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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 13, 2013 PRESENT: Vicky Redlin, Shirley Brabender Mattox, Steve Cummings, Dennis Arnold and Sharon Kipetz EXCUSED: Arlene Schmuhl, Connor McGee and Karen Heikel STAFF: David Buck CALL TO ORDER Ms. Redlin called the meeting to order at 3:12 pm and a quorum was declared present. Mr. Buck inquired of the crowd in attendance if they were present for the Draft Fishing Shanty Report and they responded that they were. Mr. Buck suggested that the Commission consider moving that item to the beginning of the meeting. The Commission agreed to move agenda item 4 to the beginning of the agenda. DRAFT FISHING SHANTY INVESTIGATION REPORT Mr. Buck informed the Commission that the investigative subcommittee had hoped to have the report completed last month but did not; however it is now complete and ready for review. He stated that Mr. Cummings would be bringing the draft report to Winnebago County Historical and Archeological Society this evening for their review and input. He hoped that their input th would be sent back to Landmarks by April 10 so the Commission could go over their opinion. Mr. Buck explained what was included in the report including the executive summary and also that Joan MacGregor and Scott Engel had individual opinion statements, which are also in the packet. Mr. Cummings who was also on the subcommittee is here to provide his input if he desires. Mr. Buck went over the process and information used in the report and provided a synopsis of the reports summary including the conclusions of the subcommittee on the historic significance of the concept/context as well as the structures themselves and recommendations of what type of role the concept/context and structures may have with the future development of the riverfront. Mr. Buck started reading the individual comments from Joan MacGregor and Scott Engel and Ms. Brabender Mattox requested and continued reading these comment documents. Mr. Cummings explained the charge of the subcommittee’s work in relation to determining historic significance as opposed to ownership or other legal issues. Mr. Buck explained the history of how the request to investigate came to the Landmarks Commission and how the Commission and the subcommittee were created and conducted the examination and that the report’s findings are an opinion of the subcommittee to hopefully be used as a resource for decision makers. Mr. Buck stated he was unaware of any action in regard to the shanties currently being discussed at the City. Mr. Arnold asked if the change in purpose was a relevant concept of the report, as it was referred to in the comments. Mr. Buck stated that the subcommittee did find changes in the context of their uses over time and that he believed that was referred to. Mr. Brabender Mattox asked if there were any photos of these specific shanties and Mr. Buck went over what information they used but stated that there was very little info on these specific structures. Angela Burgett (1711 Columbia Avenue) stated that she felt the historical value of the structures also falls onto the families and users utilizing them and that their existence is not hurting anyone. 1 of 4 She added that they may not be historic to others but definitely historic for the families who have owned and used them. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked how old the family tie was to these structures. Ms. Burgett stated at least three generations as her grandfather had used them, her brothers and they have been used by her family all the way down to her sons. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked if there were any written stories/post cards/letters and Ms. Burgett stated she did not have any letters or written items but that she has many photographs. Dan Henning (214 Prospect Avenue) said that, as a group, the owners do annual river clean-up and will be continuing to expand to try to “earn their keep” as a community service including fund raising events for charity like Loops Legacy, that the City may not be aware of. He asked how much these services would cost if not for the boathouse volunteers. He added that the owners feel afraid to even do maintenance due to legal issues and with the exception of the communal reconstruction of Mr. Tuttle’s floating shack, which was upgraded to its exact same size to allow his use of it as he is 87-88 years old and has medical issues. Mr. Buck mentioned that Mr. Tuttle had been before the Landmarks Commission last year to discuss the shanties when it was first discussed. Elijah Henning (1234 Mount Vernon Street) stated he is an owner and feels very strongly that there is historic significance to the shacks. People from the outside may not feel that way but the users would definitely disagree. He added that he felt the public opinion is that they are historic and that he has talked with many people who ask about the history of the structures when on the riverfront. Mr. Henning commented that an incident happened of trespass/break-in but that many people tie up to them and that the shanty users often assist boaters that are in distress or need repairs. He