Kane County Reporter

City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission met September 24.

Here is the minutes as provided by the commission:

Please Note: These minutes are not a word-for-word transcription of the statements made at the meeting, nor intended to be a comprehensive review of all discussions. They are intended to make an official record of the actions taken by the Committee/City Council, and to include some description of discussion points as understood by the minute-taker. They may not reference some of the individual attendee’s comments, nor the complete comments if referenced.

1. Meeting Called to Order

Chair Hagemann called the meeting to order at 5:30pm.

2. Roll Call

Members Present:   Chair Hagemann; Vice-Chair Roller; Commissioners Hohmann, Sullivan (entered at 5:40pm), Sherer, and Bus

Members Absent:

Also Present:           Jeff Albertson, Building Commissioner; Jennifer Austin-Smith, Recording Secretary

3. Approval of Minutes: September 10, 2018

Motion:       To approve the minutes from September 10, 2018

Maker:        Sherer

Second:      Hohmann

Voice Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 Absent

Motion carried.

4. Items to be Removed, Added or Changed

There were no items to be removed, added or changed.

5. Matters From the Public (for items not on the agenda)

There were no members from the public to address the Commission.

6. COA Review Reconsideration: 12 West Wilson Street – Wall Sign (Banner Up Signs, applicant)

A representative from Banner Up Signs stated that the client has chosen a corner sign, twenty inches tall and nine foot wide. The specs are still the same as to how it would be lit up. There would be a brown background and the letters would not light up but glow against the background. Roller noted that the way the sign is illuminated is similar to another business in the downtown. Bus stated that this is a significant building and the First National Bank sign on the building does need to be preserved. Bus continued that the preservation plan discourages covering up signage that is related to the history of the building. Hohmann showed historic pictures of the building at 12 West Wilson Street from 1918, 1931 and 1944. Sherer noted that the remodeling of the building began after 1918. Sherer stated that the proposed sign for this building is higher than other signs in the area and the sign should be for pedestrians and not automobiles. She continued that she is concerned that at night this sign is all you are going to see and she does not want that sign to be defining Batavia. She asked if the sign could be put over the door since in two years they will be taking over the first floor. Albertson stated that a variance would be needed. Hagemann stated that he does not see how they could secure the sign with the same visibility with an alternate location. Roller noted that the last meeting there was a consensus to have the sign located on the corner. Roller continued that she does not believe the sign would be very bright at night.

Motion:       To approve COA with the sign mounted to the corner

Maker:        Hohmann

Second:      Roller

Roll Call Vote:   Aye:  Hohmann, Sullivan, Roller, Hagemann, Bus

                         Nay:  Sherer

                         5-1 Vote, 0 Absent, Motion carried.

7. 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. 129 South Batavia Avenue – Historic Inspection

      7. 8 North River Street – Historic Inspection

      8. 16 East Wilson Street – Historic Inspection

      9. Certified Local Government

Albertson stated that there is nothing more to report at this time.

8. Other Business

Albertson showed the Commission the new proposed façade for Boca-Ditos and asked if the Commission would like the applicant to return for discussion on the revisions. The consensus of the Commission was to have the applicant return. Albertson concurred that it is a significant change that would require the applicant to return to the Commission. Chair Hagemann suggested that the applicant return with the materials and the colors and an explanation on the reason for the change. Roller noted that the revision looks very generic compared to the first version.

Chair Hagemann asked Albertson to send the Commission the Design Guidelines for a final review at the next Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meeting. Chair Hagemann stated that at the next meeting the HPC could consider an ordinance to recommend the changes to the City Council. Albertson noted that he would need a summary of the changes to the Design Guidelines from the Commission in order to finalize the draft ordinance.

Chair Hagemann stated that the Driehaus Award submission was officially mailed from Batavia Main Street and he will check on the status of the award.

Roller noted that the gutter is hanging off the Brianna’s building. Albertson stated that he would check into that. He added that there is some painting that needs to be completed as well.

Sherer asked about the Academy of Dance banner. Albertson stated that the business owner has been unresponsive.

9. Adjournment

There being no other business to discuss, Chair Hagemann asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:57pm; Made by Hohmann; Seconded by Bus. Motion carried.

http://www.cityofbatavia.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09242018-1265