Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/04/2014M Heritage Commission City of Elgin Elgin Heritage Commission February 4, 2014 MINUTES A. The meeting of the Elgin Heritage Commission was called to order at 7:01 p.m. in the City Council Chambers by Chairman Bill Briska. 1. Members Present: William Briska, Elizabeth Femal, James Halik, Rebecca Hunter, Tom Krebsbach, Judith Rivera, Scott Savel,Judy Van Dusen, and John Wiedmeyer 2. Members Absent: None 3. Others Present: Dan Miller, Dan Marshall 4. City Staff Present: Amy Munro, Historic Preservation and Grants Planner B. Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Commissioner Halik to approve the January 7, 2014 minutes as amended to reflect a change to the DRSC appointment discussion and to clarify the EHC's actions on the DRSC appeals requests. Motion seconded by Commissioner Wiedmeyer. The motion passed unanimously. C. Recognize Persons Present: Dan Miller and Dan Marshall Mr. Miller commended the Heritage Commission on an article that appeared in the Northwest Quarterly which profiled Elgin's historic preservation efforts. D. Old Business 1. Appeals: a. 330 Division St—Window Installation (vinyl) The Commission was presented with information to formulate their findings of fact and to make a decision to uphold or overturn the decision of the Design Review Subcommittee to deny a request by the property owner to install 26 vinyl windows on their building. There was discussion on the appeal regarding the visual impact of the project, building type, building's significance, building's ineligibility for historic rehabilitation funding, the applicant's submitted estimates for the vinyl, aluminum-clad wood, and composite material as well as the financial limitations of the applicant, and the applicant's intent to install windows that would match the existing windows' design. The Commission discussed the precedent that might be Elgin Heritage Commission:Minutes Page 2 February 4,2014 potentially associated with approving vinyl windows. In addition to the aforementioned discussion points, due to the institutional status of the building and its ineligibility for the city's historic architectural rehabilitation grant program, the Commission concurred that approving vinyl windows would not set a precedent for future COA vinyl window requests. Dan Marshall, a representative for the property, was present for the meeting. Mr. Marshall confirmed that if permitted, the proposed vinyl windows would be a sandstone color and the window pattern would match the existing windows' horizontal 2/2 pattern. Although the preference would be a darker color, due to the vinyl material, a darker color is not an option. Commissioners discussed the evolution of vinyl material quality since the establishment of the Design Guidelines. In addition to material quality,the profile and appearance of the windows were key issues for the Guidelines recommendation against vinyl windows. However, although still inferior to wood material, several Commissioners recognized that the quality of vinyl has improved. It was also noted by several Commissioners that the city now permits composite materials for various features such as flooring and siding and perhaps,the Guidelines should be re-evaluated for consistency in the use of substitute materials, especially given the progress of material quality. Additionally,the incorporation of guidelines that address energy efficient details such as solar panels should be investigated in greater detail as well. A motion was made by Commissioner Halik to uphold the Design Review Subcommittee in its denial of the request from the property owner to install 26 vinyl windows. Motion seconded by Commissioner Savel. The motion failed to pass (0-9) and the decision of the Design Review Subcommittee was overturned. b. 851 N. Spring St. —Window Installation (aluminum clad wood) Ms. Munro reported that the applicant withdrew her appeals request and decided to repair rather than to replace her eight windows. 2. Cell Phone Tour Website Status Update Ms. Munro displayed the Commission's cell phone tour webpage. She requested that Commissioners share feedback and proposed revisions. 3. NHS and the Elgin Bungalow Initiative Update Chairman Briska updated the Subcommittee on the Bungalow Initiative. Approximately 45-50 people attended the January 20, 2014 library event. Plans are being finalized with the brochure as well as recommendations for developing a thematic bungalow district and the corresponding guidelines within the city. The completion date for the first Elgin Heritage Commission:Minutes Page 3 February 4,2014 phase of the project is March 2014. The Heritage Commission will be provided with a final project update at the March Commission meeting. 4. DRSC Appointment Resolution: Appointments from four members to three to five members, term limits for DRSC, and at-large member position creation Ms. Munro discussed the composition as per the Committee's discussion. Upon further review with Sarosh Saher and Chairman Briska, the composition was proposed as follows: 1. At minimum, the DRSC be comprised of not less than one (1) but no more than four (4) EHC members. 2. At minimum, the DRSC be comprised of not less than one (1) and no more than two (2) members from outside of the historic district boundaries. The composition of Historic District Representatives at four (4)to remain unchanged. 3. The terms of the Design Review Subcommittee be modified from one year to three years and staggered in a manner similar to the Heritage Commission's. Ms. Munro inquired as to the Commission's preference regarding EHC appointment of the at-large members by City Council. Commissioners indicated that although their first preference would be for the Commission to have the ability to appoint the two at-large members, they did not object to these positions being appointed by City Council. The Commission agreed with the proposed and amended member composition and term limits. 5. Reports from Neighborhood Groups on Heritage Related Activities No reports. E. New Business 1. 2014 Mayor's Awards Nomination/Preservation Month Chairman Briska inquired as to whether Commissioners know of any Preservation Month Activities. He noted the Planetarium's 50th anniversary this year. The Mayor's Awards nominations will be sent to commissioners, neighborhood groups and interested citizens. The form will also be available on the city's website. Discussion took place regarding a venue for the Mayor's Awards. The Commission directed Ms. Munro to check on the availability of the Elgin Art Showcase. 2. EAHS Funding Request, $500 for Elgin's Black History Video Project, Phase 2 Chairman Briska gave an overview and update on the Black History Video Project. He sought approval from the Commission for a donation of$500 for the project. A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve funding for the video project. Elgin Heritage Commission:Minutes Page 4 February 4,2014 Motion seconded by Commissioner Femal. The motion passed unanimously. F. Staff Announcements 1. 2014 Historic Rehabilitation Grant Application Programs (50/50 and 75/25) Ms. Munro announced that the call for grant applications will be made in late February. 2. Chicago Suburban Alliance Meeting—Tentative,June 7, 2014 (Location: EAHS Museum) Ms. Munro asked Commissioners if there were any scheduling conflicts with the proposed meeting date. The museum may have some conflicts and Chairman Briska will confirm availability with Ms. Munro. G. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Hunter to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wiedmeyer and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 11// Amy Munro Historic Preservation and Grants Planner Approved: March 4, 2014