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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWeekly Newsletter CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 PRESENT: Vicky Redlin, Karen Heikel, Steve Cummings, Dennis Arnold, Shirley Brabender Mattox and Sharon Kipetz EXCUSED: Connor McGee STAFF: David Buck, City Attorney Lynn Lorenson, Assistant City Attorney David Praska 1. CALL TO ORDER Ms. Redlin called the meeting to order at 3:04 pm and a quorum was declared present. 2. CITY ATTORNEY’S PRESENTATION ON OPEN MEETINGS, PUBLIC RECORDS, ETHICS AND CONDUCT The City Attorneys distributed and went over the contents of an Open Meetings, Public Records, Ethics and Conduct of Meetings manual. They stated that they have been going to all the boards and commissions of the city. During the presentation of the open meetings and public records section Ms. Kipetz inquired if a notice is required if only two commissioners were to do research together? Ms. Lorenson answered that yes because two members of the Commission could be considered a negative quorum a notice should be made. Ms. Kipetz then asked if they had to notice the work they do as individuals? Ms. Lorenson answered that they would not. Ms. Brabender Mattox and Mr. Cummings stated that this Commission is much more hands-on than most and is a working Commission that requires a lot of outside of meeting work. Ms. Lorenson stated that a better way to address it is that individuals do the work and then share the data at a meeting. The definition of a notice, being an account that is put in the press box, was addressed and Mr. Buck added that they are posted in City Hall as well. When going over public participation it was discussed that it is the Commission’s discretion if they want to take public comment and how much time they choose to allow. Ms. Lorenson and Mr. Praska stated that the Council has two opportunities as well as an open agenda and that the Plan Commission has it for each item but that they are not typically a component of workgroups or workshops. It was emphasized that public participation should be consistent on all meetings so the Commission should figure out how they choose to handle it and set a policy that they use all the time. Mr. Lorenson stated that if e-mails are received on personal accounts that they should be forwarded to staff or to the Commission’s e-mail address so they remain in the record and are easily retrieved. Ms. Heikel asked what happens to the e-mails that had been deleted. Ms. Lorenson stated that the e-mails are public record if associated with Landmarks business and therefore should be copied to staff or the Commission’s e-mail address before deleting. Ms. Heikel stated that the Commission is simply a recommending body that really has no official authority to approve or deny anything. Ms. Lorenson said that it did not matter and the Commission could still be attempted to be influenced and may be offered items or services that should not be accepted. Additionally, it was added that if there is any conflict of interest that the Commission should abstain from voting and not participate in the discussion. To be safe they could also leave the room during that part of the agenda. The presentation continued with an overview of conduct at meetings, interrelations between commissions and codes and statutes. Ms. Brabender Mattox inquired if cities can absolve themselves from other rules 1 of 3 it imposes on others such as with Landmarked properties. Ms. Lorenson said that the Council can pass amendments to codes but usually requires a super majority. Ms. Heikel stated that she has felt harassed and intruded upon by people involved with Commission work in the past and wondered what should be done. Ms. Lorenson stated that she should contact the police as a harassment call as well as let the attorney’s office know as well. Ms. Lorenson stated that the Commissioners are not obliged to talk to or interact with people outside the Commission meetings that are noticed. 3. APPROVAL OF JULY 10, 2013 MEETING MINUTES Mr. Arnold motioned to approve the meeting minutes as presented. Motioned seconded by Mr. Cummings. Minutes were approved unanimously. 4. BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW & DISCUSSION Mr. Buck presented the list of building permits that were issued in the past month and described work done. Discussion took place about getting site plans and other details such as material types and other info for façade appearance to be included in the permit applications and then included within the Landmark Commission packets. Mr. Buck responded that some of that detail is not currently included with the permit application requirements such as colors and other items not regulated by code. Ms. Brabender Mattox inquired to whom the Commission needed to communicate to get these requirements included in the requirements for permit application. Mr. Buck responded that that communication should go to the Community Development Director and the Director of Inspection Services and would possibly require an amendment to the codes that regulate submittal requirements. 