At a recent meeting, the Batavia Historic Preservation Commission reviewed several historic site inspections.
Below are the minutes from this meeting, as provided by the commission.
MINUTES
June 27, 2016
Historic Preservation Commission
City of Batavia
Please NOTE: These minutes are not a word-for-word transcription of the statements made at themeeting, nor intended to be a comprehensive review of all discussions. They are intended to make anofficial record of the actions taken by the Committee/City Council, and to include some description ofdiscussion points as understood by the minute-taker. They may not reference some of the individualattendee’s comments, nor the complete comments if referenced.
1. Meeting Called to Order
Chair Bus called the meeting to order at 5:31pm.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Chair Bus; Vice-Chair Hagemann; Commissioners Sherer, Roller and
Sullivan
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Jeff Albertson, Building Commissioner; and Jennifer Austin-Smith,
Recording Secretary
3. Items to be Removed, Added or Changed
There were no items to be removed, added or changed.
4. Matters From the Public (for items not on the agenda)
Chair Bus asked if there were matters from the public for items not on the agenda. There were no
members from the public in the audience and therefore there were none.
5. COA Review Continuation: 12 South Van Buren Street Wall Sign Installation (Ellie
Olson, applicant)
Albertson noted that the applicant was not in attendance. He stated that this building is noncontributing.
Albertson stated that this was reviewed by zoning and the wall sign installation
does comply with all zoning regulations. A picture of the sign and location on the building was
presented to the Commission. The ornamental portion of the sign would be kept and the lower
portion of the sign would be removed to fit the area. The letters are stick-on letters.
Roller would like to have a complete frame made for the sign so that the bottom of the sign does
not look like it was cut off. She stated if there is a need for more room for alignment the
ornamental portion of the sign could be removed. Hagemann stated that cutting off the sign and
sticking it up sets a bad precedent. Sullivan stated he would be in support of having the bottom
of the sign framed.
Sherer asked if this COA could be reviewed when the applicant is not present. Albertson
answered that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) could if they chose to. Bus stated
that they should proceed.
Historic Preservation Commission
June 27, 2016
Page 2
Motion: To approve the COA under the condition that the bottom of the sign be framed
similar to the sides even if it requires removing the curved decorative feature on
the top of the frame in order for it to fit better
Maker: Sullivan
Second: Roller
Roll Call: Hagemann, Sherer, Sullivan, Roller, and Bus
5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 Absent
Motion carried.
6. Updates:
1. 7 East Wilson Street – Historic Inspection
2. Anderson Block Building – Masonry Maintenance
3. Significant Historic Building Inspection Program
4. 10/12 North River Street – Historic Inspection
5. 227 West Wilson Street – Historic Inspection
6. 109 South Batavia Avenue – Historic Inspection
7. 8 North River Street – Historic Inspection
8. 16 East Wilson Street – Historic Inspection
Albertson stated that there were no updates at this time.
7. Other Business
Bus asked if the revisions to the Design Guidelines have been submitted for approval to the City
Council. Albertson stated that he would submit the approval request before the next HPC
meeting.
Roller asked if there was an update on the building on Batavia Avenue with the old garage.
Albertson stated that there are no updates on this.
Albertson reported that Jim Eby emailed him stated that the Shannon Hall project has started.
The first layer of roofing was removed and they are working on removing the original shingles
this week.
Hagemann updated that Commission on the Driehaus award. Hagemann stated that all the
information has been collected. He will be meeting with them on Wednesday. There was
confusion on his part regarding the deadline. He thought the deadline was July 31st but it is
actually July 1st
. Hagemann stated that he is doing his best to get the information submitted.
Sherer asked Albertson about the dance banner. Albertson stated that he believes that the owner
would be going to adjudication.
Albertson stated that there should be some things coming before the HPC regarding a restaurant
at the west end of the strip mall by Aliano’s. It is all in the discussion phase.
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June 27, 2016
Page 3
Hagemann asked about the former Marathon station. Albertson stated that he has heard that
someone is interested in purchasing the property and reopening it as a gas station. There are no
concrete plans as of yet.
Sherer asked what is going into the former Stosh’s building. Albertson stated that he has to
schedule a meeting with the owner to get the repairs started.
Sherer asked if there was anything new on the Baptist Church. Albertson stated that they are still
negotiating with a developer. Sherer asked if we could recommend that the bell tower stay.
Albertson stated that the HPC could recommend keeping the bell tower but it is the City
Council’s final say. Bus asked if the HPC would like to have the recommendation known now so
that we are not viewed as obstructionist. Bus stated that some effort should be made in the
negotiation process. Hagemann stated that he would need to know more information on the
project that is being proposed and whether or not it would be cost effective or if keeping the bell
tower would be an economic hardship to restore it. Hagemann stated that this could be a difficult
fight but we could ask and we could see what happens. Sherer asked when the building was built.
Albertson answered that this building was built in 1888. Sherer stated that is worth a try. Bus
stated that this is a landmark feature of a significant building and it would behoove the
Commission to have some effort made to save the bell tower. He understands that the building is
in terrible shape and it would take an awful lot to save the whole building.
Motion: Request that the Director of Community Development attend one of the HPC
meetings to report on a feasibility study of saving the bell tower for the former
church at 15 North Washington Avenue.
Maker: Sherer
Second: Roller
Voice Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 Absent
All in favor. Motion carried.
Sherer asked about the former Blaine Street School. Albertson stated that there is some
discussion on that building as well.
8. Adjournment
There being no other business to discuss, Chair Bus asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at
6:04pm; Made by Sullivan; Seconded by Hagemann. Motion carried.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Jennifer Austin-Smith
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