HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION
Minutes
November 11, 2015
PRESENT: Sharon Kipetz, Harold Buchholz, Shirley Brabender Mattox, Paul Arnold, Steve
Cummings, Vicky Redlin, Angela Allen, Alexa Naudziunas and David Buck
EXCUSED: None
ABSENT: None
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3:05 p.m. and a quorum was declared present.
2. Approval of October 14, 2015 Meeting Minutes
Mr. Arnold made a motion to approve the October 14, 2015 meeting minutes and Mr.
Cummings seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Building Permit Review
Mr. Buck went over the 15 building permits issued on historic properties. Discussion took place
about the two permits for the Gamma Mu Corp house on Amherst Avenue in the Irving Church
Historic District. The commission also discussed the rear deck improvements at 531 North Main
Street in the North Main Street Historic District and the project costs associated with the 1030
Washington Avenue house located in the Washington Avenue Historic District.
4. Beckwith House Discussion/Update
Mr. Buck explained the improvements that have taken place on the Main Street façade of the
Beckwith House Building including the installation of a vent for a coffee roaster and new
projecting signage. The commission then discussed the ongoing issue with the window
repair/replacement and the associated difficulty locating an appropriate contractor that is
trained in working with historic arched windows. Mr. Buck agreed to investigate the rules for
potential lead abatement in relation to work on commercial properties.
5. Oshkosh Version of “This Old House” Update
Mr. Cummings explained that his remodeling and maintenance project will be receiving Historic
Tax Credits. Mr. Cummings has coordinated with Oshkosh Media Services to film the beginning
portion of the project. Mr. Cummings stated the porch removal lasted what seemed like only
30 minutes and they were able to film what they could with such short notice. Mr. Buck stated
that we will have to coordinate with Media Services to develop an educational video.
6. Video on the 2015 Acanthus Awardees
The commission agreed to watch the “Your City at Work” episode highlighting each of the
Acanthus Award projects.
7. Website Redevelopment Update
Ms. Kipetz updated the commission on the progress of the website update. Mr. Buck explained
that he met with Jason Kunkle, the City of Oshkosh web designer. Mr. Buck explained that the
commission must keep the set Landmarks page, but are able to have a separate page that
allows for a more specialized design. Mr. Buck explained that there is a need for example
photos of each type of residential architecture because they currently use the assessment
photos. Mr. Buck explained that the new website may be able to have an interactive map with
all the historic districts and sites. The commission agreed that the next step should be to
make sure all the information is correct. Mr. Buck agreed to arrange a follow-up meeting in
order to move forward with the update.
8. Mailings to Historic Property Owners Update
Mr. Buck reviewed the updated historic mailings with the commission. He explained that he
was able to convert the pdf documents into word documents allowing him to make the
appropriate edits. Mr. Buck explained the changes that were made to the mailing information
such as the correction of typos and that the Qualified Rehabilitated Buildings Tax Credit has
ceased operations, but could be reinstated at a later time. The mailings are planned to be
printed in December and mailed out in January.
9. Annual Report – Final Copy Distribution
Mr. Buck stated that the final copy of the Annual Report was included in the commission’s
packet and also included in the City Manager’s Report to Common Council.
10. Washington Avenue Neoclassical District Update
Mr. Buck explained that Legacy Architecture was chosen to conduct the research and put
together the National and State register nomination paperwork for the potential six properties
in the Washington Avenue Neoclassical Historic District. He added that contracts have been
executed with Legacy Architecture and a memorandum of agreement with the State Historical
Society was finalized. Rowan Davidson with Legacy Architecture has been to the City several
times conducting research and he will be conducting one-on-one interviews with librarians at
the Public Library as well as with several Masons from the Masonic Center to gather additional
“inside” information on these two buildings.
11. Agenda Items for Next Meeting/Statements
Mr. Buck asked that the commission’s goals for 2016 be included as a primary item on the
December agenda, which was agreed upon. Also, beyond the regular items such as building
permit review and minutes, the commission asked that staff include:
Update on the Historic Tourism project;
Update on the Beckwith House window replacement;
Website redevelopment;
Tax Credit Brochure; and
Discussion on updating the Historic Preservation Code.
12. Adjournment
Mr. Cummings made a motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded by Mr. Arnold. Motion
approved unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 5:06 p.m.
Recorded by:
David Buck, Principal Planner and Alexa Naudziunas, Assistant Planner