5. ANNUAL REPORT DISCUSSION Ms. Redlin went over the draft of the annual report content and stated that she beefed it up to add pictures and other information to thoroughly let the community know what the Commission has done and what we plan to do with it including major accomplishments. She added that it will require some additional work from staff to get additional info and format and that the report may be a bit larger than it has been in the past. Mr. Buck stated that he will attempt to do formatting but will maybe augment it with additions, deletions and editing. He added that it may take a bit longer as staff time is limited with the loss of a planner in the office but that he hopes that it will be ready for the next meeting. 6. WG ORKING ROUPS a. Website Update – Ms. Kipetz said that she plans to be meeting with a student at UWO to start up the website review later in the month. b. Tourism/Brochures – Ms. Redlin said she has been in contact with Jeff Potts with the CVB and will have more to report in the future. Ms. Redlin leaves as 5:15 c. Historic Signage/Plaque Program – Mr. Buck updated the Commission on a potential worker for the marker content and design and the issues that have cropped up and discussion took place on how to fund a researcher or if we could tap into the University for help. Ms. Brabender Mattox talked to Dan Radig about helping with text and that he is writing a book on groceries right now and also that Jim Backus would be an exceptional resource. She added that we must tap into the people who have been involved with the city’s history. Mr. Cummings mentioned collaboration efforts with Winnebago County Historical Society and dealings with the Community Foundation and also work being discussed outside of the city. d. Grant/Budget – Mr. Buck stated that the Community Development Department agreed to fund a historic districts mailing next year so that the Landmarks Commission can contact all owners and provide whatever information they feel should be included. He suggested late winter or early spring for such a mailing and that the Commission will have to determine what to send out. 2 of 3 f. Riverside Cemetery – No Report g. Historic Bar Elements – No Report 8. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING/COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS Mr. Cummings mentioned the open house at the Honeymoon House at 633 Mount Vernon and the Commission discussed the work that has been done on the inside and the outside. Mr. Buck mentioned th that a zoning code rewrite workshop will be taking place on Sept. 30 between the Landmarks Commission, Plan Commission, Board of Appeals, Sustainability Board and Common Council. Also a working group will be created and it is staff’s intention to have a Landmarks Commissioner on that group so he asked that if anyone is interested that they should give it some thought and he will put it on the agenda for October. 9. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn at 6:39 pm was made by Mr. Cummings and seconded Ms. Kipetz. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, David Buck, Principal Planner 3 of 3 CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 28, 2013 PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Karen Heikel, Steve Cummings, Dennis Arnold, and Sharon Kipetz EXCUSED: Connor McGee and Vicky Redlin STAFF: David Buck 1. CALL TO ORDER Mr. Arnold called the meeting to order at 3:05 pm and a quorum was declared present. 2. Historic Plaque Request for 1513 North Main Mr. Buck stated that this special meeting was called primarily because the City received a request for a historic plaque for a residence at 1513 North Main Street, known as the Smith House, and he wanted to have it reviewed. Mr. Buck went over the application material as well information taken from the North Main Street Bungalow District Historic Inventory. The Commission went over the criteria for the plaque program and determined that the house is eligible for the plaque because it is a contributing structure in the historic district, is a building that is recognized for the quality of its architecture, and is characteristic of the bungalow housing style. Discussion then took place on a naming policy for the plaques of the program. It was determined that the standard for naming on the plaques will be either: 1) Builder with or without past or current owner hyphened; 2) First owner with or without past or current owner hyphened; 3) Style or type of building with or without past or current owner hyphened; or 4) A historic reference with or without past or current owner hyphened. Any other alternate name request would have to come before the Landmarks Commission for review and approval with the criteria that it relates to the history of the house in some way. Motion to adopt