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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES February 16, 2011 PRESENT: Todd Clark, Arlene Schmuhl, Dennis Arnold, Shirley Mattox, and Steve Cummings EXCUSED: None STAFF: David Buck, Principal Planner; Kevin Ciabatti, Director of Inspection Services; and Allen Davis, Director of Community Development CALL TO ORDER Mr. Clark called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm and a quorum was declared present. Mr. Davis requested that Item 4 on the agenda be taken first as he was unable to stay for a long period of time. The Commission agreed to take up Item 4 first and then go through the agenda regularly. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS Mr. Davis introduced Mr. Ciabatti and stated that he was interested in discussing the Historic Preservation Ordinance of the Municipal Code especially as it related to educating the public, providing "carrots" in the form of financial incentives and "sticks" in the form of enforcement and process of enforcement. He further stated that a process for the education, finance and enforcement need be established. Mr. Buck discussed the history of the historic preservation ordinance as well as he knew it. Ms. Schmuhl stated that the Landmarks Commission had previously discussed many aspects of an educational program including flyers and website update and she asked if staff could find out how Kohler and Fond du Lac have initiated educational programs. Mr. Cummings stated that there may be a private funding source to assist with these initiatives or to pay an intern or limited term employee. Mr. Davis said he wants to mesh the efforts of NeighborWorks with historic preservation to add "carrots" to the equation such as architectural surveys, setting up meetings, and using NeighborWorks funds and CDBG funds in tandem. Ms. Mattox added that CLG grants may be available to utilize and that this should be a goal of the Commission for 2011. She also added that tax credits should be a "carrot' but that "carrot' needs to be communicated and understood by homeowners. Mr. Ciabatti discussed the inspection and maintenance procedures and protocol as they exist currently and what effects the historic preservation element would have on said processes. The Commission had general discussion on how strange it was that none of the regulations associated with landmarks have ever been discussed at the Commission level and feel that it should have but that they are glad to have it brought up now. Mr. Buck shared that he felt when the education, finance and enforcement elements were better defined that a workshop with the Common Council to describe it will need to take place. Ms. Schmuhl added that the process must be positive and not regulatory as that had not been effective in the past. Mr. Ciabatti said that there needs to be a "reasonable" expectation of the process and timelines. Mr. Clark stated that Neenah did a test or pilot program in a willing district because they felt they would fail if done as a whole and that the City should also look at incremental steps in that direction. Mr. Buck stated that NeighborWorks is looking at a specific target area to start their action plan and Mr. Davis added that this portion will need to be included in a "package" that can be brought before the Common Council in a workshop to get a clear direction of where the elected officials want us to go. 1 of 2 APPROVAL OF JANUARY MINUTES Mr. Arnold moved for approval of the January minutes, as presented. Mr. Cummings seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW JANUARY, 2010 Mr. Buck presented the list of building permits that were issued in the month of January and described work being done. GOAL SETTING 2011 Mr. Buck had previously suggested that each of the Commissioners come up with a limited number of actions that they want to complete in 2011. The Commission brainstormed a list of goals that included: • Education Program including website update, flyer and design guideline booklet. • Landmark designation of 324 Fulton, 1365 Algoma and 655 Mount Vernon as well as city owned historic property such as the Grand Opera House. • Create a North Main Street bungalow historic district. • Create a south side historic district, potentially on Doty Street. • Historic signage /plaque program including enhancing the Acanthus Award certificates. • Research and apply for grant opportunities. • Riverside Cemetery Chapel available for use /rental. • Research and market the historic bar element of Oshkosh. • "Clean -up" the Municipal /Zoning Code as it relates to Landmarks. • Determine and award Acanthus Awards. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETING /COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS Mr. Buck stated that he has enough topics to get an agenda together for the next meeting. He will include all the action items listed above to be included in the 2011 Planning Calendar as well as a separate item for the Acanthus Awards if the Commission was okay with that. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Arnold and seconded by Ms. Mattox. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, David Buck Principal Planner 2 of 2