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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEHC Reg 11-07-17 approved 01-02-18City of Elgin Elgin Heritage Commission November 7, 2017 Minutes A. The meeting of the Elgin Heritage Commission was called to order at 7:03 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, Tom Krebsbach and John Wiedmeyer 2. Members Absent: None 3. Others Present: Laurie Prestige, Melissa Doron, 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 October 3, 2017 minutes with the following amendments: F-1-A “However, he stated that it needs to be clear that this work, if overturned, does not conform to the guidelines due to extenuating circumstances, was the reason for its approval” to “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.” The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rowe. The motion passed 8-0-1 (Krebsbach abstained). C. Recognize Persons Present: Laurie Prestige, Melissa Doron, Rebecca Hunter D. Plaque applications: 1. 864 W. Highland Avenue – The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance 8.11; Architectural Significance: 9.00; Current Maintenance: 8.78. A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read R. & M. (Raymond & Marie) Dowell, 1927. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Thoren. The motion passed unanimously. 2. 671 Park Street – The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance 6.875; Architectural Significance: 7.00; Current Maintenance: 7.50. A motion was made by Commissioner Anderson to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read P. & B. (Paul & Bertha) Marxen, 1926. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Thoren. The motion passed 8-0-1 (Krebsbach abstained). Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 2 November 7, 2017 E. Old Business 1. Reports from Neighborhood Groups on Heritage Related Activities a. Elgin History Museum – Commissioner Rowe stated that the stone setting event held on Saturday, November 4th at the Nancy Kimball House was well attended. This was the first phase of the project with the second phase including stabilization of the interior structure. b. Elgin History Museum – Commissioner Rowe mentioned that the Elgin Area Historical Society’s Annual Benefit will be held on Saturday, November 11th and will include a historical account of Harry Houdini’s life by magician, William Pack. c. Commissioner Thoren stated that Elgin won seven of nine awards for the Chicago Paint & Coatings Association, ‘Painted Ladies’ contest this year. He stated that Elgin should be proud of our city and the work that has been continuously done with its historic buildings. 2. Mayor’s Initiative/ 2017 Elgin Heritage Commission Goals a. Historic District Signage Staff stated that the Call for Submission for the Downtown Commercial Historic District signage was announced on November 1st to local groups with a due date of January 31, 2018. 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 out to a different contact as the previous contact did not lead anywhere. c. Web Based App 1. Photographs: Staff encouraged Commissioners to begin to take the remaining photographs, if possible on sunny days, as the leaves are now dropping and will allow better views of the homes. 2. Tour Booklets: The Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Design Committee stated that they will have the brochures completed on November 15, 2017, a day before the National Trust Mid-Century Tour. Staff stated that she will contact the DNA Director, Jennifer Fukala, to join the tour on November 16 th and hand out the brochures to attendees at that time as staff will not be able to pick up the brochures on Wednesday. F. New Business 1. Friends of the Lords Park Zoo a. Commissioner Rowe stated that the Friends of the Lords Park Zoo have commissioned portraits of George and Mary Lord that will be hung in the Lords Park Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 3 November 7, 2017 Pavilion. The Commission commended the Friends of the Lords Park Zoo for their efforts in endeavor and noted that they are looking forward to the dedication on May 20th during Preservation Month. Commission Savel made a motion to recommend the hanging of the portraits at the Lords Park Zoo as they add another layer to the historic significance of not only the building but to the park. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rowe. The motion passed unanimously. 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. b. Staff stated that there will be five heritage plaques awarded and that Rebecca Hunter will be the guest lecturer who will give a recap of Elgin’s National Trust Tour (Mid-Century Modern Commercial Architecture). 3. Approval of 2018 EHC and DRSC meeting schedule. A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve the 2018 EHC and DRSC meeting schedule. A motion was seconded by Commissioner Rowe. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Elgin Heritage Commission Budget a. Staff provided the Commission with its current budget status. She reviewed upcoming anticipated expenses. The plaque materials, National Trust Conference and website cost are the only expected and remaining expenses of the year. 5. Funding Request – Elgin History Museum a. The Elgin History Museum submitted a funding request for their upcoming Elgin Architecture Exhibit including rotating topics on the history of architecture, house construction, historic districts, and Elgin’s architectural development. The fu nding request was for $420 which includes printing, laminating, design and mounting hardware. It was noted that the Commission likely would not be able to fund the full funding request based on their current budget projections, however, the Commission noted that whatever funds that are remaining after the plaque materials, National Trust Conference and website costs, should go toward the Elgin History Museum’s Architecture Exhibit. A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to fund the remaining Heritage Commission budget to the Elgin History Museum for the creation of an interactive Architecture Exhibit. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 4 November 7, 2017 The motion passed 6-0-3 (3 abstentions: Rowe, Bauer, Marston). G. Other Business None H. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Rowe to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Thoren and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner Community Development Department Approved: 01/02/2018