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CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 13, 2007 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Paul Arnold, Harold Buchholz, Bev Harrington, Shirley Mattox, Arlene Schmuhl, Burk Tower AD HOC MEMBERS
PRESENT: none EXCUSED: Carol Esslinger, Todd Clark STAFF: Susan Kepplinger OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor Frank Tower CALL TO ORDER Chair Harold Buchholz called the meeting to order and a quorum
was declared present. The Mayor was introduced and welcomed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Arlene Schmuhl moved approval of the May minutes as submitted. Paul Arnold seconded the motion which
passed unanimously. ELECTION OF OFFICERS The floor was opened for nominations for Chair. Arlene Schmuhl nominated Harold Buchholz and Shirley Mattox seconded the motion. There being
no additional nominations, the floor was closed and Harold Buchholz was unanimously elected Chair. The floor was then opened for nominations for Vice Chair. Shirley Mattox nominated
Bev Harrington, and Harold Buchholz seconded the motion. There being no further nominations, the floor was closed and Bev Harrington unanimously elected Vice Chair. PROPOSED FAÇADE ALTERATION,
224 STATE STREET Staff reported that an employee of Gannett had contacted the Inspections Division with an inquiry relative to removal of two exterior balconies on the second floor of
the north façade of the Oshkosh Northwestern building at 224 State Street which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A piece of one of the balconies fell onto the sidewalk
below and the repair bid Gannett received was too high, in their opinion. They wanted to take the less expensive course of removal of the balcony and because the two balconies are symmetrical,
Gannett felt that the façade would look better if both balconies were removed. Subsequently, staff discussed the situation with a representative of the Northwestern who agreed to accept
professional assistance in evaluating the condition of the balcony and obtaining a
second proposal for repair, and the Northwestern had followed through and requested a second repair proposal which was being developed. Discussion followed and Commissioners expressed
concern about the negative impact removal of the balconies would have on both the appearance and the National Register status of the structure. Staff was directed to monitor the situation
and to call a special meeting if Gannett obtained a permit for removal of the balconies. Staff was also directed to contact the Northwestern and suggest that it would be a good idea
to move the piece of the balcony that had fallen from the sidewalk to secure storage before it was stolen, as it might be needed as part of the repair process. ACANTHUS AWARDS Harold
Buchholz suggested that in the future, the Award certificate be improved and framed and that a picture of the Award winner be shown at the Council meeting. He also directed staff to
update the Acanthus Award portion of the Landmarks web page. HISTORIC TAX CREDIT PRESENTATION REPORT Harold Buchholz, Bev Harrington, Burk Tower and Paul Arnold attended the presentation.
They reported the content of the presentation by State Historical Society staff was good, but attendance was disappointing. RIVERSIDE CEMETERY Todd Clark was not present to report. NATIONAL
REGISTER NOMINATION TRAINING There was no progress on this item. PLANNING CALENDAR REVIEW No action was taken on this item. PRESERVATION MONTH ACTIVITIES There was no discussion on this
item. LOCAL LANDMARKING Paul Arnold reported that he had been in further contact with the owners of a home formerly owned by Steve Whitman, which had been identified by the Commission
as a potential local landmark. While there was interest on the owner’s part at first, concern had been expressed about the loss of privacy and intrusive public interest in the property.
Paul had contacted owners of two well known historic homes to see if they had experienced this, and they indicated it has not been a problem and they would be happy to discuss this with
the Whitman home owners. Paul forwarded this information to the owners in a letter but had not received a response. If no response is received by the July Commission meeting, another
property will be considered for Landmarking.
E NEWSLETTER Arlene Schmuhl distributed copies. Commissioners complimented her on the quality of the content and appearance. The three newsletters produced to date will be posted on
the Commission web site. ANNUAL REPORT Harold Buchholz reported that he is working on this. REDESIGNATION OF 226 HIGH There was no action on this item. ADJOURNMENT There being no further
business, Paul Arnold moved adjournment. Bev Harrington seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Susan Kepplinger Principal Planner