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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes1 of 3 CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 PRESENT: Vicky Redlin, Dennis Arnold, Karen Heikel, and Shirley Brabender Mattox EXCUSED: Steve Cummings, Sharon Kipetz, Angela Merrill 1. CALL TO ORDER Ms. Redlin called the meeting to order at 3:17 pm and a quorum was declared present. 2. APPROVAL OF AUGUST 13, 2014 MEETING MINUTES There was no discussion on this item. Ms. Heikel motioned to approve the minutes of August 13, 2014 as presented. Motion was seconded by Ms. Brabender Mattox. Motion carried unanimously. 3. BROCHURES/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS CREATED Ms. Brabender Mattox distributed brochures on the City of Oshkosh Historic Districts, Historic Plaque Program and Historic Property Ownership. She stated that everything they give out adds to the information and education for the citizens. 4. COMMENTS FROM THE FARMERS MARKET BOOTH Ms. Brabender Mattox informed the Commission that she and Angela Merrill operated the informational booth at the Saturday Downtown Farmers Market a few weeks ago. Ms. Redlin asked what kind of feedback was received. Ms. Brabender Mattox responded there were many inquiries on the Historic Plaque Program and state and federal tax credits. She mentioned Sustainability Board Member Lori Palmeri, owner of 212 W. Parkway Avenue, as well as Gail Panske and Jim Evans inquired on the Historic Plaque Program for their properties. In addition, Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that owners of the Lennon and Honeymoon houses and an owner in the North Main Street Bungalow District received information on tax credits for home renovations. She added that they also may be able to get information and photos in regard to the Fish District from Clarence Coch, Vern Gauger and Matt Hostack and would conduct follow-up. Ms. Heikel commented that it sounded like the booth was a great success to get the word out on these programs. Ms. Redlin stated that it may be worth having booths in future Markets, possibly one in the spring and one in the fall. Ms. Heikel suggested that they may be able to share a booth with the Oshkosh Northwestern. 5. HISTORIC WALKING TOUR DISCUSSION Mr. Nau informed the Commission that Mr. Cummings is trying to put together a new walking 2 of 3 tour which would focus on Main Street taverns. The tour would have stops at several taverns, Gardinas and ending at the Grand Opera House for hors d’oeuvres. The tour brochure would be modeled after the North Main Street Historic District Walking Tour brochure prepared a few years ago. Ms. Redlin stated the she and Mr. Cummings met with the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau and they could provide volunteers to serve as tour guides and possibly assist with printing costs. She added that the CVB is also open to assist with other types of tours and would help in any way possible. Ms. Heikel inquired if it would be a good idea to schedule the tours the same days as Gallery Walk. Ms. Redlin cautioned that the CVB recommends not having tours at the same time as other events because there may be too much going on downtown. Mr. Arnold stated there are probably groups that would like to take the tours during the day in the middle of the week. Mr. Arnold commented on how nice the Historic Districts brochure looked with the rest of the Commission concurring. Ms. Brabender Mattox commended Mr. Buck for his tenacity and enthusiasm working on the brochure. Ms. Heikel noted the changes to her text on the Cemetery section and commented it read even better. 6. SHPO-HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND SUBGRANT LETTER OF INTENT DISCUSSION Mr. Nau distributed the letter of intent. Ms. Redlin commented that appears to be a scaled-back version of the district boundaries. The Commission discussed the buildings that were or were not included in the proposed boundary. Ms. Redlin commented that Mr. Cummings wanted to see the district “grab’ more residential properties on Jefferson and Mount Vernon Streets with Mr. Buck recommending trying to keep it more of a commercial-style district. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated the next step is to send out Request for Proposals to hire a consultant. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked Mr. Arnold if he wanted to join her on an inspection of the buildings in the proposed district. Mr. Arnold agreed. 7. 401 NORTH MAIN WINDOW REPLACEMENT ASSISTANCE FOLLOW-UP Mr. Arnold stated he spoke to Mark Hasse, the carpenter who may be able to help with the window replacement and he will be unavailable until the end of October and would follow-up in early November. Mr. Arnold also spoke with the building’s owner, Aaron Baer to update him that the Commission is still working on a viable solution and has not forgotten about him. Mr. Baer informed him that the roof replacement is occupying most of his time and the window replacement would have to wait until 2015 anyway so there is time. Ms. Brabender Mattox inquired if Mr. Baer applied for tax credits for the roof replacement. Mr. Arnold responded he did not know. 8. MARKER AND HISTORIC STREET SIGN DISCUSSION Ms. Brabender Mattox commented that Design Lines has their new Historic Property Plaque installed on the back of the building facing the parking lot. 3 of 3 Mr. Nau informed the Commission that they have received funding for replacement street signs as well as markers for both the North Main Street and Irving-Church Historic Districts. Ms. Redlin asked Mr. Nau if any new requests for historic plaques came in as a result of the Farmers Market. Mr. Nau responded that he was not aware of any. Mr. Nau distributed the proposed verbiage and photos for the Fishing Marker kiosk. He asked the Commission to select two additional and two alternate photos to be used on the kiosk. Ms. Heikel read instructions emailed to the Commission from Mr. Buck on the selection. The Commission discussed and made their selections which Mr. Nau will report back to Mr. Buck. Mr. Nau asked if they had any comments on the sign verbiage. Ms. Heikel responded they reviewed the text at their last meeting and should be ready to go. Ms. Redlin informed the Commission that the Battle on ‘Bago group will be preparing the History of the Winnebago System plaque. She added she was going to contact the Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District if they wanted to do the Entertainment or the Employment/Manufacturing plaques. 9. WORKING GROUP REPORTS Shirley Brabender Mattox reported that the Cemetery project is on hold. She added they have to assess what kind of clean-up work can be done by nonprofessionals and look for volunteer pools. 10. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING/COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS - Report on SHPO Conference - Annual Report Update Ms. Brabender Mattox reported there is a two day workshop on windows in Madison on September 16th & 17th. 10. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Heikel motioned to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Ms. Brabender Mattox. Motion approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 4:01 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey L. Nau, Associate Planner