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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes August 12, 2015 PRESENT: Angela Allen, Sharon Kipetz, Harold Buchholz, Steve Cummings, Shirley Brabender Mattox, Paul Arnold, David Buck and Alexa Naudziunas 1. Call To Order The meeting was called to order at 3:06 p.m. and a quorum was declared present. 2. Approval Of July 22, 2015 Meeting Minutes Mr. Buchholz desired clarification on the Riverside Cemetery item regarding a plan for the cemetery. Mr. Buchholz would like to add that Mr. Sturm said a plan could be made but it would take time and money. Mr. Buchholz confirmed that under item 10 the term Wisconsinan Glaciation is the correct term. Mr. Cummings motioned to approve the July 22, 2015 meeting minutes and Ms. Brabender Mattox seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Building Permit Review Mr. Buchholz had a question about the 650 Franklin siding permit. Mr. Buck explained that there are restrictions to the way re-siding can be done based on the residential design standards for one and two family homes that it must match the existing or all sides must be completed. The Commission discussed 1229 Merritt and that staff contacted the owner who will be coming in to discuss the potential to apply for tax credits for his roofing project. Discussion also took place on 1532 North Main Street permit for roofing and plumbing and that if extra projects would have been included over a two or five year period, it may have been eligible for tax credits as well but that the permits were pulled by separate contractors and the owner may not have been aware of the incentive. 4. Schriber House Update Mr. Buck explained that he spoke with Aaron Scherer of the Paine Art Center and Gardens who was pleased to report that there is a plan being made to facilitate the move of the Schriber house. Mr. Buck explained that the conceptual plan is to move the house to the corner of Algoma and Arboretum, which is less than a block away from its current location, and it tentatively could be moved sometime in 2016. Mr. Buck explained that Mr. Scherer asked if the house could be individually designated as a landmark or have the district borders changed to include the house so tax credits could be made available for rehabilitation/restoration because after the house is moved there is a potential for major tuck pointing and interior repairs. The Commission discussed the possibilities of extending the borders to include the new location of the house and determined that the State Historical Society need be consulted. Mr. Brabender Mattox asked that she be included in the conversation with the State Historical Society. 5. Landmarks Website Update Discussion The Commission discussed the problems with the current webpage, one of which being that there are two landing pages making it confusing for unfamiliar visitors. The Commission requested that a counter be added to the website in order to compare usage before and after the website updates take place to see which landing page is used most often. There was discussion on the possibility of creating an intern position to help update the web page and the Commission agreed that there are pros and cons to taking on an intern. Mr. Buchholz, Ms. Kipetz and Ms. Allen all volunteered to work on the web page update and felt late afternoons or Fridays would be the best time to coordinate meeting with the City IT Department. 6. Wisconsin Historical Society Regional Meeting Recap Mr. Cummings explained that the WHS Regional meeting was cancelled a week before the scheduled date. The Commission discussed the reason behind the meeting being cancelling because there were only nine sign-ups, most being local. The Commission agreed that summer is a hard time to schedule events. The Commission discussed that the event was also intended to be a pilot or test for the historic tours being developed between the Landmarks Commission and Convention and Visitors Bureau and a new test will have to be developed. Ms. Allen suggested that the tour should be held on a Saturday, preferably in afternoon, as most interested people would be available then. 7. HP Schmidt Milling Company (former Granary Restaurant) at 50 W 6th Ave. – Discuss site visit and potential Landmarking Mr. Buck explained that this property, known as the HP Schmidt Milling Company and most frequently used as the Granary Restaurant and then Elements Night Club, was purchased by a local developer who desires to rehab it. Mr. Buck explained that the new owner plans to convert the building to be apartments and a restaurant/bar. Mr. Buck explained there is a lot of work to be done and that building code requirements will require him to cover up a lot of the interesting architectural features on the interior. The developer has expressed interest in becoming a locally landmarked property in order to utilize the historic building code for the rehab because he would like to maintain the unique architectural features. The Commission discussed touring the property and asked to arrange a site visit for August 17th at 5:30 pm and then maybe meet at the Varsity Club afterwards. Mr. Buck stated he would notice the tour and follow-up. 8. Great Neighborhood Fund Request - Chief Oshkosh Statue and “Burial Site” Mr. Buck stated that he had submitted, on behalf of the Landmarks Commission, an application for a Great Neighborhood grant to install walkways, sitting area, educational and wayfinder signage and ADA crosswalks/curb cuts at or near the monument and “burial site”. The Commission looked over the application and plans and discussed the statue of Chief Oshkosh located in Menominee Park. Most members of the Commission agreed that the statue is inaccessible and lacks information for visitors and that the improvements would be a great help in the cultural awareness of a prominent Oshkosh figure. 9. Annual Report Discussion Mr. Buck stated that it is time for the Landmarks Annual Report to be drafted. The Commission discussed possible items to be featured in the Annual Report and Mr. Buck agreed to compile a list of appropriate projects. Mr. Buchholz requested that the Annual Report contain the Landmarks Commission’s mission statement. Topics to include in the report include the Historic Tourism project, the Neoclassical District, Building Plan reviews for major projects (Beckwith House, Fraternal Reserve Assoc. Building, and the Gibson Auto Exchange Building), William Waters Plaza participation, Riverfront Marker Program, Building Plaque Program, Acanthus Awards, Schriber House assistance, and general public outreach (Farmers Market booth, Media Services, group presentations). The Commission also agreed to use the William Waters Plaza design renderings as the front cover image. 10. Agenda Items for Next Meeting/Statements Beyond the regular items such as building permit review, minutes and updates on the ongoing programs, the Commission asked that staff schedule a future meeting at Riverside Cemetery Chapel or have it as a separate visit as well as include potential action on Landmarking the HP Schmidt Milling Company and the Annual Report. It was also suggested that we keep the Beckwith House 2nd Story Window Discussion on as a topic. 11. Adjournment Mr. Buchholz made a motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded by Ms. Allen. Motion approved unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 5:20 p. m. Recorded by Alexa Naudziunas, Assistant Planner and David Buck, Principal Planner