these naming standards was made by Mr. Arnold and seconded by Ms. Heikel. Motion approved unanimously. Discussion on Schlitz Beer Hall Plaque Presentation 3. Mr. Buck asked what was desired for the presentation of the plaque for Schlitz Beer Hall / Oblio’s at 432- 434 North Main Street. The Commission asked that staff coordinate with Oshkosh Media Services to send out a press release to have a presentation sometime after the next Council meeting. The date and th time for the presentation of the plaque was determined to be September 12 at 4 pm outside of the building. Mr. Buck stated he would put together a brief speech and that he will contact Chairperson Redlin to coordinate. Mr. Cummings offered to present the plaque if Ms. Redlin was unavailable. 4. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING/COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS Ms. Brabender Mattox said that she spoke with one of the owners of the previous month’s permits in the Algoma Boulevard Historic District who had received Historic Tax Credits. Mr. Buck asked if they had done the paperwork themselves or if they had a contractor do it. Ms. Brabender Mattox said that they would be willing to discuss how they did it. Mr. Buck asked Ms. Brabender Mattox if she could contact them and ask if they would be willing to talk with him and Mr. Brabender Mattox stated she would. 5. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn at 4:14 pm was made by Mr. Cummings and seconded by Ms. Brabender Mattox. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, David Buck, Principal Planner 1 of 1 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES September 17, 2013 PRESENT: David Sparr, Megan Lang, Michael Russell, Sandy Prunty, Todd Cummings, Jim Stapel, Kris Larson, Kay Bahr, Chanda Anderson, Andy Ratchman EXCUSED: Kurt Koeppler, Vicky Schroeder STAFF: Cassie Cook - BID Manager, Jeffrey Nau – Associate Planner OTHERS: Matt Kroening – Oshkosh Police Department, Rob Klemen – Oshkosh Area Economic Development Corporation I - CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sparr called the meeting to order at 8:00am and a quorum was declared present. II – APPROVE MINUTES OF AUGUST 20, 2013 MEETING There was no discussion on this item. Megan Lang moved to approve the minutes of the August 20, 2013 meeting as presented. Kris Larsen seconded the motion which passed unanimously. III – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES No representative from the Oshkosh Police Department was present. There was no further discussion on this item. IV – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT There was no discussion on this item. Jim Stapel moved for approval of the monthly financial report as presented. Chanda Anderson seconded the motion which passed unanimously. V – TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM RESERVES TO WEBSITE MAINTENANCE Ms. Cook requested the Board to approve a transfer of $3,500.00 from Reserves to the Website Maintenance account. She explained the additional funds are needed to pay for printing of recruitment brochures and materials. Ms. Lang verified with Ms. Cook that the transfer was for the printing of materials and questioned if additional funds for website maintenance will be needed for the rest of the year. Ms. Cook responded that she has taken over website maintenance and no additional funding for 2013 is required. Ms. Lang questioned if the money could be taken from the Recruitment Grant Fund account. Ms. Cook responded that most of the money left in that account has been encumbered by previously approved grants. Ms. Anderson stated she would support this request. There was no further discussion on this item. Jim Stapel motioned for approval for the transfer of $3,500.00 from the Reserves to Website Maintenance. Chanda Anderson seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 1 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES September 17, 2013 VI – BID MANAGER AND SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Ms. Cook presented a summary of her activities over the past month as outlined in her report included in the BID packet. Highlights include:  The new Request for Proposals form is on the Downtown Website.  The Retention Fund Grant draft is ready and will be reviewed by the Budget Committee. Ms. Cook added that five to six businesses have expressed interest in this program.  The Budget Committee meeting has been scheduled for early October.  Two interns have been hired for this semester. One will be working with holiday promotions and Gift Card program and the other will be preparing the 2014 Downtown Directory.  Holding Block Captain Meeting in October.  Prepared Downtown Newsletter.  September Gift Card promotion is featuring Action Dancewear.  Acquired additional daily downtown parking permits.  Will be sending out mass-email for upcoming Downtown street closures.  Still looking to distribute approximately 500 2013 Downtown Directories.  