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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmarks Minutes 2.11.26 If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact Avis Seizert at (920) 236-5773 February 11, 2026 Landmarks Commission Minutes CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes February 11, 2026 (Approved at the March 11, 2026 Commission meeting) PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Steve Cummings, Nikki Stoll Olthoff, Rich Green, Councilman Brad Spanbauer, Alec Lefeber, Jeanne Tondryk ABSENT: Vicky Redlin CITY STAFF: Avis Seizert, Museum Archivist and Staff Liaison Agenda: 1) Call to Order a. The meeting was called to order at 3:06 pm by Ms. Brabender Mattox. 2) Consent Agenda Consent Agenda items are those items of a routine administrative nature that are voted on by the Commission in a single vote. The Commission has been furnished with background material on each item. Any member of the public or Commission may request that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion and to be voted on separately. The Commission the following consent agenda items: a. January 14th Meeting Minutes Ms. Brabender Mattox requested that the minutes be pulled from the consent agenda to recommend the following edit: Under agenda item five on page three, specify that Mr. Green has interest in pursuing both National and State Historic Registers. Mr. Green made a motion to approve the January 14th minutes with edits, seconded by Ms. Stoll Olthoff. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. 3) Public Hearing for 404 W New York Avenue – Local Landmark Designation Ms. Brabender Mattox began by noting that this is the first local designation nomination since the Schmidt-Milling building on the south side of Oshkosh. Ms. Brabender Mattox then proceeded with the discussion by asking procedural questions about the process outlined in the ordinance and whether the City has executed the appropriate notices. Ms. Seizert assured Ms. Brabender Mattox that the City followed the procedures as outlined for this step of the landmarking process and that the remainder of the process has already been planned and addressed internally. The discussion was then open to comments from the rest of If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact Avis Seizert at (920) 236-5773 February 11, 2026 Landmarks Commission Minutes the attendees and the public. The Commission was joined by Liz Dreger, Mr. Green’s sister. Mr. Green gave an overview of his application and its significance historically, socially, and architecturally. He also gave an overview of his research methods, the work that has been done to preserve or restore portions of the home, and the individuals and families that have resided in or been affiliated with the home over the years, as well as their significance and contributions to the Oshkosh community. He also noted that since his initial submittal, he has corrected a grammatical error as requested by Ms. Brabender Mattox. Ms. Brabender Mattox has also requested that references, citations, and footnotes be included in his materials. Mr. Green alerted the Commission that he is willing to do this and will have it completed before it goes to the Plan Commission on March 3rd. He also noted that has included a more-accurate description of the property, as well as a description of the original 1902 garage and a plat map. He noted that these will be included in the final version. He then asked the Commission for additional feedback on his application. Councilman Spanbauer commented that this was an impressive body of knowledge and that his application is very interesting, detailed, and well-done. He agreed that pulling together references before the Plan Commission meeting would be beneficial. He sees this application and packet as aspirational for future interested parties and that it would be a great example. Mr. Cummings agreed and added that the work Mr. Green has done is excellent. He noted that this is one of the best property documents that he has seen for a building in the City of Oshkosh. He then suggested that Mr. Green expand on his section on the Diamond Match Company and its significance. Mr. Green agreed that he could do this and is working with Mr. Michael McArthur at the Oshkosh Public Library, who has information that will be useful. Ms. Stoll Olthoff added that it would also be beneficial to include this company’s former location and what it is now for people’s reference. The Commission collectively commended Mr. Green for his hard work on this nomination. Ms. Brabender Mattox then confirmed with Mr. Green that he has the complete parcel number and legal description of the property (Mr. Green confirmed), since it becomes a legal document that stays attached to the property with the deed. She noted that this is the most valuable tool to preserve buildings at the local level as it supersedes both the State and National Register. She also noted that, as the current If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact Avis Seizert at (920) 236-5773 February 11, 2026 Landmarks Commission Minutes Secretary, she is tasked with visiting landmarked properties every two years; she noted to Mr. Green that his home would then be