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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmarks Minutes 11.12.2025 If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact Avis Seizert at (920) 236-5773 November 12, 2025 Landmarks Commission Minutes CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes November 12, 2025 Approved at the December 10, 2025 Commission meeting PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Steve Cummings, Rich Green, Vicky Redlin, Nikki Stoll Olthoff, Councilman Brad Spanbauer, Alec Lefeber, Jeanne Tondryk ABSENT: N/A CITY STAFF: Avis Seizert, Museum Archivist and Staff Liaison; Sara Rutkowski, Director of Community Development; Kimberly Gierach, Deputy Director of Community Development 1) Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 3:02pm by Ms. Brabender Mattox. The Commission welcomed Ms. Jeanne Tondryk as the newest member. 2) Approval of October 8th Meeting Minutes Ms. Brabender Mattox motioned to approved the October 8th minutes, seconded by Mr. Cummings. The motion passes unanimously by voice vote with the following edit: correction of verbiage used when discussing painted brick on Jeremy West’s main street building to note that only portions of the exterior are painted. 3) Chapter 30 Zoning Code – Article XIV – Historic Preservation Ordinance – Subcommittee Update Mr. Green began by distributing the process plan that was drafted by the subcommittee (Appendix A). Mr. Green updated the Commission that the subcommittee had met three times and has been reviewing the City of Oshkosh ordinance, as well as the ordinances from other municipalities. The subcommittee is inviting Jason Tish to advise them on CLG requirements, after which they intend to bring a draft for comment and revision by the Commission. Mrs. Green reviewed the proposed process and steps that they developed. Ms. Rutkowski suggested that steps three and four be edited to have all City staff involved review the material at the same time before the work goes to the Plan Commission for review. Ms. Brabender Mattox and Ms. Rutkowski also agree that Jason Tish should review the material again towards the end of the process in the event that there are edits made by the Plan Commission. (These edits are not reflected in the Appendix version of this document). Mr. Cummings notes that this ordinance needs to be understandable and realistic. Ms. Rutkowski agrees that it is not very readable in its current writing and thinks it is great timing to do this work as the zoning code is being reviewed as well. There is a desire of the average citizen to be able to read and understand the code. Mr. Green expressed the desire to landmark significantly more properties in the future and hopes that a more understandable code will inspire and encourage more property owners to pursue this designation in the future. If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact Avis Seizert at (920) 236-5773 November 12, 2025 Landmarks Commission Minutes Councilman Spanbauer asked if there was a general or expected timeline for completion with this process. After some discussion, the Commission agreed that they would like to aim to have it completed and implemented by January 2027, with the flexibility and understanding that this is not a rigid deadline and that this could change. 4) Alternative Monthly Meeting Agenda Style -- Consent Agenda-- Discussion and Vote Ms. Redlin discussed this alternative agenda style as a method for managing the length of Commission meetings due to Commissioners often needing to leave early. She noted that this is the format that the MAC board uses successfully. Commissioners discussed other methods and approaches for meetings that could ensure they do not consistently run long and so Commissioners can be present for as much of the information as possible. Commissioners discussed how this would look for Landmarks and the pros and cons of such a format. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked for a motion to vote on the motion, so moved by Mr. Green, seconded by Mr. Cummings. With no further discussion, the motion passes 7-1 (For: Redlin, Stoll Olthoff, Green, Cummings, Spanbauer, Lefeber; Against: Brabender Mattox). With a passing motion, this style will be instituted at the next monthly meeting. 5) Discussion of Commission Goals a. Creation of a Priority List Ms. Rutkowski noted that City Staff can only give a certain amount of time each week to assist with Commission goals and projects and asked that the number of yearly projects that require City staff be limited to those that can be managed within the time constraints. She emphasized that support can be given within reason, but copious amounts of time cannot be accommodated. Commissioners agreed that goals and projects should be realistic, measurable, and in line with the code. The Commission agreed that landmarking properties should continue to be a priority with the ongoing review of the Historic Preservation Ordinance. Ms. Stoll Olthoff presented the priority matrix that she created. This was printed and distributed to Commissioners to fill out with their ideas and submit to Ms. Seizert for consolidation and discussion at a future meeting. 