HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION
MINUTES
March 09, 2011
PRESENT: Todd Clark, Dennis Arnold, Shirley Mattox, and Steve Cummings
EXCUSED: Arlene Schmuhl
STAFF: David Buck, Principal Planner
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Clark called the meeting to order at 3:07 pm and a quorum was declared present. Ms. Mattox
distributed a flyer regarding an April 5 th "Architecture of Color" workshop. Mr. Cummings
mentioned a clause in closing documents for home sales relating to requiring proper maintenance
being in the sales agreements when homes are sold.
APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY MINUTES
Mr. Arnold moved for approval of the January minutes, as presented. Mr. Cummings seconded the
motion, which passed unanimously.
BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW FEBRUARY, 2011
Mr. Buck presented the list of building permits that were issued in the month of February and
described work being done. Mr. Cummings asked if the sign permits can be printed in color. Mr.
Buck stated he will provide color copies, but that the permit application often only includes black
and white images. Mr. Clark stated that he would be interested in seeing more demolition permits
even if they are not in historic districts or on landmarked properties and Mr. Cummings agreed.
Ms. Mattox added that the Landmarks Commission must be more informed and that many of the
demolished structures could be eligible for landmarking or state /national register even if not
currently. She addressed the need to amend the code to possibly give a chance for the community
to stall and evaluate what's going down and how it relates to the history of Oshkosh, especially
when public owned. Mr. Buck suggested that they keep these thoughts in mind for when there is a
workshop on residential design standards with the council.
INTERN DISCUSSION
Mr. Buck mentioned that Luke Fischenich, a senior from the University of WI- Oshkosh is
interested in interning with the Landmarks Commission and is hoping to meet with members to
discuss it. Mr. Clark asked when he is graduating. Mr. Buck replied that he had not directly spoken
with him but that he knew anything included in a work program would have to be acceptable to the
University to allow them to provide credit for the work. Mr. Buck also thought that many of the
items on the goals list could be included in a work program for an intern. Ms. Mattox stated she
would like to meet the individual and interview him to determine his interests and abilities as well
as his time commitment. Mr. Clark agreed and stated he would like to meet with him as well. Mr.
Buck stated he would forward the e -mail correspondence to both Mr. Clark and Ms. Mattox and
said he can be a resource to assist in setting up a meeting.
GOALS/PLANNING CALENDAR 2011
Ms. Mattox said she was going to speak to her contacts at the Historical Society to see what "front -
end" work we can do prior to potentially applying for grant funds to hire consultant(s). She also
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added that the Commission may have missed opportunity if the North Main Street area was already
designed. She then contacted the Department of Public Works and found that the design would not
take place until 2012 -2013. Mr. Clark inquired if the Commission should attack one item with all
commissioners or spread out and it was determined to divide up the duties as there were many to
contend with. The Commission reviewed the previously determined goal list, assigned responsible
commissioner(s) and set a reporting date on the 2011 Planning Calendar as follows:
• Education Program including website update, flyer and design guideline booklet -Todd Clark &
Arlene Schmuhl -report in July.
• Landmark designation of 324 Fulton, 1365 Algoma and 655 Mt. Vernon as well as city owned
historic property such as the Grand Opera House - Shirley Mattox, Dennis Arnold & Steve
Cummings -report in May (Algoma), July (Fulton), August (Mt. Vernon), September (City
properties).
• Create a North Main Street bungalow historic district - Shirley Mattox, Dennis Arnold, Intern -
report in 2012 -2013.
• Create a south side historic district/Doty Street -Steve Cummings -report in December.
• Historic signage /plaque program including enhancing the Acanthus Award certificates -Steve
Cummings -report in June.
• Research and apply for grant opportunities - Shirley Mattox -report in June.
• Riverside Cemetery Chapel available for use /rental- Subcommittee -report undetermined.
• Research and market the historic bar element of Oshkosh -Steve Cummings -report in October.
• "Clean -up" the Municipal /Zoning Code as it related to Landmarks -All with Planning staff -
report in May.
• Determine and award Acanthus Awards - All -report in April /May.
• Annual Report-Todd Clark -report in April.
• Newsletter - Arlene Schmuhl -report in April, July, October.
ACANTHUS AWARDS DISCUSSION
Timeframe for determining the awardees is coming fast and the Commission stated that they will
have to address at the April meeting. Possible candidates include the Grand Opera House, the
Church architect from Oshkosh (Terry Laib recommended), and CR Meyer as significant firm in
Oshkosh history. The Commission further discussed the possibilities for award winners.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETING /COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS
Mr. Buck stated that topics to get an agenda for the next meeting have been determined by the
previous goals discussion and calendar update. Additional items would include building permit
review and the discussion about the potential intern.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Arnold and seconded by Ms. Mattox. Motion carried
unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
David Buck
Principal Planner
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