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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEHC Reg 02-07-17 approved 03-07-17City of Elgin Elgin Heritage Commission February 7, 2017 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, Brian Anderson, Kim Bauer, Scott Savel, Tom Krebsbach and John Wiedmeyer 2. Members Absent: John Marston, Steve Thoren 3. Others Present: None 4. City Staff Present: Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner B. Approval of Minutes: 1. A motion was made by Commissioner Anderson to approve the January 3, 2017 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rowe. The motion passed unanimously. C. Recognize Persons Present: None D. Plaque applications: None E. Old Business 1. Reports from Neighborhood Groups on Heritage Related Activities 1. Elgin History Museum - Commissioner Rowe noted that the work at the Nancy Kimball House is continuing in mild temperatures with Berkley Crowe working through warm periods. 2. Commissioner Rowe also stated that plans have been underway for a Civil War Reenactment on the grounds near the Elgin Mental Health Hospital. The reenactment will be on a Saturday and Sunday in June. 2. Mayor’s Initiative Ideas 1. Directional Signage 2017 (i) Staff updated the Commission stating that she has contacted Public Works to outline the process for installing district signs on top of street signage. She noted that we will need to look into a 3rd party vendor for the creation of the signs. Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 2 February 7, 2017 2. Web Based App 1. Tour Booklets: (i) Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Design Committee: 2nd phase booklet: no update (ii) Near West Neighbors Association Tour Booklet: no update 2. Photographs: Commissioner Krebsbach stated that he will submit photographs to staff by the end of the week. 3. 2017 Heritage Commission Goals The Commission agreed to focus on the Downtown Historic District signage as well as pushing forward to survey the next neighborhood. Commissioner Anderson noted that we need to continue to serve the mission of this commission and that it has been 10 years since the previous survey was completed. Commissioner Rowe agreed that it has been too long since the last survey in 2008 and that surveys help with determining key historic structures that in the future may become landmarks or even part of a historic district. Commissioner Anderson also mentioned that in the future, the Commission should focus on having multiple street banners made to advertise Preservation Month that could be installed downtown the entire month. Commissioner Savel noted that possibly one large overhanging street banner would be sufficient to advertise Preservation Month. The Commission agreed. 4. Preservation Month Planning 1. Mayor’s Award Planning: Staff stated that our previous caterer, who is also an association member of the Heritage Commission, is no longer able to offer her services for the Mayor’s Awards. This means that the for-cost/donation for the catering that the Commission has received in the past is no longer available and that they will have to seek out outside vendors. Staff presented several cost estimates of local caterers to the commission for review. The Commission had an intense discussion regarding the cost as all of the estimates were over half of the Commission’s budget for the entire year. The Commissioners noted that this is a signature event that not only the Commissioners look forward to but many in the community look forward to as well. However, using half the budget on catering will take funds away from community projects that the Commission has helped kickstart and support in the past. The Commission noted that they will need to seek additional assistance in the future as their minimal budget will no longer be sufficient due to the additional costs associated with the Mayor’s Awards. Commissioner Savel made the motion for staff to take the lowest, responsible bidder that meets the Heritage Commission’s needs for the Mayor’s Awards not to exceed $2,750. Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 3 February 7, 2017 The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rowe. The motion passed unanimously. 5. Upcoming Events Staff stated that she has been organizing a Mid -Century Modern Tour in Elgin for the National Trust Conference. She stated that the deadline for submission is February 15th and that we will find out at the beginning of April if we are chosen as a field study. The conference’s online registration begins on July 1, 2017. F. New Business 1. Elgin Bungalow Thematic Historic District – Discussion Staff provided examples of different styles associated with the bungalow type. She stated that she will give recommendations to owners interested in the applying into the district if their home qualifies as a bungalow. This is to ensure that the owner, sta ff and the commission do not waste time on homes that do not meet the characteristics needed to be a part of the district. 2. Historic Rehabilitation Grant Workshop Staff stated that, overall, it was a good turnout and that many questions from the audience were answered. Commissioner Anderson thanked Staff, Commissioner Savel and Chairman Wiedmeyer for participating in the workshop. G. Other Business 1. Commissioner Bauer discussed having the Heritage Commission connect with State Senator, Cristina Castro, to give her a tour of our historic resources in one of our districts during Preservation Month. Commissioner Bauer noted that since this is a new appointment for Senator Castro that it would be beneficial to give her a background of Elgin’s history and what we have to offer. Commissioner Bauer will present a letter for the commission to review prior to sending it to Senator Castro. H. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Anderson to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rowe and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner Community Development Department Approved: 3/7/2017