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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmarks Minutes - 08.13.2025CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes August 13, 2025 (Approved at the September 10, 2025 Commission meeting) PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Steve Cummings, Vicki Redlin, Brad Spanbauer, Rich Green, Alec Lefeber ABSENT: Nikki Stoll Olthoff STAFF: Avis Seizert, Museum Archivist and Staff Liaison; Sara Rutkowski, Community Development Interim Director; Kimberly Gierach, Planning Services Manager; Brandon Nielsen, Planner 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 2:59 p.m. Ms. Brabender Mattox introduced the newest Commissioner, Mr. Alec Lefeber. Mr. Lefeber gave a personal introduction after which Commissioners and present City staff introduced themselves. 2. Election of Secretary Ms. Rutkowski began by noting that the election of a Commission Secretary is required and that it cannot be filled by a staff member or liaison. She continued that Ms. Seizert would still be the liaison and performing the duties of taking the meeting minutes and preparing the meeting agenda. Ms. Rutkowski explained that after a review of the City Code, this was determined to be required, and moving forward one would need to be elected. She continued by outlining some of the duties this role would have, as outlined by the City Code. Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that owners and developers have been approaching her for a number of years about these kinds of matters. Ms. Rutkowski replied by pointing out that it seemed like Ms. Brabender Mattox has been filling these duties. While the Chair would normally be discouraged from serving in two positions, due to circumstances for the time being, if the body is comfortable with it, Ms. Brabender Mattox can serve as Secretary. Ms. Brabender Mattox agreed that she would like to act in this role. Mr. Spanbauer added that this is a great opportunity for other Commissioners who may be interested in serving in this capacity to learn these responsibilities from Ms. Brabender Mattox for future elections. Ms. Rutkowski added that it would be a one-year appointment and that elections would happen again next year. Ms. Rutkowski formally opened nominations for the position of Secretary. Mr. Spanbauer nominated Ms. Brabender Mattox, seconded by Mr. Cummings. With no other nominations, Ms. Brabender Mattox was unanimously elected as Secretary. 3. Planning Liaison Ms. Brabender Mattox began the discussion by expressing her concerns about where the Commission has landed within the City. Ms. Rutkowski discussed that the Planning Department was taken off of the Landmarks Commission due to their high involvement with many other boards and commissions. Because the work done by the Landmarks Commission lands between the scope of work done by Planning and the Museum, the liaison role was moved to Museum staff. She introduces Mr. Brandon Nielsen as the designated Planning Department staff assigned to the Landmarks Commission as needed. She notes that Ms. Seizert will still be completing administrative tasks for the Commission and will still be the primary point of contact between the City and the Commission as the Liaison. Mr. Nielsen will attend meetings, as needed, to address planning related items and discussions. This will be based on the agenda. Ms. Rutkowski adds that, as a Commission, the body needs to come to Ms. Seizert with requests they have for City staff or City departments so there is no attempt made to direct staff time by Commissioners. Ms. Brabender Mattox discussed the abnormality with the Museum acting as the liaison for the Commission and the effect that the lack of a Planning staff person has had on the execution of their duties. Ms. Rutkowski responded by asserting that this decision has been made in the interest of staff time and efficiency, and that a designated Planning staff person is the compromise that the Commission is being offered. She also noted that Planning and other City staff are working on procedures and practices to address the areas that have been affected by the change in liaison. Mr. Green added by acknowledging that the Commission has an implemented mechanism for communication and that it is important for Commissioners to be up-to-date and understanding for their roles and responsibilities while also having the appropriate support offered by Community Development. 4. Chapter 30 Zoning Code – Article XIV – Historic Preservation Ms. Rutkowski began by noting that Ms. Gierach discovered that this section of the code did not appear to have been currently followed appropriately and suggested that there are some areas that could be updated to be more relevant today. Ms. Brabender Mattox discussed her former experiences working with other bodies in developing the ordinance, as well as concerns the Commission had surrounding the time of adoption in 2006. She also noted that Jason Tish with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) pointed out areas that could be updated. Ms. Redlin noted challenges the Commission faced when trying to update the ordinance previously. Ms. Rutkowski suggested the formation of a subcommittee contained both Commissioners and City Staff. This body would do appropriate research and make recommendations to the Commission for discussion. She noted that the updates will need to blend well with the other areas of the City Code but that this can be accomplished by involving other City departments. Mr. Spanbauer noted that Common Council is looking for ways to lessen restrictions, remove barriers, and simplify processes for citizens, but that Council is agreeable to deferring to the expertise of the Commission for some code suggestions. Ms. Rutkowski added that something with a little teeth and some compromise would likely be passed, but that it cannot be overly restrictive. Mr. Cummings acknowledged that maintaining old homes is expensive and increasingly hard to do, and noted that there needs to be some flexibility within the code while still meeting the spirit and goals of the Commission. Discussion continued about what matters could be addressed as part of the revision, and what matters would benefit from discussion after the establishment of a revised ordinance. These potential discussions include the following topics: the Commission’s identity; potential design guidelines; redefining goals and responsibilities. Ms. Rutkowski then stressed the importance of addressing some of these matters after an updated ordinance so that the Commission has the appropriate justification and backing for support. She also noted that some of the other items on the current agenda would likely best be served by folding them into these conversations, including those that she recommends putting on pause. Ms. Rutkowski continued that the Commission can lean on the expertise of other municipalities and individuals during the research process. The discussion turned to a projected timeline. The Commission agreed that this is not a process that they want to rush and are okay taking their time on. Mr. Neilsen suggested that it would be best to present anything to Common Council until at least 2026 due to their other pressing priorities. Mr. Cummings motioned for a formation of a subcommittee, seconded by Mr. Greene. There was no further discussion at this time. