Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes December 13, 2017 PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Harold Buchholz, Austin Frederick, Jake Krause, Jeremy Galica EXCUSED: Elizabeth Hintz, Paul Arnold, Steve Cummings ABSENT: None STAFF/ OTHERS: Steven Wiley, Ruth McGinley, Jan Beck 1. Call to Order Chair Brabender Mattox called the meeting to order at 3:27 p.m. and a quorum was declared present. 2. Approval of November 8, 2017 Meeting Minutes The Commission discussed the November 8, 2017 minutes. The minutes were approved 5-0 as presented. (Buchholz/Frederick) 3. Introduction: New Commission Member Jeremy Galica Ms. Brabender Mattox introduced the newest commissioner. Mr. Galica provided a brief overview of his background as a resident of Oshkosh and his Army service and work experience. He explained that he is personally interested in historic preservation and learning about public administration. He stated that he was currently a Masters of Public Administration student at UW-Oshkosh. 4. Building Permit Review This item was moved to after Item 5. Ms. Brabender Mattox mentioned 638 Elmwood Avenue and stated that if there was more than $10,000 worth of work proposed to the property, she would have recommended it for tax credits. Ms. Brabender Mattox then mentioned the 1910 stucco home at 1106 Washington Avenue where the new owner had obtained a demolition permit and recently demolished the home to create a larger yard with space for a garden. Mr. Wiley explained that the permit was obtained on November 30th, and went directly through Inspections with no approval needed from Planning and Zoning. Ms. Brabender Mattox explained some of the history of the demolished home and her displeasure with the demolition of a home in an historic district. She stated that she had spoken with an architect and planner at the Madison Planning office and that Madison has a lengthy demo process where there is a 30 day review period. There the Plan Commission considers a report that the Historic Preservation planner prepares on each property to be demolished. In local historic districts the review takes even longer than 30 days. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that in Oshkosh, someone can tear down a building easily. She posed the idea of meeting with Community Development Director Allen Davis about involving Landmarks in demo permits. Mr. Buchholz thought that the City could at least get the owner to the table for discussions. Mr. Krause proposed the thought of a 45 day waiting period in ordinance form and thought there was support on Council for this. He stated that maybe for homes predating 1970 or 1975 there would be notice given to the Commission and that Commissioners could come and speak at the 5 minute public comment sessions to Council. Ms. Brabender Mattox agreed that a waiting period could exist and Mr. Frederick asked what was going on that Landmarks continued to be missed in processes such as the demolition one. Mr. Buchholz and Ms. Brabender Mattox agreed to speak to Community Development Director Davis and to Council. 5. Millers Bay Neighborhood – George Washington Triangle Signage and Potential Historic District - Discussion Ms. McGinley explained that the Millers Bay neighborhood had worked with Elizabeth Williams in the Planning department on an idea for an historical sign for the George Washington Triangle. She and Ms. Beck were looking to the Commission for input on the marker. Mr. Krause asked what year the George Washington statue was from and Ms. McGinley replied 1911. Mr. Galica asked when the walkway through the triangle was done and Ms. McGinley and Ms. Beck replied that it was done about 3 years ago. Mr. Buchholz and Ms. Brabender Mattox mentioned the importance of lighting the sign. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked how the Commission fits into the signage project. Mr. Krause believed the neighborhood was looking for direction. Ms. McGinley asked if there were standard signs the City has used for historic purposes. Mr. Wiley explained the 24”x36” markers intended for histo ric districts and Ms. McGinley and some Commissioners stated that perhaps the sign size could be discussed further. Mr. Buchholz asked about the potential historic district. Ms. McGinley explained the mid-century homes in the neighborhood and Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that the historic district would have to be contiguous. She stated that homes built from 1950-1967 would be eligible. Ms. McGinley asked what would disqualify a home and Mr. Buchholz stated that certain alterations could disqualify it. Mr. Buchholz explained that Ms. McGinley could look to the economic and social aspects of the history of properties in the neighborhood in nominating them. Ms. McGinley asked if there was a form to fill out or how to start the process and Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that they could contact Joe DeRose at the State Historical Society but to do