HomeMy WebLinkAboutEHC Reg 08-02-16 apprvd 09-06-16City of Elgin
Elgin Heritage Commission
August 2, 2016
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: George Rowe, Judith Van Dusen, Scott Savel (7:02), Rebecca
Hunter, Tom Krebsbach, and John Wiedmeyer
2. Members Absent: Steve Thoren
3. Others Present: Kim Bauer
4. City Staff Present: Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner
B. Approval of Minutes:
1. A motion was made by Commissioner Rowe to approve the June 7, 2016 minutes as
submitted. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Krebsbach.
The motion passed 6‐0.
C. Recognize Persons Present: Kim Bauer
D. Plaque applications:
1. 1120 Cedar Avenue – The plaque nomination received the following average scores:
Historic Significance 7.80; Architectural Significance: 7.80; Current Maintenance: 8.40.
A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve awarding the plaque for the
property with the inscription that would read T. & A. (Theodore and Anne) Leidig, 1919.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rowe.
The motion passed 5‐0‐1 (Hunter abstained).
2. 844 Brook Street – Chairman Wiedmeyer stated that the architectural and historic
significance description in the application were lacking and would like the applicant to
provide more descriptive information about the characteristics seen on this home and
more about the original owners. The Commission agreed that a more descriptive
paragraph should be submitted as the information will be placed on the
www.historicelgin.com website. Commissioner Hunter and Commissioner Van Dusen
asked Staff to forward their information to the owners as they are willing to help the
owners rewrite their architectural and historic descriptions to fit the Heritage
Commission’s requests. It was agreed to withdraw the plaque application for review
until the applicant provides a more descriptive paragraph on the architectural and
historic significance of the home.
Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 2
August 2, 2016
E. Old Business
1. Reports from Neighborhood Groups on Heritage Related Activities
a. The Centre‐ Commissioner Rowe thanked staff for helping create a walking tour for
the Centre to use as a unique exercising activity. The walking tour was based on the
window quiz the Heritage Commission organized at the beginning of the year.
b. Elgin History Museum ‐ Commissioner Rowe stated that there is a celebratory event
for the 160th birthday of Old Main to be held at the Elgin History Museum on August
5, 2016.
c. Elgin History Museum – Commissioner Rowe also noted that work at 302 W. Chicago
Street is moving along. Currently, a portion of the east elevation and all of the north
elevation have been removed to begin with repairs and stabilization of the building.
It was noted that they are on track to finish the walls before it begins to snow.
2. Mayor’s Initiative Ideas
a. Directional Signage Update
No update
b. Web Based App
1. Tour Booklets:
No update.
2. Photographs:
Commissioners Hunter, and Krebsbach noted that they are complete with the
photographs assigned to them and that they will be submitting them to staff
soon. Commissioner Van Dusen noted that she has half of the photographs
assigned to her completed and that she will submit them to staff soon.
3. Repair of Davidson Sign
a. Staff noted to the Commission that the signage at Davidson Park, Gifford Park and at
the Elgin History Museum all have similar signage, however, the Davidson Park sign
is in the worst condition. The Gifford Park and the Elgin History Museum signs only
need paint. The Davidson Park sign needs paint and some repair. The Heritage
Commission noted that this should be completed prior to the Gifford Park
Association’s Housewalk as all three signs are located in this area.
F. New Business
1. National Alliance of Preservation Commissions – FORUM 2016
On July 29, 2016, the Elgin Heritage Commission was honored with a National Alliance of
Preservation Commissions “Best Practices” Award for their new website,
www.historicelgin.com. Commissioner Rowe noted that the Heritage Commission
should present the award to the City Council as this achievement should be celebrated.
Over 600 preservationist across the country attended the conference held in Mobile,
Alabama. Chairman Wiedmeyer and Ms. Sundquist were in attendance to accept the
award. In addition to the awards ceremony, there we a lot of sessions/lectures that staff
Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 3
August 2, 2016
and Chairman Wiedmeyer will present their findings at future Heritage and Design
Review Commission meetings.
G. Other Business
None
H. Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to adjourn the meeting. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Hunter and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned
at 8:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner
Community Development Department
Approved: 9/6/2016