Kane County Reporter

City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission met Feb. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1. Meeting Called to Order

Vice-Chair Bus called the meeting to order at 5:43pm.

2. Roll Call

Members Present: Chair Bus; Vice-Chair Barraza, Commissioners Alderson and Koc Members Absent: Commissioner Saam

Also Present: Jeff Albertson, Building Commissioner

3. Approval of Minutes: November 22, 2021

Motion: To approve the minutes from November 22, 2021

Maker: Saam

Second: Alderson

Voice Vote: 4 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 Absent

Motion carried.

4. Items to be Removed, Added or Changed

Albertson announced he would have one item under “Other” to discuss with the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC).

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

There were no matters from the public.

6. COA Review: 10 Shumway Avenue – Wall Signs (Frank Mercadante, applicant) Frank Mercadante, applicant, addressed the HPC. He discussed the three wall signs, one on the front of Shumway, the other on the back of the building, and a third blade sign to stick out for better visibility. The HPC reviewed photos of the proposed signs.

Chair Bus announced that this building is considered contributing. Albertson noted that there was a significant remodel in 2011 by the former tenant. The HPC discussed the business, sign colors, sign imagery, sign construction and how the signs would be mounted to the building. The blade sign would be an internally illuminated double side sign. The other signs would be internally lit. Chair Bus asked if the signs are in compliance with the Zoning Code. Albertson answered that it was.

Chair Bus asked if the signs would be installed in the mortar joints. Mercadante answered that they would be. Chair Bus asked that the COA include that the mounting bolts would be through the mortar joints and not through the masonry as a condition of approval. Albertson stated that he could add that as a condition of the issuance of the permit as well.

Motion: To approve the COA with the condition to have the mounting bolts through the mortar joints and not through the masonry and the colors as shown

Maker: Alderson

Second: Barraza

Roll Call Vote: Aye: Barraza, Alderson, Koc, Bus

Nay:

4-0 Vote, 1 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. 227 West Wilson Street – Historic Inspection

5. 16 East Wilson Street – Historic Inspection

Albertson stated that there were no updates at this time.

8. Other Business

Albertson stated that there was a meeting of the Preservation Partners last month along with the Historic Liaisons from Kane County to discuss some ideas and commonality of things happening in town.

Al Watts, Community Engagement Director for Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley, addressed the Commission. He stated that he wanted to introduce himself to the HPC and begin working along with the Commission. Watts discussed the mission of the Preservation Partners of Fox Valley with the Commission. Watts noted that he would be attending future HPC meetings as long as his schedule allows. Chair Bus suggested working with the HPC to expand the Historic District since we have the smallest district in the area. Watts noted that most Batavia homes that are pre World War Two are not in the Historic District. Watts stated that if the HPC is interested in expanding the Historic District the Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley could assist.

Chair Bus suggested that the Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley look into the Amasa White home on Fabyan Parkway as a potential local landmark.

9. Adjournment

There being no other business to discuss, Chair Bus asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:11pm; Made by Barraza Seconded by Alderson. All were in favor. Motion carried.

http://www.cityofbatavia.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02142022-1872