said that the adjacent commercial development’s owners on Ohio Street don’t care that they are there and support their continued use. Keith Burgett (1711 Columbia Avenue) said he can supply historic photographs going back decades and that there are artifacts such as a log rolling spear in one of the structures that the museum is interested in. He added that there are people who used to live in the structures and one is here today. Ken Burgett (2007 Wisconsin Street) said he lived on a Pearl Street shack which was a floating home. He said that people would hate to see all the hard work that has taken place over time on the shanties simply go away. He added that the shanty presence has been there at least 65 years and maybe they could be regulated but should not go away. Ms. Redlin asked if there was anyone else interested in providing comment. th Scott Sirtoff (116 West 15) said that a lot of people get together down there and he added that he suggested the Commissioners come down to the waterfront to visit and maybe set lines in June or July. Mr. Arnold said that it struck him that part of the concern was lack of age on the structures as they are only 50 or so years old. He thought the George Washington axe analogy was good but he felt that the social history should also be considered and used as criteria. Mr. Arnold added he didn’t feel that they are not being unique to Oshkosh was a good argument. Ms. Redlin stated that the report will now go to the Winnebago County Historical and Archeological Society for comment before being brought back to Landmarks, and then be supplied to the City Manager. 2 of 4 APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 13MEETING MINUTES Ms. Kipetz motioned to approve the meeting minutes as presented. Motioned seconded by Mr. Cummings. Minutes were approved 5-0. BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW & DISCUSSION Mr. Buck presented the list of building permits that were issued in the month of February and described work done. Discussion took place regarding the improvements of a home on High Avenue which appears to be done with a very historically sensitive rehab. ACANTHUS AWARD NOMINATION DISCUSSION Mr. Buck briefly went over the history of the Acanthus Awards and that they are typically presented at Common Council in May, which is National History Month. Mr. Cummings and Ms. Brabender Mattox discussed previous conversations highlighting CR Meyer and Castle- Pierce as nominees. CR Meyer to be honored for their vast portfolio of work in Oshkosh. Castle-Pierce to be honored as the oldest family run local business. Both of these are at their 125 years anniversaries. Discussion took place on the Paine’s carriage house addition. Ms. Kipetz suggested including Crescent Moon as a business model based on architectural and historical salvage and restoration. The Commission agreed that this was a good idea and that they should be nominated as well. Ms. Kipetz said she would do some research to bring back at the next meeting. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS A. Website Update – Ms. Kipetz stated she has a student who has a 20 hour commitment to assist her with historic work and he will be looking at the timeline and historic and/or interesting buildings such as the City Center Partnership. Ms. Brabender Mattox suggested he talk with Joshua Ranger to coordinate. Mr. Cummings said a lot of photographs of Oshkosh history will be put up in the hotel. Ms. Kipetz said she will be meeting with the student after break and will get back to the Commission on progress. B. Tourism/Brochures – Ms. Redlin said she spoke with the Convention and Visitors Bureau but they have not had a chance to meet with Jeff Potts to coordinate on brochures the CVB already has. Mr. Buck stated he has many brochures that he will get to the subcommittee at the next meeting. Ms. Kipetz asked if she could get copies to share with the student. Ms. Redlin discussed hosting a historic preservation convention in the future and that the CVB offered to provide assistance. Ms. Brabender Mattox talked about other conventions and what took place at them. She said the host community usually provides food, lodging options, usually the Mayor for speech and historic tours. C. North Main Street Bungalow District – Mr. Buck stated the nomination documents will be thst reviewed by the state on May 24 and another neighborhood meeting is to be set up for May 1. Discussion on attendance at the state review took place. D. Historic Signage/Plaque Program – There was no report. E. Grant Research – There was no report. F. Riverside Cemetery - There was no report. G. Historic Bar Elements – There was no report. 3 of 4 AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING/COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS Mr. Buck mentioned that the draft Fishing Shanties Investigation Report will be on the agenda and that the Acanthus Award nominee must be finalized and duties distributed for a May Common Council presentation. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn at 5:10 pm was made by Mr. Arnold and seconded Mr. Cummings. Motion carried 5-0. Respectfully Submitted, David Buck Principal Planner 4 of 4