research first. Mr. Krause suggested the neighborhood use the Assessor website to determine dates for properties. Ms. McGinley asked if there were restrictions on what property owners could do with their properties that were in State/National historic districts and Mr. Wiley said no. Ms. Brabender Mattox explained that the Commission can obtain CLG funding though the State Historical Society to do research for creating an historic district. Ms. McGinley explained to the Commission the letter that the neighborhood intended to send residents information on the two projects. Ms. Brabender Mattox highlighted Mr. Cummings’ property as an example of one that received historic tax credits for work done to the property. She explained the higher degree of protection afforded for local landmarks and explained the two local landmarks. Ms. McGinley stated that the neighborhood would form a committee and commissioners suggested using the Assessor page and library for references. Then the neighborhood could come back to Landmarks before contacting the state. Mr. Krause suggested the neighborhood do a flyer to get people involved. 6. Mike Lyster Home Landmarking - Discussion Mr. Wiley explained to the Commission that Mr. Lyster of 612 Elmwood Avenue had completed the Landmark Designation Form and that Mr. Lyster filled out what he could and did not have any additional material or research for his home. Mr. Wiley explained that Mr. Lyster was seeking the Commission’s assistance on researching his property. Mr. Wiley and the Commissioners explained to Mr. Galica Mr. Lyster’s desire to landmark his property under the Historic Preservation Ordinance. Mr. Frederick stated that he could help with research for the landmarking process. Ms. Brabender Mattox agreed also to assist. Mr. Krause left at 4:45 p.m. 7. Feedback on Landmarks Website Stats – Harold Buchholz Mr. Buchholz stated that he was working with Tony Neumann in IT and had obtained monthly reports on page views from Mr. Neumann. Mr. Buchholz stated that there were pretty consistent seasonal cycles and drops and that most page views tended to occur in the early part of the first and second weeks of each month. He explained that the longest page view was in August and lasted 1.17 minutes and that the most views at a single point occurred on October 2nd with 100 views. Mr. Buchholz stated that he would continue to obtain this information and that the information could help the Commission determine where to improve on the website. Mr. Buchholz stated that from the information provided by IT, Landmarks needed more work on its website. 8. 2017 – 2018 Goals / Priorities - Discussion Mr. Buchholz provided his idea on how to prioritize the Commission’s goals. He said that perhaps everyone could vote, and the items with the most votes would go to the top of the list. Mr. Galica asked about the possibility of each commissioner numbering each item most important to least. Mr. Buchholz stated that as long as the Commission did not lose focus of the duties and functions outlined in the historic preservation ordinance, either way of prioritizing goals was fine. Mr. Wiley explained that Mr. Burich in Planning Services wanted to see an historic preservation plan and that this could help outline and prioritize goals. Wiley explained that a plan would be approved by Plan Commission and Common Council and that such plans can guide the Commission and carry weight with Council when making decisions. Mr. Frederick mentioned the Historic Signage Program as an example of a goal where the Commission could work with outside entities, namely the County, to complete tasks. 9. 2016 – 2017 Annual Report - Discussion Mr. Wiley explained that he was working on the Annual Report based on input from Ms. Brabender Mattox and Mr. Buchholz. No further discussion occurred on the item. No further items were discussed after this one due to loss of quorum after this item. 10. Commissioner Statements a. Historic Fish District – Steve Cummings / Austin Frederick No updates occurred on this item. b. Mark Buechel: Seminar on State Tax Credits – Steve Cummings No updates occurred on this item. c. Wisconsin Historical Society: National Register Nomination (Eagles Club and Waite Grass Carpet Co.) – Shirley Brabender Mattox / Harold Buchholz No updates occurred on this item. d. WHS Convention: La Crosse Update – Shirley Brabender Mattox / Austin Frederick No updates occurred on this item. e. 20th Century Club Feb. 10th, 2018 Presentation: Neo-Classical Historic District – Steven Wiley No updates occurred on this item. f. 1703 Michigan Street Historic Plaque – Steven Wiley No updates occurred on this item. 13. Agenda Items for Next Meeting Ongoing items such as the Annual Report, Goals and Objectives, the Millers Bay Neighborhood discussions, the building permit review. 14. Adjournment Mr. Galica and Mr. Frederick both had to leave at 5 pm so the meeting adjourned at 4:59 pm. (Frederick/Galica) Respectively submitted, Steven Wiley Assistant Planner