Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes1 of 3 CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 26, 2014 PRESENT: Dennis Arnold, Shirley Brabender Mattox, Sharon Kipetz and Steve Cummings EXCUSED: Vicky Redlin, Karen Heikel and Angela Merrill 1. CALL TO ORDER Mr. Arnold called the meeting to order at 3:35 pm and a quorum was declared present. 2. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 08, 2014 & FEBRUARY 12, 2014 MEETING MINUTES Ms. Brabender Mattox made the statement that she was pleased with the way the minutes were taken and felt that they are a good record/report of the Commissions discussions. Ms. Brabender Mattox motioned to approve the minutes of January 8, 2014. Motion was seconded by Mr. Cummings. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Brabender Mattox motioned to approve the minutes of February 12, 2014. Motion was seconded by Mr. Cummings. Motion carried unanimously. 3. BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW Ms. Brabender Mattox and Mr. Arnold announced that they had received information regarding insurance for water service and just wanted city staff to be aware of it as it appears predatory. Ms. Kipetz said she also received it. All building permits on historically flagged buildings issued in February were for not structural but only plumbing or HVAC work. 4. ACANTHUS AWARDS DISCUSSION Mr. Buck stated that this is typically the month that the Commission has preliminary discussion on potential Acanthus Award recipients. The April meeting is usually the determination meeting and the awards are presented in May, usually at the second Common Council meeting. Mr. Buck started the conversation by suggesting that the Christine Ann Center be considered for sensitive addition and appropriate restoration. Discussion took place on the desire of the Commission to award projects that may be more modest but reflect the appropriate rehabilitation and repair, especially in residential settings. Mr. Cummings stated that the property on Parkway and Franklin (606 Franklin) should be considered for their painting and restoration efforts. Mr. Arnold brought up a bungalow on Jackson Street was repainted sympathetically and that he plans to look at a porch reconstruction at 426 South Park. Ms. Kipetz said that there was a home on the east side of Bowen Street between Irving and New York (716 Bowen) for restoration work as well as 301 Irving Avenue for the same. Mr. Buck suggested that the Commission look at the interior restoration efforts for the shops on Market Street and possibly The Waters building. The Commission said they would look at the Market Street properties but that The Waters had received an award previously. Ms. Brabender Mattox also mentioned that a home on the west side of Doty Street could also be eligible and she would get the house number. Ms. Brabender Mattox said that a communication to take nominations should be placed in the Community Service section of the newspaper for the 2015 awards. There was general discussion on getting nominations rather than just the Commission deciding. Mr. Buck said that he will try to compile information for the next meeting so the Commission can make a choice for recipients, then the 2 of 3 Commission will have a month to do research and put together any presentation material. 5. STATE OF THE CITY DISPLAY DISCUSSION Mr. Buck informed the Commission that the State of the City will be on the evening of March 31st at the Convention Center and the Landmarks Commission will have a display. He said that he will prepare a Historic District Map and have available copies of the Annual Report, Main Street Historic District Walking Tour, the older general Historic Walking Tour brochure, the William Waters Guide, Historic Plaque example and applications, and Tax Credit Information. Mr. Buck encouraged the Commissioners to attend. 6. INFORMATIONAL PACKETS FOR EDUCATION Mr. Buck went over the three examples of work included in the packets including Ms. Merrill’s two page information on general historic property and on the Landmarks Commission, example from Orlando and a previous attempt created by staff. Discussion took place on what type of brochures/documents that the Commission could put into action this year. The Commission came to the conclusion that they would like to create at least two educational pieces: one that is tri-fold about Oshkosh Landmarks Commission and our districts (possibly similar to the Orlando document in the packet) and, if time permits, another tri-fold on general historic property information like you had on the first page of Ms. Merrill’s draft. The Commission was unsure if they will have the space on this for tax credit info but if not, staff would make a third tri-fold brochure on tax credit info. Mr. Cummings emphasized the importance of providing the tax credit information, especially in light of the increase that was recently approved by the State. 7. WORKING GROUP REPORTS Ms. Kipetz stated that she will need to meet with the City’s Information Technology Department but that she wants to wait for the brochure creation so it can be integrated into the website. Ms. Brabender Mattox and Mr. Cummings expressed their opinion that the BID District and the Convention and Visitors Bureau would jump on this as a “Welcome to Historic Main Street” program. Mr. Buck mentioned that the plaque program has slowed down and asked if there would be interest of individual Commissioners to meet with historic building owners to promote the plaque program either with or without staff. Mr. Cummings stated that he would be willing to do it. Mr. Buck said that the Markers program is coming along and the Railroad Bridge Marker has been mocked up and is close to having design completed. He also said that we have draft text and some pictures for the general railroads topic that will be coming to the next meeting and also that Austin Frederick, Research Assistant is starting the fishing topic. Mr. Buck suggested that this is the time that the Commission could start soliciting for additional marker sponsors. 8. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING/COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS Mr. Buck stated that he has met with the Masonic Center and will be meeting with the potential owner of the Washington Building, both of whom are interested in historic designation individually or as part of a district. He stated that the West Washington Historic District was recommended in the 2005 Survey. Mr. Cummings and Ms. Brabender Mattox expressed their desire to increase the size of a district in this area and asked staff to look at the area and also to inquire with the state if a request for a larger district would be more beneficial or detrimental to a historic designation application. Discussion took place on getting owner cooperation and costs associated with a larger district as well as the increased time associated with research and review. Also the topic of potential to have difficulties with losing the theme of the neoclassical architecture could be problematic was discussed. 3 of 3 Mr. Buck mentioned that the Acanthus Awards recipient determination, discussion on informational packets for education and the railroads marker will all be on the next agenda as well as building permit review and minutes. Mr. Cummings asked if the Commission would be interested in going over photographs he took on his historic tours down south. Mr. Buck suggested that this be done in a workshop following the regular meeting. The Commission agreed to have the workshop item. 9. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Kipetz motioned to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Ms. Brabender Mattox. Motion approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, David Buck, Principal Planner