HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION
Minutes
May 9,2018
PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Paul Arnold, Steve Cummings, Harold Buchholz,Jeremy
Galica
EXCUSED: Austin Frederick,Jake Krause, Elizabeth Hintz
ABSENT: None
STAFF AND OTHERS: Steven Wiley,Jim Hoffman, Tom Ekvall (Oshkosh Herald)
1. Call to Order
Chair Brabender Mattox called the meeting to order at 3:06 p.m. and a quorum was declared present.
2. Approval of April 111h,2018 Meeting Minutes
The Commission discussed the April 11f meeting minutes. Mr. Buchholz stated that for Item 6, staff
should add the address of the property (306 W New York Avenue) to the item heading. No other
comments were made and the Commission approved the minutes 4-0 (Arnold/Cummings).
3. Building Permit Review
The Commission discussed the list of historic permits. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked if 101 High
Avenue would have tax credit potential. Mr. Buchholz stated that if the work was interior work, some
interior work is eligible for historic tax credits. Ms. Brabender Mattox agreed to reach out to Dave
Sparr to discuss the work. Ms. Brabender Mattox discussed the work proposed for the Paine (1410
Algoma) and asked Mr. Wiley to review the Landmarks minutes from before the Louis Schriber House
was moved. Ms. Brabender Mattox mentioned the existing landscaping at the Paine and Mr.
Cummings explained that often no follow up occurs a year after properties install landscaping to
ensure the landscaping is still alive. Ms. Brabender Mattox then asked about the hot tub installed at
603 Jackson Street and proposed the idea of considering landscaping to mask the hot tub since the
property is on a corner lot.
4. Historic Preservation Ordinance Revisions (Recent Demolition Issues) and Potential Historic
Rehab Program-Update/Action
Mr. Galica arrived during this item. Ms. Barbender Mattox explained that at the recent WAHPC
conference, she spoke with Daina Penkuinas of the State Historical Society and Ms. Penkiunas
mentioned that a state statute regulates the demolition of historic properties. The statute requires a
waiting period. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that the Commission should look to get this statute
referenced or incorporated in Oshkosh's Historic Preservation Ordinance. The Commission asked Mr.
Wiley to work with Inspections and Planning/Zoning to get historic properties flagged in the system so
that if property owners come in for a demo permit staff will know that the waiting period is required
by the state. Mr. Buchholz and Mr. Arnold both recommended adding a section to the Historic
Preservation ordinance requiring a delay for a demo permit while the Commission notifies the state.
Mr. Wiley then talked about the potential historic rehab program he was looking into with Mr. Davis
and Mr. Burich. He stated that it could operate much like the City's housing rehab programs and could
provide funding for the restoration or rehab of historic properties. Mr. Cummings stated the
Commission should be able to review potential work if the City starts this program. Mr. Arnold
explained that in many cases properties are ineligible for state tax credits but could benefit from a
rehab program intended to help restore them to their original character. Mr. Galica asked Mr. Wiley to
reach out to the City of Dubuque and find out where they obtained the money for their program. Ms.
Brabender Mattox asked Mr. Wiley to follow up and research the program more. Mr. Cummings
stated that Mr. Wiley could contact Jason White at GO-EDC and discuss the potential program with
him.
5. Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course Draft Archeological Study-Further Discussion
The Commission discussed the UWM draft archeological study. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that she
wants planning processes concerning the site to consider Landmarks. Mr. Cummings stated that he
had asked Kelly Nieforth in Economic Development to have the archeological group put updates in
layman's terms. Mr. Buchholz asked why Landmarks was not involved in the archeological process.
Mr. Wiley explained that the City might not have involved Landmarks because they had already
involved the state and UWM. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that the site had much potential for historic
tourism.
6. 2018 Acanthus Awards -Discussion
The Commission discussed the 2018 Acanthus Awards. Mr. Buchholz had completed a write up for
1304 Algoma Blvd. Mr. Galica had submitted a write up, pictures, and Andrew Schaller's write up on
the Oshkosh West Veterans Wall. Ms. Brabender Mattox explained that she would be meeting with
one of the owners of the Washington Building. Mr. Arnold explained that he was working on Ardy
and Ed's and that he would submit the materials to Ms. Brabender Mattox early the following week.
