HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION
Minutes
November 9, 2016
PRESENT: Steve Cummings, Paul Arnold, Shirley Brabender Mattox, Harold Buchholz, Austin
Frederick, Alexa Naudziunas, Elizabeth Williams
EXCUSED: Angela Allen, Vicky Redlin, Elizabeth Hintz
ABSENT: None
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3:06 p.m. and a quorum was declared present.
2. Approval of October 12, 2016 Meeting Minutes
The commission discussed the October meeting minutes. Mr. Cummings made a motion to approve the
October meeting minutes and Mr. Buchholz seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Building Permit Review
The commissioners reviewed the list of historic building permits. Mr. Buchholz was interested in
learning more about 900 Washington’s window project. Ms. Brabender Mattox shared some of her
materials regarding historic windows. The commissioners expressed an interest in knowing if the
home owner was given information about historic tax credits. Ms. Williams explained that the best use
of our resources would be to inform the home owners before they come in for their permit. Once they
are at City Hall prepared to pull a permit on a historic home, it may be too late in the planning process.
The commission agreed that they would like to have a representative from the Home Builders
Association attend the meeting to talk to them about Historic Tax Credits. Ms. Brabender Mattox
discussed the window project on 434 N Main Street.
4. Historic Signage - Elizabeth Williams
Elizabeth Williams, Associate Planner, attended the meeting in order to discuss the current funding
available for historic signage. Commissioners agreed that they are willing to help gather information
in order to install historic signage at the October meeting. Ms. Williams explained that if the funding is
not used before the end of the year, it will no longer be available to the commission. Ms. Williams
collected a list of volunteers who would be willing to select locations that would be appropriate for a
sign to be installed.
Ms. Brabender Mattox discussed the N. Main Street Bungalow Historic District, specifically Main Street
and Nevada Avenue being a good candidate for a sign. Bent Avenue and Main Street already has one
historic sign, but they would like to confirm that there is one at this location.
Mr. Buchholz discussed the Algoma Historic District and referred to a map that he left his notes on.
Mr. Buchholz explained that he doesn’t think it is very clear where the boundary is for the historic
district.
Mr. Arnold reported on the Irving Church Historic District and the North Main Street Historic District.
Ms. Williams stated that Ms. Hintz emailed her results and the Washington Historic District has all ten
signs installed.
Ms. Williams and Mr. Cummings met with Randy Domer President of the Winnebago County
Historical Society. They are interested in partnering with the Landmarks Commission to install a sign
at the Morgan House. They have requested that Austin Frederick be assigned to draft the language for
the potential sign. There is also an interest in making the sign double sided in order to fit more
information. There will be one sign located across the street from the Time Theatre; the goal is for the
sign to match the design similar to the one located on the Morgan House Property. Mr. Buchholz
asked about the Neoclassical Historic District street signs.
5. Riverwalk Historic Signs – Discussion Vicky Redlin and Steve Cummings UWO Area
Mr. Cummings mentioned Art Rathjen, who would be a good person to work with, is on
administrative leave. Mr. Cummings explained that this project is currently on hold for now until he
can get a preferred contact to work with on this project.
6. Neoclassical Historic District – Information on nomination
Ms. Naudziunas explained that they should have a copy of the Wisconsin Historic Preservation Review
Board meeting in Madison on December 2, 2016. Commissioners have expressed an interest in writing
letters of support for the historic district. Ms. Naudziunas explained that commissions are welcome to
attend this meeting and that she must receive that letters of support no later than a week before the
Wisconsin Historic Preservation Review Board meeting. Ms. Naudziunas requested that the letters of
support be submitted by November 23rd, 2016.
7. Bayshore Drive Historic District – Discussion
Mr. Cummings explained that this area has been called the “Fish District” historically for many years.
Mr. Cummings believes that this would be an appropriate name for this area based on its history. Mr.
Cummings would like this area to be a locally landmarked historic district. He believes this area has a
dense history and is more than just the houses. The commissioner discussed the differences between
locally landmarking and nationally landmarking a district. The commission agreed that some
research must be done first before moving forward.
8. Longfellow School Lintel – Discussion
Mr. Frederick presented on the Longfellow School Lintel and the necessity of making sure that it
doesn’t get damaged further. Mr. Frederick explained that it is sinking into the ground more every
year. The commission discussed ideas of bringing historical context to the lintel with a bench or sign.
Mr. Naudziunas agreed to look into the best way to move forward with this project and to look back at
past discussions.
9. Annual Report – Discussion
Ms. Naudziunas explained that she has begun working on updating the annual report for the 2016
work year. She would like to know what photos and projects the commission would want to be
highlighted in the report. Ms. Brabender Mattox agreed to work with Ms. Naudziunas outside of
meeting times on this project. The commission thought that the Schreiber house move would be a
good photo to use for the cover.
10. Agenda Items for next meeting/statements
Longfellow School Lintel, January meeting Historic Signage – Elizabeth Williams, Riverwalk Historic
Signs – Discussion Vicky UWO area(on hold) , Building Permit Review, Jodi Vandermolen – Home
Builders Association, Bay Shore Drive Historic District – Research , Annual Report – Discussion,
Historic Preservation Ordinance, Irving Church Historic District – Zoning Change, Eagles Club Re-
Purpose.
11. Commissioner Statements
Mr. Buchholz explained that he is interested in working on pushing historic preservation holistically as
a city. He believes that there should be information in the City’s strategic plan on historic preservation.
Mr. Buchholz wants to move forward on creating and adopting a historic preservation ordinance. The
commission is hoping to work on this with the city of Oshkosh Planning Division. The commission has
requested the input from Planning Division Director Darryn Burich.
Ms. Brabender Mattox reported on the Wisconsin Historical Society annual conference. She also
reported on the Municipal Code Zoning Ordinance change. She has been working with Planning
Division Director Darryn Burich to improve on the proposed zoning changes. The Historic Irving
Church District will be affected by the transitional zoning area. She is requesting that the Landmarks
Commissioners review the zoning changes. Mr. Arnold discussed the idea of weatherization and
restoration on historic buildings. Many of the older buildings were not designed to be completely air
tight and when modern windows are installed it creates moisture problems.
Ms. Naudziunas wanted to relay a message from Commissioner Angela Allen. Ms. Allen has missed
the past few meetings because she has committed to another meeting the also falls on the same day as
Landmarks Commission meetings.
12. Adjournment
Mr. Cummings made a motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded by Mr. Buchholz. Motion
approved unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
Recorded by:
Alexa Naudziunas, Assistant Planner