Marketing Consortium: th Trick-or-treating event will be held on Wednesday, October 30 from 4:30pm to 7:00pm. o Erica from Satori Imports will be chairing the Holiday events for 2013. o  Beautification: Progress being made with the informational kiosks, and signs for the riverwalk; working with the o Convention and Visitors Bureau with design. Working with Parks Department to place a sign with changeable copy at Opera House Square. o Met with city staff to find additional locations for trash receptacles. The City approved one o additional location in front of Satori Imports. Mr. Russell inquired if there was an issue splitting off the recycling cans from trash cans. Mr. Nau responded the issue was finding locations that suit the requirements and accessibility for the Public Works Department. Mr. Cummings added that the biggest issue was avoiding locations where parked cars would interfere with the City’s trucks being able to access the cans. Mr. Russell asked if Mr. Nau had the drawing of all the streetscaping elements proposed on the Main Street plans. Mr. Nau responded that he can get a copy. The Board asked Ms. Cook to contact the City Manager to see if a compromise can be made. Mr. Russell asked Mr. Nau if he could talk to the City Forester to see if the missing trees could be replaced along Main Street. Mr. Nau responded he would contact him.  Met with potential client for a Recruitment Fund Grant.  Working on 2014 Advertising Campaign. Dave Sparr left at 8:28am 2 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES September 17, 2013 VII – DISCUSSION OF DOWNTOWN CONFERENCE Ms. Cook informed the Board that she is planning to attend a joint WDAC and WEDA conference, which in years past were held independently. She added the reason she is even mentioning this is that the cost is higher and wanted to make sure the Board does not have any concerns with her going. Ms. Lang questioned how it is being budgeted. Ms. Cook responded that the money will come from the Contracted Services budget. Ms. Lang and Ms. Anderson felt it was important for Ms. Cook to attend. There was no further discussion on this item. VIII – DOWNTOWN OVERLAY SIGNAGE REGULATIONS Ms. Prunty asked for this discussion and gave background information in regard to a recent signage issue for placement of an incompliant sign. Mr. Nau responded that there is an appeals process and the Department of Community Development is working on an information brochure to hopefully prevent these issues in the future. IX – SELECTION OF A VOLUNTEER TO SERVE ON THE ZONING ORDINANCE REWRITE COMMITTEE Mr. Nau informed the Board that he was asked to see if a member from the BID Board would be willing to serve on the upcoming Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Committee. He further explained that this is the time to address concerns affecting zoning issues not only city-wide, but also the downtown. Mr. Cummings said he may be interested but would only want to offer input to signage in the Downtown Overlay District. Ms. Lang stated that the Board would probably like to make comments in regard to the Downtown Overlay and asked if Planning Manager Darryn Burich could attend a Board meeting to go over those concerns. Mr. Nau responded he would look into that as an option. X – SELECT MEETING LOCATION FOR THE OCTOBER 15, 2013 BID BOARD MEETING Mr. Nau reported that the City Hall parking lot reconstruction is nearing completion and October’s meeting will be held back in room 404 at City Hall. XI – IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE OCTOBER 15, 2013 MEETING -Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Update XII – ADJOURNMENT With there being no further business, Jim Stapel moved for the meeting to be adjourned at 8:45am. Sandy Prunty seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner 3 PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES October 1, 2013 PRESENT: David Borsuk, Ed Bowen, Thomas Fojtik, John Hinz, Steve Cummings, Kathleen Propp, Donna Lohry, Robert Vajgrt, Karl Nollenberger EXCUSED: Jeffrey Thoms STAFF: Darryn Burich, Director of Planning Services; David Buck, Principal Planner; Steve Gohde, Assistant Director of Public Works; Deborah Foland, Recording Secretary Chairperson Fojtik called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present. The minutes of September 17, 2013 were approved as presented. (Vajgrt/Cummings) Mr. Bowen arrived at 4:01 pm. I. PLANNED DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL TO PERMIT MANUFACTURED HOME SALES AND DISPLAY AT 3596 STEARNS DRIVE; ACCESS CONTROL VARIANCE TO PERMIT THIRD DRIVEWAY The petitioner is requesting Planned Development approval to operate a manufactured housing sales and outdoor display operation on undeveloped portions of the property at 3596 Stearns Drive. Specifically, the petitioner is requesting to display three different models of manufactured housing on the property for sale purposes. Mr. Burich presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the