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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES October 13, 2010 PRESENT: Dennis Arnold, Shirley Mattox, Arlene Schmuhl and Steve Cummings EXCUSED: Todd Clark ABSENT: Joe Blechl STAFF: David Buck, Principal Planner OTHERS PRESENT: None CALL TO ORDER Mr. Arnold called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm and a quorum was declared present. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER MINUTES Mr. Arnold moved for approval of the September minutes as presented. Mr. Cummings seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW SEPTEMBER, 2010 Mr. Buck went over the list of building permits that were issued in the month of September and described work completed, work being done and work not yet started. Ms. Mattox stated she felt it would be appropriate to hold building and demolition permits to allow time to educate owners of property on how to take advantage of being in the historic district as well as being registered like the tax credit programs and the willingness of the Landmarks Commission in assisting with applications. Mr. Cummings stated that he felt that the NeighborWorks organization being courted by the city as well as other initiatives and products such as brochures and educational materials should be able to help with education. These items were determined to be placed on future agendas to create an action plan on how to develop and implement. MEMBERSHIP STATUS UPDATE Mr. Buck stated that he had an informal conversation with Joe Blechl who had indicated that he would be submitting information that he no longer wished to be a member of the Landmarks Commission but has not yet informed the city manager and that the two alternate membership places were vacant. Ms. Mattox informed the Commission that she had spoke with Jane Westphal who has agreed to put an announcement at the County Historical Society meeting and put a blurb in their newsletter. She further stated she would write something up for the Commission to review. Ms. Schmuhl suggested that OCAT also run a public service announcement to advertise and find landmarks orientated individuals interested in the commission. Mr. Buck stated he would discuss this with the City Manager. Ms. Schmuhl suggested that staff speak with Ms. Carmical at OCAT to see if a segment could be placed on Oshkosh Today. 1 of 3 1221 KNAPP AVENUE CELL TOWER David Buck gave an explanation on the antenna placement at 1221 Knapp Street as a new monopole tower between two buildings at the Winnebago County Garage and Facility Management Site. He further described its proximity to two historic properties at 1018 West South Park Avenue and 1449 Knapp Street. He stated that comment has been requested by the antenna companies which will be sent onto the State Historic Society. Discussion on antenna placement in relation to historic properties took place which reaffirmed the Landmarks Commission's position on all tower and antenna placement as follows: 1. Complete objection to antenna installation on historic structures that are on the register or eligible for the register, locally landmarked, or contributing structures within a historic district if they could pose threat to historic integrity; 2. Strongly discourage installation of antenna on historic structures that are on the register or eligible for the register, locally landmarked, or contributing structures within a historic district even if they are incorporated into the architecture as not to be visible; 3. Discourage installation on noncontributing structures within a historic district but if sited on said structures, the installation should be screened and /or incorporated into the architecture as not to be obvious or visible; 4. Concerned with installation on noncontributing structures outside of a historic district if it has a visual impact on historic districts or other areas of local historic significance. Ms. Schmuhl then stated that the proposed tower is located within an industrial area with the quarry. Ms. Mattox questioned if the historic property at 840 Osborn would be affected. Ms. Schmuhl stated it would not be visible. Ms. Mattox asked if the South Park or Knapp property owners were notified. Mr. Buck stated that they have not been contacted but could be if felt necessary. Ms. Mattox motioned that in this instance notification be sent along with a copy of the letter with Landmarks position. Motion seconded by Mr. Arnold. Motion carried 4 -0. Ms. Schmuhl added that the letter should include a thank you statement thanking them for avoiding a residential or historic location. HISTORIC PLAQUE DISCUSSION Mr. Buck asked the Commissioner to go over the plaque examples given out at previous meetings and put together what they felt would be appropriate for the Landmark Commission plaques and he would get prices for them. Mr. Cummings said that coordination with the Parks Department is important for symmetry and that the League of Women's Voters want to have park information on plaques as well. He further stated other interested parties would include the tourist boards and that coordination should be sought with them as well. RIVERSIDE CEMETERY CHAPEL UPDATE Mr. Buck stated that the discussion on the use of the Chapel for the Paranormal Investigation convention was discussed and can be used, as long as we get a person(s) to act as "caretakers" while it is in use and also if anyone would be willing to speak to the group. Ms. Schmuhl stated she could get information on the cemetery for use but was not interested in speaking. Mr. Buck stated he would bring this item to the Cemetery Subcommittee for discussion and report back. 2 of 3 ANNUAL REPORT Mr. Buck stated that Mr. Clark was to bring something forward but was not in attendance so this would need to be discussed later. ADJOURNMENT Several members had to leave the meeting so a quorum was lost and the meeting concluded at 4:42 p.m. with minimal discussion of the Annual Report and no discussion on Agenda items for next meeting. Respectfully Submitted, David Buck Principal Planner 3 of 3