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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEHC Reg 08-01-17 approved 09-05-17City of Elgin Elgin Heritage Commission August 1, 2017 Minutes A. The meeting of the Elgin Heritage Commission was called to order at 7:01 p.m. in the City Council Chambers by Chairman John Wiedmeyer. 1. Members Present: George Rowe, Judith Van Dusen, Tom Krebsbach, John Marston, Kimberly Bauer, Brian Anderson, Scott Savel (7:03) and John Wiedmeyer 2. Members Absent: Steve Thoren 3. Others Present: 4. City Staff Present: Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner B. Approval of Minutes: 1. A motion was made by Commissioner Anderson to approve the June 6, 2017 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rowe. The motion passed 7-0-1 (Savel abstained). C. Recognize Persons Present: Rebecca Hunter D. Plaque applications: 1. 469 River Bluff Road – The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance 7.5; Architectural Significance: 8.0; Current Maintenance: 6.0. A motion was made by Commissioner Anderson to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read W. & H. (Wilhelm & Helen) Hoppe, 1937. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Van Dusen. The motion passed unanimously. 2. 1014 St. John Street – The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance 7.0; Architectural Significance: 7.0; Current Maintenance: 8.0. A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read B. & M. (Bruno & Mabel) Ikert, 1925. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rowe. The motion passed 7-0-1 (Krebsbach abstained). E. Old Business 1. Reports from Neighborhood Groups on Heritage Related Activities Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 2 August 1, 2017 a. Elgin History Museum – Commissioner Rowe stated that the Elgin History Museum’s Circle of Time documentary will be shown at the Gail Borden Public Library on August 8, 2017. b. Elgin History Museum – Commissioner Marston stated that the Museum’s Brown Bag lunch on General Grant presentation. There were approximately 50 people in attendance. c. Commissioner Rowe stated that the Elgin History Museum recently hired Kimberly Bauer as their new social media coordinator. d. Staff stated that the Association for Preservation Technology – Western Great Lakes Chapter along with the Elgin History Museum held a works hop on cobblestone and rough limestone construction at the Nancy Kimball House (302 W. Chicago) as well as St. Charles’ Beith House. Both buildings were constructed at the same time period and it highlighted similarities and differences between the two. Th ere were approximately 15 people in attendance. 2. Mayor’s Initiative/ 2017 Elgin Heritage Commission Goals a. Historic District Signage Staff stated that she will be discussing the next steps with the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Design Committee regarding downtown historic district signage at their next meeting. She will update the commission at their next regular scheduled meeting on September 5, 2017. b. Historic Resources Survey Rebecca Hunter gave a short presentation regarding the next steps for completing a Historic Resources Survey. Staff noted that the last Historic Resources Survey was completed almost 10 years ago. Rebecca stated that the area that the Commission should focus on should be in one of the west side’s neighborhoods. Staff explained that if the Commission were to volunteer or they were to find volunteers who are familiar with historic preservation and architecture, that this would be a great learning experience as Staff along with Rebecca Hunter would provide a workshop on how to complete a resources survey properly. The Commission stated that this would also be a great learning experience for architecture students in the area. Staff stated that she will reach out to local universities to see if there is any interest. c. Web Based App 1. Photographs: The Commission asked for an updated list on what homes still need to be photograph. Staff stated that she will provide an updated list for the Commission and at the next meeting on September 5, 2017, the Commission will split up the Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 3 August 1, 2017 work accordingly. 2. Tour Booklets: Staff stated that the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Design Committee will be reaching out the Commission to request for funding for the next tour brochure. This brochure will focus on Elgin’s Mid-Century buildings located in the downtown commercial area and will supplement the Mid-Century tour that will be hosted in Elgin in November. 3. 150th Anniversary Elgin Fire Department a. Staff stated that the Fire Department anniversary celebration will be held on Saturday, September 16th. She stated that the Heritage Commission will have a table set up advertising the commission. In addition, staff along with Rebecca Hunter, will put together a walking tour of the area that will be given the day of the celebration. Chairman Wiedmeyer noted that volunteers will be needed for the day to answer any questions about the Heritage Commission as well as give tours. He stated that we can finalize volunteers at the next Heritage Commission meeting on September 5th. 4. National Trust Conference – Nov. 14 -17, 2017 a. Staff stated that the conference is now open if any were interested in attending. Staff also noted that the Elgin Mid-Century tour is scheduled for that Thursday, however, she won’t find out how many people signed up for the tour until sometime in September. F. New Business 1. “The Hill” Northeast Neighborhood Association a. Staff stated to the Commission that there was some damage of the Elgin’s last remaining brick road after the recent storm. Utility trucks needed access to powerlines that are only accessible from the brick road which depressed the existing brick. Staff noted that they are working alongside the utility company to remediate the damage. 2. Renewal of Memberships/Budget a. Staff noted that the Heritage Commission’s memberships for Landmarks Illinois, Illinois Association of Historic Preservation Commissions as well as the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions were coming due. Chairman Wiedmeyer noted that the commission should renew membership as all three organizations prov ide valuable information. A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve the renewal of the cost of memberships for a total of $250. Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 4 August 1, 2017 The motion was seconded by Commissioner Krebsbach. The motion passed unanimously. G. Other Business None H. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Anderson and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner Community Development Department Approved: 9/5/2017