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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEHC Reg 10-03-17 approved 11-07-17City of Elgin Elgin Heritage Commission October 3, 2017 Minutes A. The meeting of the Elgin Heritage Commission was called to order at 7:41 p.m. in the City Council Chambers by Chairman John Wiedmeyer. 1. Members Present: Brian Anderson, Kimberly Bauer, John Marston, George Rowe, Scott Savel, Steve Thoren, Judith Van Dusen and John Wiedmeyer 2. Members Absent: Tom Krebsbach 3. Others Present: Martha Martinez, Rebecca Hunter 4. City Staff Present: Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner B. Approval of Minutes: 1. A motion was made by Commissioner Anderson to approve the September 5, 2017 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Marston. The motion passed 7-0-1 (Thoren abstained). C. Recognize Persons Present: Martha Martinez, Rebecca Hunter D. Plaque applications: 1. 300-302 Division Street – The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance 9.25; Architectural Significance: 8.38; Current Maintenance: 8.38. A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read J. & L. (Joshua & Lydia) Wilber, 1854. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Thoren. The motion passed unanimously. 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 held on Sunday, September 24th at Bluff City Cemetery was a success. He thanked Chairman Wiedmeyer for the help delivering chairs for the event. b. Commissioner Marston stated that the 150th Anniversary of the Elgin Fire Department celebration was a nice event and many public officials were in attendance. c. Commissioner Thoren mentioned that the Gifford Park Association’s 36th Annual House Tour was held on Saturday and Sunday, September 9th and 10th on Elgin’s west side. He noted that 2,150 people participated in the event. He thanked all Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 2 October 3, 2017 those involved as his home was one of the seven on the tour. He stated that he received many complements regarding the new layout that was tested on his home which included a short video on the history and architecture of the home and a “go at your own pace” type of tour with historic facts about the rooms and collections placed on plaques. 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 reviewed the draft for the “Call for Submissions” and clarified some specifications. Staff noted that this will also be reviewed by the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Design Committee. She stated at DNA’s next meeting she will gather their input and inform the committee prior to the proposed November 1st announcement. b. Historic Resources Survey Staff noted that she has not heard from the Judson University contact regarding the participation of the students in a historic resources survey. Staff stated that she will reach back out to the professor in case they never received the email. c. Web Based App 1. Photographs: Commission Van Dusen stated that she has only two houses remaining on her list for photographs. The other commissioners who volunteered are waiting until more leaves drop to take photos of the homes. 2. Tour Booklets: The Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Design Committee stated that they are 90% completed with the Mid-Century Brochure and that they were only missing updated photographs. F. New Business 1. Appeal – 272 Division Street a. Commissioner Savel stressed that the Design Review Subcommittee made the appropriate decision at their meeting held on August 22, 2017 regarding the denial to maintain the concrete curb retaining walls. He stated, however, that the Heritage Commission can take other things into account that the Design Review Subcommittee could not including the cost of donated materials, and the reasoning for installing the retaining walls without a COA or building permit. Commissioner Thoren concurred as he stated that the work was not a part of the building, however, he stressed that there is a reason why this area and our other Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 3 October 3, 2017 historic district and landmark properties are protected. They tell the story of Elgin and we are only stewards of these buildings for a short time so we need to ensure that what we do now protects and preserves these buildings for future generations. Commissioner Rowe stated the importance of getting a permit and that proper approval of exterior work completed on buildings in the district not only protects the historic integrity of the structure but it protects property values. Commissioner Anderson stated that the Design Review Subcommittee has an obligation to follow the historic district and landmark guidelines and was inclined to uphold the decision of the Design Review Subcommittee. However, he stated that it needs to be clear that this work, which was performed without a COA, does not conform to the guidelines, and if such decision be overturned, extenuating circumstances would be the reason for allowing the work. A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to uphold the decision of the Design Review Subcommittee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Anderson. The motion failed 0-8 and the decision of the Design Review Subcommittee was overturned. 2. December Plaque Awards a. The annual plaque awards will be held on December 5, 2017 at 7:00PM at the Elgin History Museum. Commissioners agreed to bring a plate to pass and will discuss what to bring at the November 7, 2017 meeting. b. Staff stated that if the Commissioners have ideas for topics for a speaker that they shall email her with ideas. Staff is to make final decision on speaker and will discuss at the November 7, 2017 meeting. G. Other Business None H. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rowe and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner Community Development Department Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 4 October 3, 2017 Approved: