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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 13, 2011 PRESENT: Todd Clark, Arlene Schmuhl, Steve Cummings and Robert Hughes EXCUSED: Dennis Arnold and Shirley Mattox STAFF: David Buck CALL TO ORDER Mr. Clark called the meeting to order at 3:03 pm and a quorum was declared present. Mr. Buck stated that Mr. Arnold and Ms. Mattox had contacted the Planning Department stating they could not be in attendance. NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTION — ROBERT HUGHES Mr. Buck introduced and welcomed Mr. Hughes to the Commission and briefly discussed the function of the Landmarks Commission and their current list of activities. Mr. Buck stated he would put together a Welcome Packet for new commissioners. APPROVAL OF JUNE MINUTES Mr. Cummings moved for approval of the June minutes. Mr. Clark seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW JUNE, 2011 Mr. Buck presented the list of building permits that were issued in the month of June and described work being done. Discussion took place regarding the projecting sign applied for by Britton's Walkover Shoes in relation to the facade program downtown. The Commission commented on the timing of the permit review AFTER the permits are issued and Mr. Clark said that the current permit review, even though after the fact, allows the Commission to keep its finger on the pulse of what's happening in the historic districts. Mr. Buck stated that when the neighborhood programs that are currently starting get up and running, the City hopes to have the historic preservation code and the regulations therein reviewed and instituted. Depending on the outcome, it is hoped that review of permits on historic structures can take place prior to issuance rather than following. Mr. Clark added that this will provide the Commission the chance to advise homeowners /contractors on appropriate building techniques. Mr. Buck added that the Historic Tax Credit can also be a great incentive to "do it right" when it comes to construction on historic properties. The Commission discussed the proposed mural ordinance that is currently going through the Plan Commission. Mr. Buck stated he would include it in the next meeting agenda. STATUS UPDATE: WEBSITE/NEWSLETTER Ms. Schmuhl informed the Commission that her personal software used to make the newsletter and website has completely "died" and the files are not currently accessible. She added that she is currently looking at purchasing new software but will need to catch up on the newsletter and get the January and June issues completed. Mr. Buck asked if the City would possibly have the software. If so, he advised Ms. Schmuhl that she is more than welcome to work on it at City Hall or to use a Community Development Department laptop. Mr. Buck suggested that the newsletter be mailed out 1 of 2 to properties in the districts and a copy kept at the library. Other suggestions were to send it to realtors /realtor associations, banks and credit unions, and builders /contractors. Mr. Clark and Ms. Schmuhl agreed to form a two - member subcommittee to get the website update back underway. Ms. Schmuhl asked if the city would have a computer holed to the web that they could utilize. Mr. Buck stated they do have one. Mr. Clark stated that the web really helps to make the Landmarks Commission more of a resource rather than a regulatory arm for owners of historic properties. Mr. Buck added that the educational material included in the goal list is often just sections taken from a well designed website. Ms. Schmuhl felt that all the other information that can be included on the website is valuable. Mr. Clark said he was interested in doing a study that would compare the value (market and assessed) of the same style and era home that has been maintained historically accurate with another that may have been remodeled or modified inappropriately. He further suggested this as a newsletter topic. STATUS UPDATE: LANDMARKING FULTON / STATUS UPDATE: NORTH MAIN STREET DISTRICT As Mr. Arnold and Ms. Mattox are the principal commissioners working on these projects but are not present, it was determined to put them on the August agenda to status update. ANNUAL REPORT FINALIZATION Mr. Clark distributed a final copy of the verbiage for the 2010 -2011 Annual Report and if okay will get it to Ms. Schmuhl to format and design. Ms. Schmuhl stated she would complete it and have it ready to distribute at the August meeting. Mr. Buck stated he would put it in the Council packet for the second meeting of July, if he receives it in time; otherwise it would go to them in the August packet. STATUS UPDATE: PLAQUE /SIGNAGE PROGRAM & RAILROAD BRIDGE SIGN Mr. Buck described the progress of the railroad bridge interpretive display signage. He stated that the railroad has agreed to finance two signs up to a maximum of $20,000 as well as the two 1899 date plaques and any builder's plates that they may find. Mr. Buck stated that the agreements will need to be approved by Council before being signed. Mr. Cummings described the progress of the interpretive panels and property identification plaque programs he has been spearheading. He went over the details of the donation and the key concepts of both the individual plaques and the larger panels. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETING /COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS Mr. Buck stated that topics for the next meeting are on the Planning Calendar and will also include status updates on landmarking Fulton Street property, designation of the North Main Street Historic District and finalization of the annual report. Additional items will include building permit reviews and any items that come up this month. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn at 4:48 pm was made by Mr. Cummings and seconded by Mr. Hughes. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, David Buck Principal Planner 2 of 2