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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEHC Reg 09-05-17 approved 10-03-17City of Elgin Elgin Heritage Commission September 5, 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 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 August 1, 2017 minutes with the following amendments: B-1 “August 1” to “June 6” and D-2 “St. Joh” to “St. John” with the motion passing “unanimously” to “7-0-1 (Krebsbach abstained). 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 a. Elgin History Museum – Commissioner Rowe stated that the Elgin History Museum’s 30th Annual Cemetery Walk will be held on Sunday, September 24th at 11:00AM at Bluff City Cemetery. b. Commissioner Rowe mentioned the 150th Anniversary of the Elgin Fire Department celebration will be held on Saturday, September 16 th from 11:00AM – 5:00PM. The Elgin Area Historical Society will have a table at the event. c. Commissioner Rowe also stated that there will be a stone setting celebration at the Nancy Kimball House (302 W. Chicago Street) planned sometime in the next two to three weeks. d. Staff noted the upcoming Gifford Park Association’s 36th Annual House Tour will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 9th and 10th on Elgin’s west side. Seven houses are to be featured with check in at the Church of the Brethren. Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 2 September 5, 2017 2. Mayor’s Initiative/ 2017 Elgin Heritage Commission Goals a. Historic District Signage The Commission discussed possible specifications regarding a competition for the downtown historic district signage. They stated that they do not want to restrict the applicants but the rules should state that the district signage shall be proportionate to the street signs and that the writing shall be legible. The Commission asked staff to speak with the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Design Committee regarding the competition specifications and what should be the next steps. The goal would be to announce the competition at the end of October with a due date at the end of February to allow for time to announce the winner at the Mayor’s awards as well as raise funding for the production of approximately 25 signs. b. Historic Resources Survey Staff noted that she along with Rebecca Hunter reached out to a contact at Judson University to meet to discuss completing a historic resources survey as a class project. The proposal would be to have a class on the process of conducting research and field work with the students after which they would be divided into groups (typically pairs), and survey each property in one of the neighborhoods. They would assess and take note of the building’s style, its materials, the roof type, window configuration as well as its significant features and any alterations. Several photographs would also be taken of the building’s primary elevations and any secondary structures that are on the property. After gathering information in the field, the surveyor would go back and confirm the style through research as well as its date of construction and any historic background that they may find. Staff noted that she will keep the Commission informed if Judson University’s architectural program has interest in participating in the resources survey. If not, it may be a possibility to open this up as a volunteer exercise for interested community members. c. Web Based App 1. Photographs: Staff provided an updated list of the remaining photographs for the website. Commissioners Krebsbach, Bauer, Rowe, Marston, Anderson and Van Dusen graciously offered to volunteered to obtain the last remaining photographs. 2. Tour Booklets: No update 3. 150th Anniversary Elgin Fire Department a. Chairman Wiedmeyer stated that the Heritage Commission will have a table as well as walking tour for the 150th Anniversary celebration and that volunteers would be Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 3 September 5, 2017 needed. Commissioner Van Dusen noted that she can volunteer to be at the table to answer any questions visitors may have about the Elgin Heritage Commission. The other Commissioners stated that they are unsure about their schedule at this time but would like to be contacted when the date gets closer to check their availability. 4. National Trust Conference – Nov. 14 -17, 2017 a. Staff stated that Elgin’s mid-century tour currently has 48 out of 50 attendees for the conference. The Commissioners stated that they are excited for the tour and the publicity for Elgin and offered to volunteer, if needed. F. New Business 1. Funding Request – Downtown Neighborhood Association – Design Committee a. Staff noted that the Downtown Neighborhood Association – Design Committee is requesting assistance of $1,000 for the creation as well as the printing of their Mid- Century Walking Tour brochures that will be provided as supplemental information handed out to the Mid-Century tour goers of the National Trust Conference held in November. Commissioner Rowe stated that it is worthwhile to assist the Downtown Neighborhood Design Committee for encouraging visitors and residents to explore and learn about Elgin’s downtown historic sites. Chairman Wiedmeyer noted that the $1,000 request was 20% of the Heritage Commission’s budget and with existing and known future expenses, the Commission only has $1,350 remaining. In light of this, Commissioner Rowe stated that the Commission should help contribute some funds to the cost of printing to acknowledge the efforts and the hard work that the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Design Committee has done to advertise Elgin’s downtown historic commercial buildings as well as its heritage. Chairman Wiedmeyer noted that updated cost estimates were not provided for the printing costs and suggested the Commission use the 2016 cost estimate for printing of 2,500 brochures of an amount of $361.00. A motion was made by Commissioner Rowe to fund $361.00 to the Downtown Neighborhood Association to contribute to the production of 2,500 Mid-Century Downtown Walking Tour Brochures. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Krebsbach. The motion passed unanimously. 2. Funding Request – Northeast Neighborhood Association a. Staff stated that NENA is requesting assistance of $500 for the creation of 14 signs to be placed at the entrances into the D.C. Cook-Lovell Area Historic District. NENA Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 4 September 5, 2017 included a cost estimate noting funding resources, of which, they will be contributing the majority of the signage costs. The Commission was also presented with the design of the sign which was well liked amongst all Commissioners. It was noted that this is the last local historic district to receive signage and that it is a noteworthy project. Chairman Wiedmeyer stated that the design of the sign will still need to be presented to the Design Review Subcommittee for review. A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to fund $500.00 to the Northeast Neighborhood Association to contribute to the production of 14 D.C. Cook-Lovell Area Historic District signs. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Marston. The motion passed 7-0-1 (Anderson Abstained). G. Other Business Staff noted that there will be a Public Hearing at the October 3, 2017 Heritage Commission meeting. H. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Rowe to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Krebsbach and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner Community Development Department Approved: 10/03/2017