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Ms. Rutkowski, Ms. Gierach, and Mr. Neilsen exit the meeting at 3:47 p.m. 5. Approval of July 9 Meeting Minutes Ms. Redlin motioned to approve the minutes with the following edits as requested by Ms. Brabender Mattox: specific Commissioner votes for approval of 1122 Merritt Housing Loan Application must be listed. Motion was seconded by Mr. Green and passed unanimously by voice vote. 6. Vote for Approval of the Grand Opera House Renovation Plans Ms. Redlin motioned to approve, seconded by Mr. Cummings. Discussion ensued. Mr. Green noted that he reviewed these plans last month and asked some clarifying questions about the work being done and what it is that the body is approving. Commissioners shared points from the previous Commission meeting with Mr. Joe Ferlo and Mr. Mike Karrels. Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that she connected with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to inquire whether they had seen or approved the plans thus far. She continued that they had not yet received anything about the current proposed renovations. Because of this, Ms. Brabender Mattox had concerns about approving the plans. Ms. Redline withdrew her motion of approval. Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that she would like to lay over the matter until after SHPO has received and reviewed the plans. Mr. Green asked for clarification about the ownership and staffing structure of the Grand, as well as the oversight of SHPO in this matter. Ms. Redlin exited the meeting at 4:07 p.m. Ms. Brabender Mattox motioned to lay the matter over, seconded by Mr. Spanbauer. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. 7. Landmarks Commission Name Change to Historic Preservation Commission – Discussion and vote Ms. Brabender Mattox started the discussion by noting that the Commission began as a Historic Preservation Commission. She continued on with history of the body, its name, its staffing, and how the Commission came to operate under its current title and identity. She also discussed the logistics of what the Commission would need to do to re-register with various entities. Mr. Green added that this may be a good order of business for the Chapter 30 Subcommittee to discuss while working to define the Commission’s role and goals. He also notes that this is a matter that will take substantial time and effort to work out and will require regular meetings and frequent communication. The Commission discussed briefly that they believe the Chapter 30 revisions will take longer than initially discussed. Mr. Spanbauer noted that the subcommittee will need to be less than quorum and discusses workshopping options. Mr. Cummings added that the code will need to be simple and understandable for people. Mr. Green clarified that it will still need to meet the requirements of the legal department in language. Mr. Spanbauer exited the meeting at 4:25 p.m. 8. Commissioner Statements a. National Trust for Historic Preservation Commission Conference, Milwaukee, Sept. 16-18 Ms. Brabender Mattox will be attending. She noted that she previously attended this conference in 2007 and had received a scholarship to do so. She noted that she feels the conference is life-changing and is confident that attendees will learn something. b. WHS 19th Annual Local History and Historic Preservation Conference, Ho Chunk Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells Ms. Brabender Mattox announced that this year’s conference will be in October at the Ho Chunk Convention Center and that she will sponsor any Commissioners that wish to attend. She plans on attending both days of the convention. Mr. Green inquired as to whether there was any City funding available that could cover Commissioner’s registration fee. Mr. Green requested that Ms. Seizert inquire with the city on this matter. c. Discussion of Sustainability Ms. Brabender Mattox briefly noted that the work the Commission does in preservation is crucial for sustainability. The matter was not discussed further. d. Discussion of Local landmarking Mr. Cummins started the discussion with noting that City Hall is not landmarked, but that he believed it should be, but that it is due to a lack of interest. Mr. Green noted that landmarking is restrictive for homeowners, which partly adds to a lack of interest. Ms. Brabender Mattox shared with the Commission that other cities in the states have over 100 locally landmarked buildings, and many others have between 55-99. She noted that if it is a local designation, then the Commission moves from being advisory to regulatory. The Commission discussed the two structures in Oshkosh that are locally landmarked, the James House at 226 High Avenue and the Schmidt Milling Co. building on 6th Avenue. Mr. Green asked the Commission whether they believed Merrill School would have benefitted from being locally landmarked. Ms. Brabender Mattox answered that it would have postponed its demolition. She noted that she got the property nominated for the National Register. Mr. Cummings mentioned that other properties have come down recently, too. He noted that because the Commission is seen as a non-entity to the community, people are not coming to the body with these matters. Ms. Brabender Mattox agreed that other properties have been slipping through the cracks and that the Planning Department needs to get involved. She then noted that she is thinking of other potential properties for local landmarking. e. Discussion of Potential Landmarks Commission Handbook Mr. Green noted that this was something he believes will come out of the Chapter 30 working group. The matter was not discussed further. f. Monthly Building Permit Report: June and July Permits Permits of note that were discussed included: HVAC permit for the Northwestern building; roofing permit for 103 High Avenue; roofing permit for 1200 Washington; window installation permit for 610 W Irving; accessibility update permit for Trinity Episcopal Church at 311 Division St; roofing permit for 1203 Washington. Ms. Brabender Mattox has been in contact or left information with properties thus far. g. Oshkosh Herald Topics Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that she wrote a full-page article on the Riverside Cemetery Chapel that was published in the newspaper that was circulated that day. h. Historic South Side Discussion Agenda item not discussed. i. 1875 Great Fire Historical Marker Update Agenda item not discussed. 9. Staff Liaison Matters a. Agenda Items for Next Meeting Vote of approval from Grand Opera House renovation plans. 10. Adjournment The meeting self-adjourned at 4:48 p.m. with the exit of Mr. Cummings.