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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes July 22, 2015 PRESENT: Harold Buchholz, Steve Cummings, Shirley Brabender Mattox, Paul Arnold, David Buck and Alexa Naudziunas EXCUSED: Angela Merrill and Sharon Kipetz 1. Call To Order The meeting was called to order at 3:34 p.m. and a quorum was declared present. The commission agreed to move Agenda Item 5, discussing the Riverside Cemetery, as the first item in order to accommodate the guest Bill Sturm from the Parks Department. 5. Riverside Cemetery – General Discussion Mr. Buck provided some background on the former Riverside Cemetery Working Group and the actions taken in the past regarding the Chapel. Mr. Sturm explained the most recent renovations/rehabilitation of the chapel’s exterior were funded by the Common Council 9-10 years ago and that he, with the Landmarks Commission’s assistance, was able to secure funds for tuck pointing and replacing the roof. He explained the condition of the interior and that it needs considerable restoration and maintenance work. Discussion took place on the use of the chapel historically and in the recent past and he explained that it is still available for use for funerals with a fee but that it is rarely used and if marketed for heavier use that it will need interior work to be done. Mr. Sturm stated that if repaired, he would support higher and more regular use but mentioned that he is cautious to move forward with activities that could be considered disrespectful. He added that the Parks Department staff is extremely limited with only two full-time and one part-time staff so they could not clean and run events. Mr. Arnold asked if there were issues with restroom facilities and Mr. Sturm stated that it would need electrical work and possible upgrades for accessibility. The commission and Mr. Sturm estimated that costs of between $60-100 thousand would be necessary to bring the chapel up to modern standards for use and also discussed the difficulty finding funding and that a creative fund raising campaign would have to be established. Mr. Sturm explained that the Parks Department recently upgraded its database system allowing people to search the internment information and is in the process of scanning photos and other documents into the new system; however the small amount of staff time has proven to slow the scanning process. Ms. Brabender Mattox thought that this would be a good opportunity for an intern position. Discussion took place on how the chapel could be used if repaired such as school group’s research, data availability through kiosks and reestablishing historic and other cultural tours. The commission agreed to hold another meeting dedicated to the discussion on the future of the chapel upgrades and use as well as general discussion on Riverside Cemetery. 2. Approval Of June 10, 2015 Meeting Minutes Mr. Buchholz motioned to approve the June 10, 2015 meeting minutes and Mr. Cummings seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Building Permit Review There was a brief discussion about the window replacement project at 1512 N. Main Street. 4. Editorial – Demolition of Historic Structures Ms. Brabender Mattox explained that she had no updates on the editorial. 6. Longfellow School Marker Mr. Buck updated the commission on the status of the Longfellow School marker and explained that the marker is currently at the original site location of Longfellow School. The commission discussed that it should remain in that location to maintain its context. Mr. Buck explained that the marker is about 10’ x 4’ and that moving it may damage the stone. The commission felt that they, along with the Winnebago County Historical Society, should meet with the property owner to discuss using the marker as part of a landscape feature on the site when developed or to see if he would consider including a deed restriction on the sale of the land to allow it to remain in place. 7. Historic/Cultural Tourism Project – Update Mr. Cummings updated the commission on the status of the historic/cultural tourism program he has been organizing with the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and that the boundaries have been determined as follows: Irving Avenue to the river and Jackson Street to Broad Street. Austin Frederick was hired as a historic researcher to compile an inventory of historically significant items in the defined area of the city, which is focused on the central city area. Mr. Cummings explained that the first tour is scheduled for August 7th in coordination with a State Historical Society convention and is planned to begin at the Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel and finish at the Morgan House. 8. Chief Oshkosh Statue Discussion The commission discussed the statue of Chief Oshkosh located in Menominee Park. Most members of the commission agree that the statue is inaccessible and lacks information for visitors. Ms. Brabender Mattox explained that she thinks that it is more complimentary to the ideals of Chief Oshkosh to have it located in a more natural surrounding such as grass rather than a paved concrete pathway. The commission discussed the possibility of trimming vegetation to make the statue more prominent and having a directional sign close to the road indicating where the statue is located. Mr. Cummings questioned if Great Neighborhood funds could be tapped to facilitate improving access to the statue possibly include historic information plaque(s) nearby. 9. Resolution Opposing SB 21: Cap on Historic Tax Credit Program – Action Item Mr. Buck explained that the joint finance committee pulled this item from the State budget and there will be no cap on historic tax credits. 10. Markers – Riverwalk Markers & Proposed District Markers – Discussion & Action Item Mr. Buck went over the Lakes and River System marker text and photos and the discussion covered its content. Mr. Buchholz asked that staff look at the term “Wisconsinan Glaciation” on the first image to be sure it was correct and not a typo but otherwise the commission was happy with the marker. Mr. Buck then discussed the placement of either bronze or aluminum markers, fashioned after the National Trust and State of Wisconsin historic roadside markers, to be placed in the North Main Street District and the Irving Church District. He stated that the locations are anticipated to be at the city parking lot facing the 400 block of Main Street and possibly at the Morgan House on Church Avenue. Mr. Buck went over his conversation with Rick Bernstein with the State Historical Society that the review time to have an official State Historic Marker could be 12-18 months and that only one manufacturer can be used who also have a long wait time to produce. Staff had discussed simply using a city logo for the top of the marker rather than the state badger logo but in all other respects have the marker look the same. The commission weighed the benefits versus time and effort it takes to get an official state marker. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated she can discuss the situation with Rick at the convention/conference on August 7th to see if the review and manufacture timeframe could be shortened since both are National Register Districts and extensive research and surveys were conducted for them. Mr. Cummings made a motion to use a marker with the city logo rather than going for the official state marker and Mr. Buchholz seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. 11. Building Plaque Program - Update Mr. Buck explained there have been three building plaques requests researched, created and are ready to issue to the property owners including the Wagner Opera House at 500-502 N. Main, Kohlmann’s Block at 19-21 Waugoo and a Bungalow Style Home at 18 W. Bent. 12. Wagner Opera House Balcony Concept - Discussion Mr. Buck passed out conceptual plans for a balcony addition and explained that the owner of the Wagner Opera House building at 500-502 N. Main (that currently houses Ski’s Grocery and Winnebago Bike Shop on the first floor, a dance/fitness studio as well as housing on the upper floors) is interested in placing a balcony/upper floor deck on the northeast corner of the building and the addition. The owner stated that they live on this floor and as the site has no green space that a balcony would greatly improve their quality of life. Mr. Buck mentioned that the owner would have the balcony/deck constructed so it would be removable and not permanently alter the structure itself. The commission discussed the buildings placement on the site in relation to the balconies visibility as well as the addition and potential construction techniques that can be used to not damage the historic portion of the structure. Mr. Arnold motioned that the commission not oppose the balcony addition with the condition that it did not permanently impact the historic portion of the structure. Mr. Cummings seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 13. Agenda Items for Next Meeting/Statements Beyond regular items such as minutes and building permit review, the commission decided to include an update on the Schriber House, website update, and ideas for the Menominee South Neighborhood. Additionally, if it had taken place, the commission would like an update on the Riverside Cemetery meeting. 14. Adjournment Ms. Brabender Mattox made a motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded by Mr. Cummings. Motion approved unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 4:55 p. m. Recorded by Alexa Naudziunas, Assistant Planner and David Buck, Principal Planner