HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION
Minutes
March 8, 2017
PRESENT: Steve Cummings, Paul Arnold, Shirley Brabender Mattox, Harold Buchholz, Austin
Frederick, Angela Allen, Alexa Naudziunas, Darryn Burich, Steven Wiley
EXCUSED: Vicky Redlin, Elizabeth Hintz
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 February 8, 2017 Meeting Minutes
The commission discussed the February meeting minutes. Mr. Frederick pointed out that he was not in
attendance at the February meeting. Mr. Arnold made a motion to approve the February meeting
minutes as amended and Mr. Buchholz seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Building Permit Review
The commissioners reviewed the list of historic building permits. The commissioners discussed the
property located at 612 Jackson Street.
4. Historic Preservation Ordinance – Planning Division Director, Darryn Burich Discussion
Mr. Burich provided a description of the ordinance and its two main parts and asked if the Landmarks
Commission would like to see it applied to more properties. Discussion ensued regarding a potential
working group to revise the ordinance. The Commission raised the point that only two locally
landmarked properties exist in the city currently and the ordinance allows the Commission no
jurisdiction over National or State landmarked properties. The Commission explored the issue of
locally landmarking more properties so that they are in the purview of the ordinance rather than
changing the ordinance. Once properties are locally landmarked it enhances the ability of the
Commission to maintain the historic integrity of the properties for present and future owners. The
Commission would like to show the process of the Historic Preservation Ordinance on a flow chart.
Mr. Cummings suggested developing an educational program directed at property owners of locations
with the potential for landmarking. The question of whether incentives to landmark property exist.
Ms. Brabender Mattox provided the Evansville, WI ordinance as a model ordinance for preservation.
The Commission contrasted other Wisconsin communities such as Milwaukee, Columbus, and Oregon
with Oshkosh. Discussion occurred regarding tax credits in other communities and whether they can
incentivize landmarking of sites. Mr. Buchholz said that he could call Evansville to inquire further
regarding their ordinance.
5. Historic Review – Mobilitie (Libbey Avenue and Jefferson Street) – Action
Ms. Naudziunas provided an overview of the tower proposed for the corner of Libbey Avenue and
Jefferson Street. A NEPA review was to occur with the proposal and the Commission saw that the
tower’s location was far from the nearest historic district. Ms. Naudziunas stated that she would write
a letter and respond to the project representative. The Commission’s four standards that currently exist
would apply in this situation also. Ms. Naudziunas would reword the letter the Commission sent to
UWO as appropriate for the Mobilitie site.
6. Historic Signage – Review – The Commission reviewed the statements Ms. Brabender Mattox and
Mr. Frederick prepared for new historic signage in the city.
7. Acanthus Awards – Mr. Cummings made a motion to nominate 310 Waugoo Avenue, Schriber
House and Leon’s Frozen Custard as the 2016 nominees for the Acanthus Awards. Mr. Arnold
seconded the motions and the motions carried unanimously.
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.
Ms. Naudziunas agreed to look into the best way to move forward with this project and to look back at
past discussions.
9. 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.
10. Commissioner Statements
Mr. Buchholz mentioned that he was working on Oshkosh home data with the City Assessor as an
ongoing project. Mr. Frederick gave an update on the Court House addition.
11. Adjournment
Mr. Cummings made a motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded by Mr. Frederick. Motion
approved unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
Recorded by:
Alexa Naudziunas, Assistant Planner