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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEHC Reg 06-07-16 apprvd 08-02-16City of Elgin Elgin Heritage Commission June 7, 2016 Minutes The meeting of the Elgin Heritage Commission was called to order at 7:24 p.m. in the City Council Chambers by Chairman John Wiedmeyer. Members Present: George Rowe, Judith Van Dusen, Scott Savel, Rebecca Hunter, Tom Krebsbach, and John Wiedmeyer Members Absent: Steve Thoren Others Present: Kim Bauer, Dennis Roxworthy, John Marston City Staff Present: Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Commissioner Rowe to approve the April 5, 2016 minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Savel. The motion passed 5-0-1 (Krebsbach abstained). A motion was made by Commissioner Hunter to approve the April 19, 2016 Historic Rehabilitation Grant Application Grant Review minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Van Dusen. The motion passed 4-0-2 (Savel and Krebsbach abstained). Recognize Persons Present: Kim Bauer, Dennis Roxworthy, John Marston Plaque applications: 928 Bellevue Avenue – The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance 8.25; Architectural Significance: 7.25; Current Maintenance: 6.00. A motion was made by Commissioner Rowe to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read W. & M. (William and Mary) Bender, 1899. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Van Dusen. The motion passed 4-0-2 (Hunter and Krebsbach abstained). Old Business Reports from Neighborhood Groups on Heritage Related Activities Elgin History Museum - Commissioner Rowe stated that there is an interesting event to be held at the Elgin History Museum on June 12, 2016 titled, “The Rediscovered Work of Architect and Elgin Native James Eppenstein.” James Eppenstein worked at the Elgin-American Watch Company from 1919 to 1928 and then founded his own architecture and design firm soon thereafter. Elgin History Museum – Commissioner Rowe also noted that the Elgin History Museum’s 2-3-1 Project received a National Award by the American Association for State and Local History. The Commissioners noted that this is wonderful news and that the Elgin History Museum, along with its collaborators, deserve such recognition. Mayor’s Initiative Ideas Directional Signage Update No update Web Based App Tour Booklets: No update. Photographs: Ms. Sundquist distributed a list of buildings that need photographs taken of them to be placed on the website from the years 2003-2012. The Commissioners who volunteered include Commissioners Krebsbach, Van Dusen and Hunter. The list of needed photographs were split amongst these Commissioners. Advertisement – Post Cards, Bookmarks Commissioners Van Dusen noted that the bookmarks submitted to the Gail Borden Library advertising the historicelgin website were all gone. Staff stated that she will have more printed and given to the library. Staff also stated that she put in an advertisement of the website in the May 2016 edition of Bravo. 2016 Preservation Month Wrap-Up Commissioners discussed the success of the Mayor’s Awards. Chairman Wiedmeyer noted that over 220 chairs were set up and every seat was filled plus over 20 people were standing at the back of the room. The Commissioners agreed that this was the most successful Mayor’s Awards that has been given as they received many compliments by those who attended. Commissioner Savel thanked staff for the “behind the scenes” work that was completed to make this a successful event. Chairman Wiedmeyer stated that the partnership with the Downtown Neighborhood Association was key in localizing a downtown, commercial venue that not only met the needs of the event but had the perfect historic back drop. Chairman Wiedmeyer stated that the Commission should continue this partnership with the Downtown Neighborhood Association and seek other downtown spaces that could host the Mayor’s Awards but as well as help advertise the particular space for the owners. Commissioners reviewed attendee numbers for several of the Preservation Month events. The Commissioners noted that many of the events planned were well attended despite some days having poor weather. New Business Individual Elgin Bungalow Thematic Historic District Application 356 Jewett Street - Public hearing to consider the Individual Elgin Bungalow Thematic District Application at 356 Jewett Street The individual bungalow nomination received the following average scores: / A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve the inclusion of 356 Jewett Street to the Elgin Bungalow Thematic Historic District. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Krebsbach. The motion passed unanimously. Individual Elgin Bungalow Thematic Historic District Application 841 Bellevue Avenue - Public hearing to consider the Individual Elgin Bungalow Thematic District Application at 841 Bellevue Avenue The individual bungalow nomination received the following average scores: / A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve the inclusion of 841 Bellevue Avenue to the Elgin Bungalow Thematic Historic District. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rowe. The motion passed 5-0-1 (Hunter abstained). Individual Elgin Bungalow Thematic Historic District Application 1023 Bellevue Avenue - Public hearing to consider the Individual Elgin Bungalow Thematic District Application at 1023 Bellevue Avenue The individual bungalow nomination received the following average scores: / A motion was made by Commissioner Hunter to approve the inclusion of 1023 Bellevue Avenue to the Elgin Bungalow Thematic Historic District. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Krebsbach. The motion passed unanimously. Repair of Davidson Park sign Staff informed the Commission that the condition of the Davidson Park sign was in poor condition and is in need of repair. Staff noted that the sign was installed in the 1980s by the Gifford Park Association. Chairman Wiedmeyer noted that this could be something that the Heritage Commission and the Gifford Park Association could work together to accomplish. Commissioner Savel stated that if the sign were to be rebuilt it could cost more than half of the Heritage Commission’s budget. Chairman Wiedmeyer stated that if a new sign were to be proposed by the Gifford Park Association, the Heritage Commission may be able to help give some funds as a kickstarter for the project. The Commission asked staff to look into what the Gifford Park Association would like to do with the sign whether it would be to repair it or to replace the sign with a new design. Other Business National Alliance of Preservation Commissions – FORUM 2016 Staff noted to the Commission that for those who are interested in attending the NAPC FORUM conference from July 27th – July 31st could do so at a discounted rate of $185.00 for award recipients. Staff also stated to the Commission that she as well as Chairman Wiedmeyer will be attending the conference. It was noted that in the past, the Heritage Commission has funded conference fees to those Commissioners and staff to attend conferences regarding historic preservation. Commissioner Savel agreed that the Heritage Commission should sponsor the cost of registration for Chairman Wiedmeyer and staff. A motion was made by Commissioner Rowe to reimburse the registration fees of $185.00/person for Chairman Wiedmeyer and Ms. Sundquist to attend the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions Bi-Annual conference to be held in Mobile, Alabama. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Krebsbach. The motion passed 5-0-1 (Wiedmeyer abstained). Staff noted to the Commission that Commissioner Rivera had to step down after her three years of service. It was noted in her resignation letter that she was grateful for having had the opportunity to serve on the commission and that it was a privilege serving with everyone. The Commission stated that she will be missed. Staff reminded the Commission that the July 5, 2016 Heritage Commission meeting will be held at the Police Department North Community Room. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Krebsbach and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:48.m. Respectfully submitted, / Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner Community Development Department Approved: 8/2/2016