Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes December 9, 2015 PRESENT: Steve Cummings, Harold Buchholz, Paul Arnold, Angela Allen, Shirley Brabender Mattox and David Buck EXCUSED: Vicky Redlin, Sharon Kipetz and Elizabeth Hintz ABSENT: None 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 3:07 p.m. and a quorum was declared present. 2. Approval of November 11, 2015 Meeting Minutes Mr. Buchholz made a motion to approve the November 11, 2015 meeting minutes and Mr. Cummings seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Building Permit Review Mr. Buck went over the 10 building permits issued on historic properties. Discussion took place about a building exterior project on 622 Franklin Street in regard to the use of siding and trim and if it would have been eligible for tax credits. Mr. Buck stated that he believed that the condition of the building before rehab and the use of vinyl siding would have not made it eligible. There was extensive interior work at the former Raulf Hotel at 522 North Main Street. Mr. Buck discussed the work being done and the commission asked if the State Historical Society was aware of the modifications. Mr. Buck said that the remodeling of the building received tax credits and the project would have had to be reviewed by the State Historical Society for compliance with Dept. of Interior Standards. Discussion took place on potential uses of the first floor and the past condition and look of the former theater. 4. Historic Tourism Project Update Mr. Buck explained that Mr. Cummings and he continue to meet with the Convention and Visitor Bureau, Museum, Library, BID District, Winnebago County Historical Society and others to continue the development of the Historic Tourism project that includes a searchable website (HistoricOshkosh.org) and window decals for specific individual properties within a specific “starter” area. Mr. Buck stated that it is active but not being promoted as it is still in draft format and went onto the preliminary website online and explained how the map and the stories are interactive and also explained how to navigate around the website using filters or the map. Stories and photos are still being developed for the webpage and progress will continue. The commission discussed how this would interact with the landmarks commission webpage when redeveloped and if tours that are guided will be established and Mr. Cummings explained that is a long term goal but that gathering the data is the beginning stage of the project. Mr. Cummings also mentioned that it is hoped that the physical boundary of the project will increase over time to encompass many other historic areas of the city. 5. Beckwith House Discussion/Update Ms. Allen said that she had spoke with some of the contractors on the lists that had been gathered and continues to reach out to others. Mr. Arnold stated that that is the difficulty with this situation is finding contractors willing to look at the window job and provide estimates. Ms. Allen stated she will continue to reach out to others. Mr. Arnold said that he spoke with the owners and updated them on the slow progress. Mr. Cummings suggested that the Technical College be considered as a resource as their carpentry or building program may be willing to use the project as a class project. 6. Website Redevelopment Update Mr. Buck stated that there has not been any work done on the website update since he met with the City’s IT department. Mr. Buchholz stated he had been waiting on staff to set up an appointment to continue work on it. Mr. Buck suggested that we take it up after the holidays when Ms. Kipetz was back. It was mentioned that we, as a commission, go over separate pages and update one-by-one. Ms. Brabender Mattox suggested looking at Lacrosse and/or Waupaca website to use as examples. 7. Work Plan/Commission Goals for 2016 Mr. Buck stated that the packets included the commission’s previous goals from 2010 through present. He just wanted to stress that the commissioners look at these goals, especially reoccurring ones, as examples to set up the 2016 goals/work plan. Caution was given on keeping the number of goals to a manageable number as well as continuing items such as Acanthus Awards, building plaques and Annual Reporting. Mr. Buchholz weighed in saying that rather than adding new items he would prefer to focus on just a few and “get them done” and have an “end” and quantified outcome. Ms. Brabender Mattox said she liked to keep many items on the goal list as they can at least be discussed. The commission looked at the lists and briefly went over the ones we are working on currently and the progress we have made. Ms. Allen suggested that the commission look at the items that the commission had the resources to complete but also what would have the greatest impact and support the commission’s mission. Mr. Buck said that the goals will be the primary focus for the January meeting as we will have Ms. Redlin, Ms. Kipetz and Ms. Hintz. 8. Agenda Items for Next Meeting/Statements Mr. Buck updated the commission on the Granary Building/HP Schmidt Mill at 50 W. 6th Ave. and that it has been officially locally landmarked by the Common Council on November 10th. Mr. Buck also went over a list of Megan Lang owned properties as they relate to being able to get a local historic building plaque. The commission discussed that 8 of the 10 properties would be eligible as some are contributing in the North Main Street Historic District and that the two others may be if re-reviewed. Obviously the owner would need to desire the plaque and provide the funds and also that each would have to be reviewed and endorsed by the commission. Mr. Cummings said that he would share it with Ms. Lang and get back to staff. The commission went over the flyers/brochures for the January-February mailings. This project will need to be an item on the next agenda. Staff updated the commission on the move of the Scriber House and that staff will be meeting with the potential buyer on January 6th. Discussion took place regarding a series of Bills that were being discussed at the State level and how those could significantly impact historic preservation efforts. The commission reviewed the basics of the proposed legislation. Mr. Cummings stated that he, as well as others from the City of Oshkosh, will be going to Madison to testify before the Committee on Housing and Real Estate on the proposed legislation later in the week. Mr. Buck asked that the commission’s goals for 2016 be confirmed as the primary item on the January agenda, which was agreed upon. Also, beyond the regular items such as building permit review and minutes, the commission asked that staff include:  Scriber house update;  Website redevelopment; and  Historic district mailing. 9. Adjournment Ms. Allen made a motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded by Mr. Cummings. Motion approved unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 5:06 p.m. Recorded by: David Buck, Principal Planner