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Home My WebLink AboutEHC Reg 09-01-15 approved on 10-06-15City of Elgin Elgin Heritage Commission September 1, 2015 Minutes A. The meeting of the Elgin Heritage Commission was called to order at 7:02 p.m. in the City Council Chambers by Chairman John Wiedmeyer. 1. Members Present: Elizabeth Femal, George Rowe, Judith Van Dusen, Steve Thoren (7:11), Tom Krebsbach, Rebecca Hunter and John Wiedmeyer 2. Members Absent: Judith Rivera and Scott Savel 3. Others Present: Dan Miller, Brian Pinon 4. City Staff Present: Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner B. Approval of Minutes: 1. A motion was made by Commissioner Rowe to approve the August 4, 2015 minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Femal. The motion passed unanimously. C. Recognize Persons Present: the Commission recognized Dan Miller and Brian Pinon D. Plaque applications: None E. Old Business 1. Reports from Neighborhood Groups on Heritage Related Activities i. Gifford Park Association: 34th Annual Historic Elgin House Tour on Saturday, September 12th from 9am – 5pm. ii. Elgin History Museum: 28th Annual Cemetery Walk on Sunday, September 27th from 11am – 3pm at Bluff City Cemetery. 2. Mayor’s Initiative Ideas Ms. Sundquist suggested creating a list of areas within the City that would benefit from directional signage leading to those key areas. Commissioner Femal suggested that there should be directional signage to our new Downtown Commercial National Historic District. Commissioner Hunter asked if we are able to place directional signage on key streets such as Route 31, Route 25 and Route 20. Chairman Wiedmeyer asked staff if we are limited in where we can place directional signage. Staff indicated that they would research the limitations of directional signage within the city and report back the Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 2 September 1, 2015 findings at next month’s meeting. 3. Update on alternative tour methods for “Guide By Cell” Ms. Sundquist mentioned that the Gifford Park Association App is not ready for launching; however, once she receives a link from Milan Shah of Virtual Scribe, then she will forward on to the Commissioners so that they can test out the app. Commissioner Rowe indicated that cost estimates should be pursued by other app writers to ensure the highest quality and lowest cost. Chairman Wiedmeyer suggested submitting five key locations on the Guide By Cell tour to be placed into an App. This will allow the Commission to gradually add more sites dependent on funding. Commissioner Thoren mentioned that he will be meeting with Milan Shah within the next week and will seek more information regarding the drone videos and app. F. New Business 1. Bungalow Thematic Historic District Sign Cost Estimates Ms. Sundquist proposed two cost estimates for the construction of the Bungalow Thematic Historic District signs. Both cost estimates provided a wood material and a metal material cost estimate. After review of the cost estimates, it was suggested by Chairman Wiedmeyer that the Commission as well as any volunteers could make and paint the blank plaques and then outsource the lettering and applique. The Commission asked Staff to seek a cost estimate from the sign painter to include the application of the black border and lettering for next month’s meeting. The Commission asked Staff to provide another iteration of the Bungalow Thematic Historic District sign design for next month’s meeting as well. 2. Heritage Plaque Cost Estimates After review of the Heritage Plaque cost estimates, it was also suggested that the Commission and volunteers make the blank plaques (cut shape and paint white) and forward them on to the plaque painter. The Commission asked Staff to seek a cost estimate from the sign painter to include the application of the border and Heritage Commission lettering for next month’s meeting. 3. 2015 Current EHC Budget Update Ms. Sundquist updated the Commission at where the budget is currently. Chairman Wiedmeyer noted that there is still enough funds to possibly explore the app database program of several important sites around Elgin this year. G. Other Business 1. Commissioner Thoren invited the Heritage Commission to visit and tour his home, the Wing Mansion, on October 10th. H. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Thoren to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Krebsbach and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m. Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 3 September 1, 2015 Respectfully submitted, Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner Community Development Department Approved: