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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes1 CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes September 9, 2015 PRESENT: Angela Allen, Sharon Kipetz, Harold Buchholz, Shirley Brabender Mattox, Paul Arnold, and David Buck 1. Call To Order The meeting was called to order at 3:13 p.m. and a quorum was declared present. 2. Approval Of August 12, 2015 Meeting Minutes Mr. Buchholz pointed out that on the bottom of Page 1 under item 4 that Ms. Brabender Mattox was titled with a “Mr.” rather than a “Ms.” Ms. Brabender Mattox motioned to approve the minutes as amended and Mr. Buchholz seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Building Permit Review Mr. Buck informed the commission that an owner from last month’s review, after meeting with staff, came in and went over the Homeowner Tax Credit Information. The commission discussed the installation of the mural attached to the side wall of 100 High Avenue as it relates to being attached rather than painted onto the structure, which is on the National Register. Ms. Brabender Mattox expressed concern that it was placed over the “ghost sign” on that wall. Ms. Brabender Mattox also asked about the 10 window replacements at 315 Lampert. She stated it is a nice historic home and was wondering if the six-over-six windows on the second floor were replaced at the same size. Mr. Buck responded that they can change the window but are not allowed to change the size of the opening significantly, per the design standards. 4. Schriber House Update Mr. Buck stated that he spoke with the Director of the Paine Art Center and Garden, who informed staff that things are progressing with Tammie DeVooght in forming a plan to move the Schriber House. Tammie comes from family of house movers, so she has a good sense of what is involved and the Paine is committed to supporting the move. He stated that he is optimistic that they will be able to successfully move the house to the vacant lot at the corner of Algoma and Arboretum in 2016. However, he would like the commission’s assistance in trying to extend the historic district to include the house in its new spot, perhaps along with the house next to it, or individually designate it as the eligibility for tax credits will be essential in funding the improvements to the house that are needed. He stated that he realizes there is no guarantee, but is hopeful that the commission would assist. Mr. Buck said that he must make a call to the State Historical Society to discuss. Ms. Allen asked if they would move forward if they were not eligible to receive any credits. Mr. Buck replied that he was unsure. Ms. Brabender Mattox 2 asked that she be included in a conference call to a WHS representative and Mr. Buck stated he would set something up. 5. Great Neighborhood Fund Request – Chief Oshkosh Statue and “Burial Site” Update Mr. Buck stated that approximately 6-8 applications for Great Neighborhood Funds were submitted and that the Landmarks Commission application to install walkways, sitting area, educational and wayfinder signage and ADA crosswalks/curb cuts at or near the Chief Oshkosh monument and “burial site” had made it through the initial review process and will be going to Council for actual funding determination soon. The commission discussed the particulars of the requested project and pointed out that lighting should be considered as well. Mr. Buck responded that lighting would be looked at in the design phase of the project if it is funded. 6. Historic Building Plaque Program a. Oddfellows Hall & Gibson Auto Mr. Buck stated that these two plaques were received and that he was trying to coordinate delivery/presentation with a few of the commissioners. The commission stated that it is good to get pictures and place on social media. b. Request for 617 Grove Street A new application for a house plaque was received for 617 Grove Street. Mr. Buck went over the information supplied by the owner/applicant that the craftsman style house was built around 1922 and the evidence shows that the home was constructed by Fluor Brothers Construction Company, which was a prominent construction company in Oshkosh. The commission discussed the application submittal, the history of the construction company and the history of Casper Fluor. The commission determined that the home would not meet any of the architectural style criteria but that it is eligible for a plaque based on 2 of the 7 criteria: 1. Its identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the development of the city, and 2. Its identification as a work of a master builder, designer, or architect whose individual work influenced the development of the city. Motion to endorse the plaque was made by Ms. Brabender Mattox which was seconded by Ms. Allen. Motion carried unanimously. 7. Riverfront Marker Update a. Fishing & Railroads Mr. Buck informed the commission that two more historic riverfront markers for Fishing and Railroads have been installed. The Fishing Marker is located on the south shore near the fishing rafts and in direct sight of the fishing pier. The Railroad Marker is located on the north shore to the west of the Rivers Apartment Building directly across from the new river walk that utilizes the spans from the former CN Railroad Bridge that was removed a few years ago. 3 b. Soliciting for Future Marker Sponsors Mr. Buck stated that the Lakes and River System Marker is almost finished and should go up next year but that no other markers are sponsored at this time and wanted the commission to think about who can be approached to get another funded. Mr. Buchholz suggested contacting the newspaper who can be utilized for advertising that we need additional sponsors. Mr. Buck said that he has had initial discussion with the University to sponsor an Educational Marker but that it slightly broke down in that the content may be contentious because of University promotion versus historic content. Ms. Brabender Mattox discussed the history of education in Oshkosh. Ms. Kipetz stated that the University Foundation could be asked for funding and stated she would set up a meeting with the University’s Planner and other relevant individuals to discuss the subject. 8. Landmarking - HP Schmidt Milling Company at 50 W 6th Avenue 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 and has submitted the application. The commission went over the information related to the property’s history and felt it is a candidate for local landmarking as it: 1. Exemplifies an aspect of the cultural, political economic or social history of the nation, state or community and 2. The property reflects distinctive and important elements of the City’s and State’s architectural, archeological, cultural, social economic, ethnic or political history. The commission discussed the process that needs to be followed for Local Landmarking a property including the need to publish a notice, create a staff report and have a public hearing before the Landmarks Commission, who then makes a recommendation to the Plan Commission, who recommends to the Council for approval. The commission discussed having a special meeting to hold the public hearing and Mr. Buck said he would ask the applicant to see if it can be held at the next Landmarks meeting on October 14th or if a special meeting would be needed. 9. Beckwith House Window Discussion Mr. Arnold reiterated that contacts with previous contractors for the repair of the second story windows was disappointing and that he felt bad that the commission has been unable to assist the owners in getting estimates to fix rather than replace them. The commission looked over a list of contractors that Ms. Allen had found and others 4 that the city uses on many of their rehab projects. Ms. Allen said that she would check with additional contractors to try to set-up another meeting to have someone look at the windows themselves so estimates or even interest in the job can be determined. 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 include the HP Schmidt Milling Company Local Landmarking if a special meeting is unneeded, potentially the Beckwith House, the mailing to historic property owners, and the Annual Report, if ready. 11. Adjournment Ms. Kipetz made a motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded by Ms. Allen. Motion approved unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 5:17 p. m. Recorded by David Buck, Principal Planner