Mr. Arnold stated that Ardy and Ed's could go first in the order of presentations. Mr. Cummings
asked that the Veterans Wall be presented last with information on how to submit names for the Wall.
A number of Commissioners would be meeting the following week with Mr. Wiley to work on the
PowerPoint and arrange the images.
7. 2017-2018 Goals/Priorities -Discussion
Mr. Wiley explained that he left the goals on the agenda so the Commission would not lose track of
them. He reminded the Commission of the ongoing items as the number 1 priority, the historic
preservation ordinance revisions as number 2, and landmarking of properties as number 3.
8.Jim Hoffman Millers Bay Research-Discussion
Ms. Brabender Mattox explained that Daina Penkiunas of the Wisconsin Historical Society had planned
a tour of the Millers Bay neighborhood for May 22nd. She explained that she, Mr. Hoffman, and Mr.
Wiley would be touring the neighborhood and from there determine the next steps forward.
9. City Hall Front Steps -Discussion
Ms. Brabender Mattox explained that she had visited CR Meyer and could not find any blueprints of
City Hall. She stated that the Library staff had informed her that the plans could be with the City
Clerks or with the State Historical Society in Madison.
10. Farmers Market-Potential Booth During Summer
Ms. Brabender Mattox asked Mr. Wiley if he had any updates. Mr. Wiley reminded the commission
that they had discussed this item at the previous month's meeting and that no one had yet volunteered.
Ms. Brabender Mattox asked commissioners to inform Mr. Wiley if they were available to volunteer.
Mr. Wiley stated that he could try to find out who the City contact person is and what dates are
available.
11. Historic Preservation Plan-Jeremy Galica and Steven Wiley-Update
Mr. Galica explained that he was ready to discuss the plan and would plan on meeting with Mr. Wiley
to discuss the plan within the next few weeks. Mr. Wiley stated that he would work with Mr. Galica to
find a meeting time.
12. Commissioner Statements
a. 404 W. New York Avenue-Local Landmarking-Shirley Brabender Mattox
Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that Rich Greene was planning to buy the home.
b. 2018 WAHPC Platteville Conference-Shirley Brabender Mattox
Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that WAHPC was planning on Oshkosh hosting the conference for
next year. She explained that the demolition issues in Oshkosh came up at the conference and
that though the state has regulations for demolition, the local preservation commission often is
allowed the chance to comment on a proposed action.
c. Mark Buechel: Seminar on State Tax Credits-Steve Cummings
Mr. Cummings stated that the Commission needed to agree on a date for the seminar and that
other than that,he did not have any updates on this item.
d. 1703 Michigan Street Historic Plaque-Steven Wiley
Mr. Wiley explained that the owner was hoping to schedule the plaque presentation during the
week of June 41h after 5 pm so she could arrange to have her family and friends present. Ms.
Brabender Mattox asked Mr. Wiley to propose a few days to the owner and follow up with the
Commission.
e. Feedback on Landmarks Website Stats-Harold Buchholz
Mr. Buchholz stated that he was continuing to work with Mr. Neumann in IT and that there
was an increase in hits on the page. He stated that the page had 282 hits in April, which was the
most since August 2017.
f. Feedback on Landmarks Facebook Page
Mr. Buchholz stated that it would be helpful to cross-index the Landmarks website with
Facebook and Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that it would help to post frequently for the month
of May.
16. Agenda Items for Next Meeting/Statements
Ongoing items such as Acanthus Awards, the Historic Preservation Ordinance, the Historic
Preservation Plan, the website and Facebook stats, Mr. Hoffman s Millers Bay research, and the City
Hall steps. Mr. Buchholz stated that he would be attending the Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods
Alliance meeting on 05/15.
17. Adjournment
Mr. Cummings made a motion to adjourn and Mr. Arnold seconded. Meeting adjourned at 5:00 pm.
Recorded by:
Steven Wiley,Assistant Planner