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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 10, 2010 PRESENT: Todd Clark, Dennis Arnold, Shirley Mattox, Arlene Schmuhl and Steve Cummings ABSENT: Joe Blechl STAFF: David Buck, Principal Planner CALL TO ORDER Mr. Clark called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm and a quorum was declared present. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER MINUTES Ms. Schmuhl moved for approval of the October minutes as presented with a correction to the spelling of a name. Mr. Arnold seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW OCTOBER, 2010 Mr. Buck went over the list of building permits that were issued in the month of October and described work completed, work being done and work not yet started. Ms. Mattox stated that she noticed the work on 831 Washington Avenue included $15,000 to completely reroof that home and that such work could have been eligible for Historic Tax Credits if they had known they existed. She felt that if Landmarks Commission would have educated them before the work was done, they could have saved a considerable amount of money. Mr. Cummings stated the same scenario would hold true with other rehabs like 905 Washington, who put an inappropriate deck that could have been done right and the cost off -set with tax credits. Mr. Cummings agreed that a procedure for educating historic property owners was needed. Ms. Mattox added that the education needs to extend to not just listed properties but those nationally eligible as they would qualify as well. Mr. Buck stated that these things are good topics for the Oshkosh Area Media Service shows as well as NeighborWorks presentations. Mr. Arnold commented that a mechanism is necessary to determine what the original or historic building facade was. Mr. Cummings suggested the Sanborn Maps and Ms. Schmuhl stated that the general architectural style would be appropriate and all that was needed. Mr. Buck stated a process to disseminate the information will need to be set in place. Ms. Schmuhl suggested that a flyer or simple brochure could be sent out with the tax or water bills stating that "if your house is 50+ years old..." or they could be sent to all historic district properties or those in the 54901 zip code. Mr. Buck added that the information can be sent or handed out to realtors, contractors, architects, etc. but that an identified /spelled out process /program from writing the tax credit applications will be necessary. Ms. Schmuhl asked that staff discuss the ability for mailing with the Director of Community Development and let her know as soon as possible. Mr. Buck added that he will include it in the next agenda. Ms. Mattox inquired what type of window was used in the replacement at 426 North Main Street. Mr. Buck stated that it did not appear that the information was collected by Inspections when issuing the permits but he would check and get back to the Commission at next meeting. 1 of 3 530 NORTH MAIN STREET CELL ANTENNA David Buck gave an explanation on the antenna placement and replacement at 530 North Main Street. He further described the process for which the original antenna were placed and that no review was necessary as it had been a municipal owned property, which is exempt from the CUP process. He then added 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 a 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. Mattox stated that it would definitely fall under the complete objection statement and Ms. Schmuhl added that these types of placements degrade the historic integrity of the downtown district. Mr. Arnold agreed and asked that the sentiment be forwarded to the State Historic Preservation officer. Ms. Mattox then stated that the building has a classic art deco facade and the antenna will just add to the visual clutter on its roof. Mr. Arnold stated that they will be extremely visible because of the building height and the location on Main Street. Mr. Buck said he would send a previous letter of comment to Ms. Mattox so she can draft another for this project. He further stated that comments of the Landmarks Commission will be added to any Conditional Use Permit staff report, should it be needed. MEMBERSHIP/RECRUITMENT UPDATE Mr. Buck discussed membership and restated 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. Mr. Arnold stated he had also informally met Mr. Blechl out and he had indicated the same to him. Ms. Mattox said she would be talking to representatives of the Winnebago Historical Society who will announce open membership of the Landmarks Commission at their meeting. Mr. Clark stated that he had attended a meeting with the Chairpersons of all of the City Commissions and Boards and they talked about the process for appointing members as well as issues of difficulty getting volunteers and that he "put the word out" with those individuals of the opening. Mr. Cummings asked if there had been discussion on what to do if members are not coming to the meetings for which Mr. Clark responded that they had and that Mr. Rohloff would address the topic in the future. Mr. Clark said he attempted to contact the owners of the Knapp Street property about possibly joining the Commission but that he was unable to contact them by phone and would try alternate avenues. Mr. Buck stated he spoke with the Convention and Visitors Bureau to get information there and will be attempting to find information as described by Ms. Schmuhl prior to the next meeting. 2 of 3 HISTORIC PLAQUE DESIGN Mr. Buck asked the Commissioners 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. Mr. Arnold stated that a 4" x 6" bronze plaque costs $260 and a 5" x 7" costs $310. Mr. Buck asked all Commissioners to write up what they would like to see on the plaques and get that to him to compile a list for discussion purposes. [Ms. Schmuhl left the meeting at 4:30] RIVERSIDE CEMETERY CHAPEL UPDATE Mr. Buck stated that the use of the Chapel for the Paranormal Investigation convention has been canceled due to logistical issues by the convention organizers. Mr. Clark stated that he felt focus on the Chapel's use should not be lost and that the ability to have it useable should still be a goal. Mr. Clark also said that the next Cemetery Subcommittee meeting falls on the eave of Thanksgiving and should be canceled. Ms. Mattox said she would be interested in having a cleaning party at the Chapel for which Mr. Arnold agreed. ANNUAL REPORT DISCUSSION Mr. Clark stated he will be finalizing the 2009 draft as well as starting a 2010 draft and he will e- mail to staff for inclusion in next months packet. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETING /COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS Mr. Buck said that the educational flyer /brochure item will be included in the next agenda as well as the plaque compilation. He further stated a copy of the antenna response will be disseminated and that the annual report needs to be included. Mr. Cummings asked that the Commission think about designating something on the south side of Oshkosh, which appears to be neglected in terms of historic district designation. He suggested looking at the Doty Street area as it relates to the age and style of the buildings. Mr. Buck stated he would check the surveys and get information to the Commission for next time. Mr. Cummings also thought a discussion on murals would be good as it can be closely related with historic preservation. Mr. Clark and Mr. Cummings mentioned a desire to have Mr. Cross from the Museum speak to the Landmarks Commission regarding research and archived information such as the Sanborn Maps. Mr. Clark stated he was interested in having a meeting with the Museum and the Paine and thought January may be a good time to do so. Ms. Mattox said that the Museum and Library are great resources of information and that a meeting at one of them may be useful. Mr. Buck handed out a memorandum regarding the Certified Local Government Status and said he would check with the State Historical Society in conjunction with giving them the Annual Report, when drafted, to determine the City's compliance. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Mattox and seconded by Mr. Cummings. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, David Buck Principal Planner 3 of 3