zoning classifications and land use in said area. He also reviewed the site plan and the models of homes to be displayed and explained that storm water and landscaping plans had not yet been submitted and would be required to be approved prior to building permit issuance. He also reviewed the conditions recommended for this request. Ms. Lohry questioned if we were going to be specific on what homes could be displayed on the site. Mr. Burich responded that the models are market driven and the three samples provided in the Commissioner’s packets were the ones the petitioner was planning on displaying at this point however if sales are not successful, the models may be switched out to other models from the catalog. Ms. Lohry then questioned if he will be adding additional units to the site in the future. Mr. Burich replied that he could not add additional models without coming back through Plan Commission and Common Council for an amendment to the planned development. Mr. Bowen stated that he thought that when the development to the north of this site was approved, there was some issue with the detention pond proposed and questioned if the pond had been constructed and the drainage issues addressed. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 1 October 1, 2013 Steve Gohde, Assistant Director of Public Works, indicated that there have been drainage issues on the site and something may not have been graded correctly when developed. He further stated that a new grading plan will have to be submitted for the proposed development and if there are issues with the current drainage, it will be addressed. Mr. Borsuk inquired if the previous development was a conditional use permit or a planned development and if the owner was in full compliance with all the conditions placed on that request. Mr. Burich responded that the previous project was a planned development and staff has not recently completed a compliance check but one could be performed if necessary. Mr. Bowen questioned if the Commission would need to add that compliance with all conditions on the previous development as a condition on this request. Mr. Burich indicated that it would not be necessary as with the new action requested, a compliance check could be completed on the rest of the site as a precautionary measure. Ms. Lohry commented that the development will face both Highway 41 and 45 and she felt that appropriate landscaping on the site will make or break an attractive development and she suggested that some specific landscaping such as trees should be required. Mr. Borsuk stated that he viewed the development similar to this one in Fond du Lac and the landscaping on the site does not blend well. He felt that since this is a gateway area, the request should be laid over until a landscaping plan is submitted as having it left for staff to approve was too much pressure and the City could end up unhappy with the final results. Mr. Burich commented that if the Commission is going to lay over the request until landscaping plans are submitted, he questioned if the Commission is comfortable with the proposed land use plan before requesting additional plans to be submitted. Ms. Propp commented that she felt that three homes placed in a cul-de-sac arrangement could look fine on this site. Mr. Hinz inquired how much landscaping could be done as the homes would have to be able to be moved in and out of the site which would be difficult with too much landscaping surrounding them. Mr. Burich responded that we would not be looking for the petitioner to install walls of landscaping on the site but just some trees and shrubs around the homes to make it look like a residential development. Ms. Lohry commented that she was fine with that concept as long as the gateway areas are kept in good condition. Motion by Borsuk to lay over the planned development to permit manufactured home sales and display at 3596 Stearns Drive and an access control variance to permit a third driveway until landscaping plans for the development are submitted. Seconded by Hinz. Mr. Bowen stated that he would support that as he has no issues with the land use proposal however he feels that more details needed to be provided. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 2 October 1, 2013 Mr. Nollenberger commented that he was more than comfortable with recommending approval of the proposed development as submitted. Motion carried 7-2. (Ayes-Borsuk/Bowen/Hinz/Cummings/Propp/Lohry/Vajgrt. Nays-Fojtik/ Nollenberger. PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Burich reported that the consultants that the City is working with on the Zoning Ordinance re- write were here this past week to begin the process of updating the ordinance. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 4:26 pm. (Vajgrt/Propp) Respectfully submitted, Darryn Burich Director of Planning Services __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 3 October 1, 2013