschete, Library Director; and Ray Maurer, Parks Director Agenda: 1) Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 4:03 p.m. 2) Approval of March 12 Meeting Minutes Mr. Floam motioned to approve the March 12th meeting minutes, seconded by Ms. Redlin. The minutes were approved unanimously by voice vote. 3) 2024 Annual Report Ms. Brabender Mattox presented the 2024 Annual Report that was completed by herself and Mr. Jeffery Witte, City of Oshkosh Principal Planner. Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that one of the most substantial projects from the previous year was the planning of the 150th anniversary celebration of Lewis Hine and the purchase of a commemorative plaque. This prompted discussion about the Hine family history in Oshkosh. Ms. Brabender Mattox continued with her presentation on the Annual Report, giving a brief overview of each section. Ms. Redlin motioned to approve, seconded by Mr. Cummings. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. 4) Acanthus Awards Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that the Thunderbird Bakery location at 959 W 6th Ave has no resemblance to the building’s original structure and form. Council Member Floam noted that he does not believe that this property should be nominated for an Acanthus Award, to which Ms. Brabender Mattox agreed. Ms. Redlin commented that there may be future possibilities for recognition for the property instead. She then overviewed the properties that have been previously discussed, including the Courthouse, Baumann Block, 1502 North Main, and 1302 Washington Avenue. Council Member Floam motioned to nominate the Courthouse, Baumann Block, and 1302 Washington Avenue, seconded by Steve Cummings. Discussion: Council Member Floam noted that he believes these are great choices. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that these properties will be proposed at the next Common Council meeting for Historic Preservation Month and reminded Commissioners to attend the meeting where these will be awarded if they can. Ms. Brabender Mattox also noted that she has not yet reached out to Mike Elder with Winnebago County Facilities Management, but will do so. 5) 1875 Historic Marker – Oshkosh Great Fire Minutes of the April 9, 2025 Landmarks Commission Meeting Page 2 of 3 Ms. Brabender Mattox gave a recap on the origins of the idea for the project and the various iterations that the Commission has discussed previously. Mr. Cummings then addressed what his vision for the project is. He noted that he has been working with Michael MacArthur, the Local History librarian at the Oshkosh Public Library, to do some research, but still has more information to find. Ms. Sara Rutkowski, Interim Director of Community Development, asked for clarification on the process and where the Commission is hoping to put the marker. Mr. Cummings clarified that the Commission would like it to go in Opera House Square, so it would need the approval of Ray Maurer, Parks Director. Mr. Maurer noted that after Mr. Cummings reached out to him about the proposed project, he connected with Museum Director Anna Cannizzo who, in conjunction with the Museum, Arts, and Culture Board, is currently developing a Public Arts Policy. Ms. Cannizzo noted that she spoke with Rebecca Grill, Oshkosh City Manager, about the roadmap to executing a project such as this as none exists at this point in time. Ms. Cannizzo also noted that it was the explicit request of the City Manager that this project is folded into the Public Art Policy being developed and that this marker is not completed and placed until after said policy is finalized if the marker is to go on City property. Mr. Cummings commented that he is looking for some private funding and sponsorship for this project, but does not have it secured yet. Council Member Floam suggests that more work needs to be done on a plan before they will likely be able to secure many financial sponsors. He also noted that he would prefer that the project not be funded with levy dollars. Ms. Rutkowski noted that the Commission can still make progress on this project, talk to sponsors, and secure bids while the Public Arts Policy is being completed, however, when it comes to the City’s end of the project, making, and placing the marker, this needs to be put on hold. Mr. Maurer also commented that designs and text will need to be reviewed before it can be approved to go on City Park property. He also noted his desire for the design to align with previous historical interpretation boards the City has completed in the past, and reminded the body to be cognizant of ADA requirements that need to be met. Ms. Brabender Mattox reminded the body of possible funds that the Commission has leftover from another project they were involved in that could potentially be used for this. Discussion continued about the details of design and aesthetics. Ms. Cannizzo asked the body for patience as she works on completing the Public Art Policy so that they can ensure the markers align with this. She also noted that the Museum would be able to assist with interpretation, photos, and research as needed. The body then discussed a desire to ask the Council for a proclamation observing the anniversary of the fire this year at the proposal of Council Member Floam. At the suggestion of Ms. Cannizzo, Mr. Cummings and Ms. Redlin discussed putting together a small summary and proposal of the project for relevant stakeholders. Mr. Darryl Eschete, Library Director, noted that there may be potential monetary support from the Library Board, but would need to investigate this matter more. The body further discussed what the policy outlines as the process such far and what it could potentially look like in the future, including board approvals, gifting policy, sponsorships, and other funding. 6) Oshkosh Herald Article Topics Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that she will be writing an article about the Great Oshkosh Fire and is hoping to have it published in the April 23rd issue. She also noted that the editor, Dan Roherty, is retiring. She will connect with staff at the Herald to verify that the Commission can continue to publish articles. 7) Commissioner Statements a. South Side Historic District Minutes of the April 9, 2025 Landmarks Commission Meeting Page 3 of 3 Ms. Brabender Mattox deferred this item to a later discussion and requested it be put on the next agenda. b. Wisconsin Association of Historic Preservation Commissions Conference Ms. Brabender Mattox reminded the body that this will be taking place in Racine from April 24th-25th. She is unable to attend on the 24th due to a prior commitment, but will attend on the 25th. c. WAHPC March newsletter Ms. Brabender Mattox verified with the body that everyone received a copy. d. Additional Statements Ms. Redlin briefly noted that the Museum’s OshHop program will not be taking place this year, but that they will connect with the Commission and other relevant bodies in the future when planning commences. 8) Staff Liaison Report a. Monthly Building Permit Report Ms. Brabender Mattox will review these independently due to time constraints and report concerns to the body. b. Agenda items for next meeting Update on the Oshkosh Great Fire plaque project; Continue discussion on the South Side 9) Adjournment Ms. Redlin exited the meeting at 4:05 p.m., prompting the Commission to self-adjourn.