6) Sustainability Plan Update – Councilman Brad Spanbauer This item was moved up to agenda item six (from Commissioner statements agenda item eleven) by a motion from Ms. Stoll Olthoff to amend the agenda, seconded by Mr. Green. The motioned passed unanimously by voice vote. Councilman Spanbauer gave the Commission an update on the progress of the Sustainability Plan being revised by the City of Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board, noting that it was currently with the consultant who had received the draft for Chapter One. He and Ms. Rutkowski noted that the next steps are being decided and that they hope there will be more to update on at the next meeting. 7) CLG Grant Update – Shirley Brabender Mattox Ms. Brabender Mattox reminded the Commission that, at the advice of Jason Tish and approval of the Commission, she reapplied to the CLG Grant with the same Hazel Street Historic District If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact Avis Seizert at (920) 236-5773 November 12, 2025 Landmarks Commission Minutes materials as the previous cycle. She noted the next steps that would take place for this. Ms. Rutkowski noted that City Manager Grill has announced a plan to institute appropriate grant application processes, citing the challenges with other grant applications submitted on behalf of City boards and commissions. She explained that Council will likely need to approve of this grant application before the Commission can continue to move forward with it. She also noted that there are questions about who would cover the initial cost since it is a reimbursable grant, which would need to be figured out. Councilman Spanbauer exited at 3:56pm. Ms. Rutkowski also explained that she needs to discuss with administration about these matters to answer some of the financial and process questions. Ms. Redlin suggested to Ms. Brabender Mattox to wait on the next step until those questions can be answered. Ms. Redlin exited at 4:02pm. 8) Tour of the Grand Opera House – Discussion Ms. Brabender Mattox provided a recap of the recent site visit to the Grand Oshkosh that took place on November 4th. She noted the Commissioners present enjoyed the tour and the presentation that they received. The site visit provided a good opportunity to visualize the proposed changes to the property. Ms. Brabender Mattox also noted that she had been requested by City Manager Rebecca Grill to write a letter of support as Chair of the Landmarks Commission, but clarified that the plans had not yet been officially approved by the Commission until review by the State Historic Preservation Office. 9) Local Landmarking Discussion Mr. Green expressed the intention to submit an application for his home. Commissioners also discussed the steps needed to designate properties as local landmarks as well as ideas that they have for properties to start with moving forward. 10) Monthly Building Permit Reports a. October Permits Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that there were three houses on the report that she will contact. The homes were on Franklin, Wisconsin, and Washington 11) Oshkosh Herald Article Topics Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that she is hoping to get another article on the City Center and its interior sculpture. She also noted that the positive response to the Riverside Cemetery Chapel is still resulting in visits to the location. 12) Commissioner Statements a. WHS 19th Annual Local History and Historic Preservation Conference, October 15-17, Ho-Chunk Conference Center, WI Dells If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact Avis Seizert at (920) 236-5773 November 12, 2025 Landmarks Commission Minutes Mr. Green discussed his enjoyment of the conference, the things he learned, and the individuals that he was able to meet and discuss with. In particular, he noted the value of the sessions on local landmarking and the information that the Commission can apply to their own efforts. 13) Staff Liaison Report a. Commission Vacancies Ms. Seizert discussed that the Mayor would like to see vacancies on boards and commissions filled, so if there are particular individuals that may be interested in serving, he encourages Commissioners to reach out and encourage them to apply. Ms. Brabender Mattox expressed her desire for the final vacancy to be filled by an architect for their technical expertise. Discussion was had amongst Commissioners on the possibility of petitioning to Common Council to allow one Commissioner to be a non- Oshkosh citizen, citing concerns about an inability to fill the spot with a locally residing architect. Ms. Stoll Olthoff exited at 4:26pm. b. Agenda Items for Next Meeting No additional agenda items were discussed or requested at this time. 14) Adjournment Mr. Lefeber exited the meeting at 4:30pm, resulting in a self-adjournment.