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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES August 11, 2010 PRESENT: Todd Clark, Dennis Arnold, Joe Blechl, Shirley Mattox, and Steve Cummings EXCUSED: Arlene Schmuhl STAFF: Jeffrey Nau, Associate Planner OTHERS PRESENT: None CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Clark called the meeting to order at 3:05 pm and a quorum was declared present. APPROVAL OF JULY MINUTES Dennis Arnold moved for approval of the July minutes as presented. Steve Cummings seconded the motion which passed unanimously. BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW JULY, 2010 Chairperson Clark commented on the vast improvement of the information provided by Mr. Buck in regard to the numbers and types of building activities affecting historic buildings. The rest of the board shared their similar consensus. Ms. Mattox stated it is beneficial to have the building permit information in this timely fashion versus after - the -fact where the commission would not be able to intervene. Chairperson Clark commented that they should look at what the Secretary of the Interior standards has to say about historic homes and additions and how they focus on the integrity of the original structures. It was also suggested that it would be beneficial knowing if a home was originally constructed as a single or two - family home, and what the current use status is (single - family, two - family, rental, etc...). MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE (MLS) DISCUSSION Mr. Cummings provided a copy of the current MLS to the Commission in their packets. He stated the list displays properties for sale categorized by age in small increments up to 50 years old; houses over 50 years old are grouped together as a single category. Mr. Cummings stated that this does not accurately reflect the type of home that is listed because there is a considerable difference between a 1960's ranch and a 1920's Victorian. The Commission stated this was valuable information as it identifies potentially vulnerable houses that could be saved before being razed or altered beyond repair. Mr. Cummings stated he may be able to provide interior and exterior photos of selected houses in the future. GRAND OPERA HOUSE — PROPOSED SIGNAGE Terry Laib, working for the Grand Opera House, is in the process of restoring the canopy over the front entrance of the Opera House. Mr. Buck provided images of the proposed signage that will be 1 of 3 placed on the new canopy. The proposed lettering will be offset from the face of the canopy. It was questioned if the lettering will be located on all three sides of the canopy. The Commission also questioned what the color scheme will be. Shirley Mattox motioned for approval of support of the proposed sign canopy design for the Grand Opera House as presented. Dennis Arnold seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Ms. Mattox expressed relief that the Opera House decided against installing an earlier proposed electronic message center. RIVERSIDE CEMETERY CHAPEL UPDATE Chairperson Clark stated that a paranormal group was interested in utilizing the facility and giving a public presentation about the paranormal. He also said that the Commission may be asked to serve as chaperones or greeters for the event. Mr. Cummings questioned if the interior was going to be painted in an original color scheme. Chairperson Clark replied that existing samples will be used to replicate the original historical color. Mr. Cummings additionally questioned if the chapel was the best place for the two original Gustov paintings on display. Chairperson Clark responded with the newly reconstructed roof the paintings should be out of danger from water and moisture damage. WISDOT HIGHWAY 41 BRIDGE PROJECT UPDATE Chairperson Clark was asked to serve on a committee to review the Butte des Morts pedestrian trail kiosks representing the original 11 Native American Tribes representing Wisconsin. Representatives from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh will assist to correct any inaccuracies included in the historical content. Mr. Cummings added that sailing was an important activity along the Fox River system and should be included. WEBSITE DESIGN UPDATE With Ms. Schmuhl not present with her examples, Chairperson Arnold suggested this item be laid over until the September meeting. PLAQUE DISCUSSION Mr. Buck provided several samples of proposed plaque designs and the consensus was that price is primarily based on the amount of text on the plaque. It was also suggested that local vendors should be highly considered to supply the plaques. The Commission asked for this item to be added to next month's agenda for further discussion. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING Possible items for the next meeting include: Review of building permits MLS listings Website design update Highway 41 bridge project update Historic plaques Update on Riverside Cemetery Murals Guest speaker — Josh Ranger, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Archivist Annual Report Discussion 2 of 3 ADJOURNMENT Joe Blechl moved and Steve Cummings seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 4:20 pm. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner 3 of 3