included in this in 2028. The discussion turned to questions about what happens on the City-side of documentation for this. Ms. Seizert confirmed that the City has a digitized copy of the initial application so far, saved in the Landmarks records, and that Community Development received a digital copy. Mr. Green agreed to send Ms. Seizert updated documents for the City’s records. Councilman Spanbauer had additional questions about what this designation means. Ms. Brabender Mattox explained that this designation allows the Commission to control what changes are made to the exterior of the Landmarked homes. Ms. Stoll Olthoff added that the Commission would offer a Certificate of Appropriateness to have a record that whatever relevant work being done to a landmarked property had been approved by the Commission. Discussion then turned to the process for future homebuyers and relators to be made aware of the property’s designation early enough in the process of home buying. There were some concerns that this would potentially be uncommunicated to homebuyers in the future, as well as what resources exist for relators to make this known or understand the designation. Councilman Spanbauer requested the Ms. Seizert follow up with Ms. Gierach and Ms. Rutkowski of Community Development about this. Commissioners suggested that putting up a plaque alerting people to the home’s designation might be a good idea. Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that this was a measure she was going to add to the agenda and propose at a later date. Ms. Brabender Mattox ended the discussion with a recollection of her beginning conversations with Rich and his family members about her desire to preserve this home. She noted her excitement with this property being proposed as a local landmark. Ms. Brabender Mattox then asked the Commission for a motion to accept the nomination of 404 W New York Avenue as a local landmark, so moved by Councilman Spanbauer, and seconded by Mr. Cummings. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked for additional comments or discussion. Mr. Cummings and Ms. Stoll Olthoff both note that Mr. Green should mention where the lumber that built the house likely came from. Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that she liked the idea of using this application as a model for applicants in the future. Mr. Green commented that he wants to make this designation a very positive thing and get the word out through the newspaper, interview, etc. Ms. If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact Avis Seizert at (920) 236-5773 February 11, 2026 Landmarks Commission Minutes Stoll Olthoff added that is it important for people to understand what level of protection this offers beyond the State and National registers. With no further discussion, Ms. Seizert took votes. The motion passed with 5 for (Brabender Mattox, Cummings, Tondryk, Stoll Olthoff, Spanbauer, Lefeber), 0 against, and 1 abstention (Green). 4) Chapter 30 Zoning Code – Article XIV – Historic Preservation Ordinance – Subcommittee Update Ms. Brabender Mattox updated the Commission that she had been in communication with Jason Tish of SHPO and had also spent time recently speaking the chairperson of the Marshfield Historic Preservation Commission. She noted that they had recently done a similar project updating their ordinance. She then discussed that Jason Tish provided comments and feedback on the current ordinance for the City of Oshkosh where he highlighted areas to look at and updates to consider. Mr. Green added that Mr. Tish did a thorough reading of the materials and commented on every page. Mr. Green continued that the subcommittee needs a meeting with him where they can all discuss his comments and feedback in more depth and detail. Mr. Cummings agreed that there are areas of Mr. Tish’s feedback where it is ambiguous what his intention with his comments are. Mr. Cummings also noted that he would like to see this ordinance be more customer friendly in the updated version. Mr. Green agreed, but also noted that this needs to be balanced with the legal requirements and language that will be included in the ordinance. The subcommittee commented that they are working to coordinate schedules to set up a meeting with Mr. Tish. 5) Acanthus Awards – Potential Nominations – Discussion Ms. Brabender Mattox began by discussing that the March 31st date identified in previous years would actually be sufficient for a nomination deadline rather than the March 3rd deadline as discussed in the January meeting. Ms. Brabender Mattox continued by discussing the edits she believed should be made to the form after review of meeting minutes from previous years. Those edits are as follows: Changing “retention of a residential or commercial building” to “preservation/restoration of a residential or commercial building”; removing “residential” from “façade rehabilitation of a residential or commercial building”; adding “long-term contributions and unique projects that overcome significant obstacles” to the “special achievement” description; renaming the “preservation activity” category to “stewardship” and adding “long-term, ongoing maintenance and preservation of historic resources” to its description; updating contact