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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmarks Minutes 09.10.2025 CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes September 10, 2025 (Approved at the October 8, 2025 Commission meeting) PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Steve Cummings, Rich Green, Vicky Redlin, Nikki Stoll Olthoff, Councilman Brad Spanbauer, Alec Lefeber ABSENT: N/A CITY STAFF: Avis Seizert, Museum Archivist and Staff Liaison 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Ms. Brabender Mattox at 3:01pm. 2. Approval of August 13th Meeting Minutes Mr. Cummings motioned to approve the minutes with the following edits requested by Ms. Brabender Mattox: addition of details to identify the James House at 226 High Avenue on the last page and an update in verbiage the discussion of homes that could be landmarked. The motion was seconded by Mr. Spanbauer. The motion passes unanimously with voice vote. 3. CLG Grant Letter of Intent Ms. Brabender Mattox updated the Commission that the grant deadline was extended to September 29th. She reminded the Commission of their previous submission of the Hazel Street district and that the purposes for its rejection. Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that she would like to resubmit. The Commissioners agree that they would support resubmission of the same application since it does not require additional approval or edits by the body. They then discussed a potential submission idea for the next grant cycle. 4. Chapter 30 Zoning Code – Article XIV – Historic Preservation – Subcommittee Selection At the suggestion of City Staff, the Commission selected three individuals from the body to serve on the subcommittee to review and make recommendations for an updated Chapter 30 Historic Preservation Ordinance. Mr. Spanbauer nominated Mr. Cummings, Mr. Green, and Ms. Brabender Mattox. All three Commissioners accepted the nominations. Ms. Brabender Mattox formally approved the members of the subcommittee. Commissioners discussed the frequency and limitations of meeting. Mr. Spanbauer noted that, because the subcommittee does not meet a Commission quorum, there is some additional flexibility granted to subcommittee meetings. Ms. Redlin suggested that the subcommittee updates the rest of the Commission on their progress at the monthly Commission meeting. 5. Commissioner Statements a. WHS 19th Annual Local History and Historic Preservation Conference, October 15-17, Ho-Chunk Conference Center, WI Dells Ms. Brabender Mattox reminds the body that this conference is happening and that she will personally sponsor the registration fees of any Commissioners interested in attending. She noted that registration numbers are higher than previous years and outlined some of the topics that will be addressed in sessions. b. Discussion of Local Landmarking Criteria Commissioners agree that this will be covered in the discussions surrounding the Chapter 30 updates. Mr. Cummings notes that because events and culturally significant places fall under this section of the ordinance, current work being done to memorialize the Oshkosh Woodworker’s Strike would fall under this and that the Commission should be involved. c. Discussion of Potential Commission Name Change Commissioners agree that this will be covered in the discussions surrounding the Chapter 30 updates. d. Discussion of Sustainability Mr. Spanbauer updated the Commission on the work being done by the Sustainability Advisory Board’s subcommittee to update the sustainability plan. He notes that the subcommittee working on a chapter to provide to their consultant as a model for the writing of the other chapters. He will update the Commission as appropriate. e. Potential Community Outreach Events Mr. Spanbauer noted that there is a lot of passion withing the body and that there is a variety of community events happening throughout the City. He discusses the possibility of having some sort of outreach event to get community members interested in historic homes and structures and to increase the Landmarks Commission’s visibility. Ms. Redlin discussed the former Osh Hop event that the Oshkosh Public Museum held and noted that this event will be happening again in the spring of 2026. She noted that in the new year, Museum staff will attend a Landmarks meeting to discuss the event and get recommendations for locations to include. Mr. Spanbauer noted that this event is a good opportunity to get attendees information about the Commission and historic preservation and suggests this might be an appropriate deadline goal for the revisions of Chapter 30 to be completed. Discussion continued about the importance of including and highlighting smaller properties so individuals are interested in investing and improving their own properties as well as media and technological outreach possibilities to reach younger community members. Ms. Brabender Mattox discussed programs and events that the Commission has been involved in historically and their successes. Other suggestions and ideas for outreach initiatives and opportunities were further discussed. Ms. Redlin exits the meeting at 4:01pm. f. Printed Materials Update Mr. Spanbauer suggested that relevant printed materials wait to be updated until after the Chapter 30 review is completed. Mr. Lefeber then discussed his desire to update the North Main Street Walking Tour pamphlet published and distributed by the City. Ms. Brabender Mattox discussed the background of the pamphlets and other walking tours. Discussion ensued about what updating this material would involve and how the materials are and could be distributed. Mr. Cummings suggested to Mr. Lefeber that the Visitor’s Bureau might be helpful in this matter. Ms. Seizert discussed with the Commission the need to prioritize initiatives that require the use of City resources, including staff time, moving forward in order for tasks to be done collaboratively, effectively, and efficiently. Ms. Stoll Olthoff offered to start a spreadsheet of the project and initiative ideas that the Commission would like to undertake in preparation of the next Commission meeting. Discussion continued about the role of the liaison and communication with the Commission and the City. Mr. Spanbauer exits at 4:15pm. g. Monthly Building Permit Report: August Permits There were no historic building permits to address this month. Mr. Cummings inquired about roof guidelines and noted that the guidelines for these do not seem to be consistent or make sense. Ms. Brabender Mattox discussed that the Landmarks Commission does not have any say on the guidelines laid out by the State of Wisconsin for tax credit purposes. Ms. Stoll Olthoff suggested it may be due to the fact that certain aspects have more of an influence on the way a property looks from the street and that not all things affect this equally. h. Oshkosh Herald Topics Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that the article about the Riverside Cemetery Chapel had a good response. She also noted that Commissioners are welcome to participate if they have other ideas or topics for an article. She discussed the list of topics that has been started with options. Mr. Green expressed interest in participating. Ms. Brabender Mattox continued that there is a new editor at the Herald and that they appreciate interesting narratives that go beyond just a list of facts. She also added that the articles need to connect with buildings and sites so that it is in line with the goals and mission of the Commission. 6. Staff Liaison Matters a. Agenda Items for Next Meeting: Any updated from Mr. Spanbauer about the Sustainability Plan draft that pertain to the Commission; discussion and creation of priority list of Commission initiatives; discussion of Commission goals 7. Adjournment Mr. Cummings motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Green. The meeting adjourned at 4:36 pm.