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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWeekly Newsletter (5) CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2013 PRESENT: Dennis Arnold, Shirley Brabender Mattox, Sharon Kipetz and Angela Merrill EXCUSED: Vicky Redlin, Karen Heikel, and Steve Cummings 1 . CALL TO ORDER Mr. Arnold called the meeting to order at 3:11 pm and a quorum was declared present. Ms. Kipetz mentioned that she would need to leave the meeting at 4:30 pm and Ms. Brabender Mattox also stated she had an appointment that evening. Mr. Buck stated that the agenda was quite large so we may wish to selectively highlight items to discuss and gloss over others. He also updated the Commission on the status of Conor McGee in that he will be removed for failure to attend at the next Council meeting. Ms. Brabender Mattox discussed the Commissions need for a historian and possible contacts. 2. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 9, 2013 MEETING MINUTES th Ms. Kipetz motioned to approve the meeting minutes of October 9 as presented. Motioned seconded by Ms. Brabender Mattox. Minutes were approved unanimously. 3. BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW Ms. Brabender Mattox commented that she would like to have historic photographs submitted with building permit applications. Mr. Buck stated that it is not current practice and the Commission would have to discuss a change in policy such as this with the Director of Community Development and/or Chief Building Official and suggested that they be contacted to attend a Landmarks Commission meeting to discuss it and get their feedback. Mr. Buck said it could also be a good time to address other concerns that had come up in the past such as insufficient detail in permit applications and the distribution of tax credit info. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked what Milwaukee would require with permit applications and Ms. Merrill commented that the technical specifications for things such as replacement windows would be submitted prior to permit in Milwaukee. 4. HISTORIC PLAQUE REQUESTS General discussion took place on the eligibility and merit of the buildings associated with the two building plaque applications. A motion was made by Ms. Kipetz to approve the application for 441 North Main Street as a contributing structure within the North Main Street Historic District and the application at 1010 Bay Shore Drive as an individually listed structure, both in good condition. Motion was seconded by Ms. Brabender Mattox. Motioned carried unanimously. 5. MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 30-27: DOWNTOWN OVERLAY DISTRICT DISCUSSION Mr. Buck gave a brief history of the Downtown Overlay District Design Standards and the façade grant program and how they came about as well as the current sentiment that staff has heard about them from the property owners, especially on signage and materials. He quickly went over the general regulations categories and then suggested that the Commissioners read through it and think of changes that can make it better, and then we could put a list together and bring it up to the administration. 6. ANNUAL REPORT DISCUSSION Mr. Buck stated he had not had the time to put the graphics and format the annual report so it was not ready for review. Discussion took place on the cover and it was determined that it should be a focused/zoomed-in shot of a North Main Street Bungalow District house. 1 of 2 7. NORTH MAIN STREET RECONSTRUCTION – WISDOT HISTORIC SURVEY RESULT Mr. Buck introduced the letter that came from the Wisconsin DOT / Heritage Research, LTD stating that the Ladies Benevolent Society Home at 1628 North Main Street was determined to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places with regard to Criteria A: History for its outstanding contribution to Oshkosh’s local history. The Commission then went over Mr. Arnold’s and Ms. Kipetz’s review of the other properties on North Main Street in the subject road reconstruction area. Mr. Arnold stated that the criteria of the review/evaluation were windows, siding and porch conditions. It was determined that the categories to list the properties would be excellent/exemplary, good condition, or modified/infill and that a list and map should be forwarded to the Wisconsin DOT and Heritage Research, LTD as well as a communication confirming that 1628 North Main Street is considered to be eligible by the Commission as well. Mrs. Brabender Mattox emphasized the importance of informing the Department of Transportation of our historic/cultural resources and be sure they are on record. 8. WORKING GROUPS a. Website – Mr. Buck explained that there were three chronologies included in the packets. There is the one currently on the website, a chronology from Ms. Kipetz that focused on buildings and filled in years that were relatively empty and a list from the library. It was determined that we could go over the three and update the chronology for the web. Mr. Buck also said he needs to update the Commissioners list. Ms. Kipetz added that she wants to update the housing styles section as many of the examples were not very good representations or the home photos used were modified. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that the state website will have photos of Oshkosh homes that can be searched by style and community. It was also determined that commercial structures should be included. b. Tourism/Brochures – No report but brief discussion on the Tribal Heritage Crossing leaflet. Mr. Buck also mentioned that Ruth McGinley and Millers Bay Neighborhood are looking to do a rededication of the Washington monument at Menomonie Park and that she would like to coordinate with Landmarks on it. Ms. Brabender Mattox mentioned that the monument was part of the Hicks Foundation and the Oshkosh Public Library is the keepers of records and funds associated with that foundation. A tour brochure for monuments was discussed briefly. c. Historic Marker/Plaque Program – Mr. Buck briefly went over the concept of using a Limited Term Employee to do the research on the historic markers program but that funds are extremely limited and coordination with the museum will have take place to augment the small amount of funds available to use. d. North Main Street Bungalow District – This item was previously discussed under number 7. e. Grant/Budget – No report. f. Riverside Cemetery – No report but discussion on Ginny Gross’s self-guided walking tour book took place and Ms. Kipetz suggested that she be contacted to see if it can be promoted in coordination with Landmarks as a tourism element. g. Historic Bar Elements – No report. 9. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING/COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS Mr. Buck suggested that the goals for 2014 be the top item as well as thinking about the locations for future meetings including the Paine Carriage House and the Cemetery Chapel. 10. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Kipetz had to leave at 4:38 pm ending a quorum. Respectfully Submitted, David Buck, Principal Planner 2 of 2