information to reflect the current liaison, Ms. Seizert. If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact Avis Seizert at (920) 236-5773 February 11, 2026 Landmarks Commission Minutes Ms. Seizert confirmed that once she receives the edits in writing from Ms. Brabender Mattox, she will update the form and submit the new document and the narrative changes to IT for upload onto the Commission’s webpage. Ms. Stoll Olthoff also clarified for newer Commissioners that there do not have to be winners in every category nor does each category get limited to one winner a year; these are just the options available for nomination. Ms. Brabender and Mr. Cummings discussed that this an honorary designation from Common Council and that it is a point of pride for the winners. Ms. Brabender Mattox brought up a previous point from Mr. Cummings about wanting a category for landscaping; Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that she was not an expert in this area and has a book resource for this. The Commission declined to add this as a category this year. Mr. Cummings then proposed a category for property owners who have spent a large amount of time and resources in the research, upkeep, and improvement of older homes. Ms. Brabender Mattox commented that she believed this fell under the new ‘Stewardship’ category and suggested that Mr. Cummings idea fall under this. The Commission agreed. The Commission discussed ways to spread the word about nominations including through social media, word of mouth, and flyers. Ms. Seizert confirmed she would send the information to IT and make a post on the Commission’s Facebook page. 6) Landmarks Commission Training – Discussion – Sara Rutkowski With Ms. Rutkowski absent, Ms. Seizert shared Ms. Rutkowki’s suggestion of of using workshop time to discuss the trainings that they consume on their own time. Commissioners agree that they would like to pursue the training offered through the Wisconsin Historical Society but express concerns that not enough Commissioners would be able to attend additional meeting time before or after the regularly-scheduled monthly meeting due to other commitments. Councilman Spanbauer suggested instead leaving a standing agenda item for discussion of the materials. Ms. Brabender Mattox discussed that the Commission will start at the beginning with Chapter One and work through it as they can. Ms. Stoll Olthoff commented that some chapters are more easily digestible than others, and some are notably denser. The Commission agreed that this is a great opportunity and that they will work through and discuss these training materials at a pace that works for them as a body. 7) Landmarks Commission Budget – Discussion – Steve Cummings Mr. Cummings noted that he would like to save this conversation for a time when Ms. Rutkowski can be present. He added that the Commission has discussed projects in the past that would require financial resources and would like to know If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact Avis Seizert at (920) 236-5773 February 11, 2026 Landmarks Commission Minutes if the Commission has said resources to utilize. This item was requested for inclusion in next month’s agenda. Ms. Stoll Olthoff exited at 4:30pm. 8) Commissioner Statements a. Monthly Building Permit Reports: January Permits – No Permits Issued Ms. Brabender Mattox commented that a multi-month period of having no historical permits issues seems unusual. She also added that she has compiled, at the request of Ms. Rutkowski, a list of properties that are individually listed on the State or National Historic Register so that the City’s permitting system can properly flag them as historic. Councilman Spanbauer exited at 4:43pm. b. Home restoration project comments – Steve Cummings i. Item not discussed – same topic as below, listed on agenda twice in error. c. Historic Preservation 101 – Steve Cummings Mr. Cummings discussed a rural farm property that he and his wife had wanted to purchase around forty years ago. He discussed his experiences trying to purchase this home and working with the former owner. He noted that this home would have taken a lot of work, and used it as an example for people who either live in or are considering purchasing and older property. This brought up questions about where individuals would turn to for questions or guidance if their home fall outside of City bounds. Ms. Brabender Mattox answered that in a case such as that, the owner would go to the closest municipality or connect with individuals at the SHPO for guidance and assistance. 9) Staff Liaison a. Annual Report – Draft Ms. Seizert alerted the Commission that she would like ideas for the cover image as well as other pages in the report that are in need of photos. She also commented that she is open to other feedback. Once the Commission approved the annual report, it gets submitted to both Council and Jason Tish with SHPO. b. Agenda Items for Next Meeting i. Commission budget 10) Adjournment If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact Avis Seizert at (920) 236-5773 February 11, 2026 Landmarks Commission Minutes Ms. Brabender Mattox asked for a motion to adjourn, so moved by Mr. Cummings, seconded by Mr. Green. The meeting adjourned at 4:55pm.