HomeMy WebLinkAboutEHC Reg 08-04-15 approved on 9-1-15City of Elgin
Elgin Heritage Commission
August 4, 2015
Minutes
A. The meeting of the Elgin Heritage Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the City
Council Chambers by Chairman John Wiedmeyer.
1. Members Present: Elizabeth Femal, George Rowe, Judith Rivera (7:05), Judith Van
Dusen, Scott Savel, Steve Thoren and John Wiedmeyer
2. Members Absent: Tom Krebsbach and Rebecca Hunter
3. Others Present: Milan Shah
4. City Staff Present: Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner
B. Approval of Minutes:
1. A motion was made by Commissioner Rowe to approve the July 7, 2015 minutes as
submitted. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Van Dusen.
The motion passed unanimously.
C. Recognize Persons Present: the Commission recognized Milan Shah
D. Plaque applications:
1. 850 Douglas Avenue ‐ The plaque nomination received the following average scores:
Historic Significance: 9.14; Architectural Significance: 9.14; Current Maintenance: 9.0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve awarding the plaque for the
property with the inscription that would read 1908, R. & G. Kimball (Abbreviated for
Royal and Grace Kimball).
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Femal.
The motion passed 7‐0.
2. 891 Douglas Avenue ‐ Additional research found the current plaque at 891 Douglas
Avenue is incorrect and should read, 1917, D. A. McBride (Abbreviated for David A
McBride). The current plaque reads, 1921, D. A. McBride. A motion was made by
Commissioner Rivera to approve alteration of the plaque for the property with the
inscription that would read 1917, D. A. McBride (Abbreviated for David A. McBride).
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Savel.
The motion passed 7‐0.
E. Old Business
1. Reports from Neighborhood Groups on Heritage Related Activities
Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 2
March 3, 2015
i. None
2. Mayor’s Initiative Ideas
Ms. Sundquist presented her research regarding the installation of brown board signs on
I‐90 at popular off ramps that lead into Elgin. The brown board signs would direct
travelers to attractions such as historical sites and museums. Ms. Sundquist indicated
that there are specific requirements to meet before applying for a brown board sign
with the Illinois Department of Transportation. She indicated that the specific attraction
or museum must be opened five days a week and eight hours a day to be eligible to be
placed on a brown board sign. Commissioner Van Dusen stated that there is currently a
brown board sign on I‐90 directing travelers to the Grand Victoria Casino. Commissioner
Van Dusen indicated that if we do not meet the requirements for a brown board sign on
I‐90 for other points of interest, then we should take advantage of the Grand Victoria
Casino brown board sign and provide directional signage to points of interest within the
route to the Grand Victoria Casino. The Commission agreed with Commissioner Van
Dusen and asked Staff to research directional points of interest/way finding signage
within the City.
3. Update on alternative tour methods for “Guide By Cell”
The Commission indicated at the last Heritage Commission meeting on July 7, 2015, that
they would like to know more information about alternative tour methods such as an
app based platform that can be accessible to anyone with a smart phone/device. The
current tour guide platform, “Guide by Cell,” is not generating enough interest to
warrant the continuation of the program.
Milan Shah of Virtual Scribe gave a presentation to the Heritage Commission about a
current “App” platform that he is designing and developing for the Gifford Park
Association for their annual house walk. Mr. Shah showed his preliminary draft of the
app he is creating for the Gifford Park Association and explained that this app will
continue to be updated every year to show case the annual house walk. Mr. Shah
indicated that it is important to get the community involved at the beginning before
launching the app as it will generate more interest in downloading it. The app also has
to be entertaining and highly visual for the app to be successful.
The Commission indicated that they would like the current points of interest that they
have in the “Guide by Cell” program to be placed in an app so that it is easier for
travelers to find those locations. Chairman Wiedmeyer also stated that the app could be
used to highlight several walking tours throughout the City. Mr. Shah indicated that the
Gifford Park Association’s House Walk app will be online in a couple of weeks and that
the Commission should download it to see if this is something that they would like to
pursue. The Commission indicated their interest in this type of tour guide platform and
mentioned that once Gifford Park Association’s app is complete, they will download it to
see if this informational platform should be pursued further.
Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 3
March 3, 2015
F. New Business
1. Proposed Bungalow Thematic Historic District Plaques
Ms. Sundquist proposed three plaque designs for the Elgin Bungalow Thematic Historic
District. The Commission discussed the options and stated that a simpler sign will be
more cost effective. In addition, the Commission indicated that the font needs to be
more legible so as a motorist can read the sign when passing by the residence. It was
also discussed that the sign should be able to stand‐alone in the circumstance that the
residence does not have an Elgin Heritage plaque. Ms. Sundquist indicated that she can
provide cost estimates for the creation of the signs for the next Heritage Commission
meeting.
G. Other Business
1. Commissioner Rowe invited the Commission to the Elgin History Museum’s summer
event held at the Elgin History Museum. The event will be a social hour with music
provided by a string quartet. The event will begin at 7pm on Friday, August 14, 2015.
H. Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner Rivera to adjourn the meeting. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Rowe and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at
8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner
Community Development Department
Approved: 9/1/2015