City of Elgin Heritage Commission met Jan. 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
A. The meeting of the Elgin Heritage Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers by Chairman John Marston.
1. Members Present: Brian Anderson, Janine Hnatusko, Rebecca Hunter, John Regan, Marge Rowe, Dennis Roxworthy, Scott Savel (6:02) and John Marston.
2. Members Absent: None
3. City Staff Present: Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner
B. Approval of Minutes:
1. A motion was made by Commissioner Roxworthy to approve the November 1, 2022 minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rowe. The motion passed 6-0-1 (Regan abstained).
C. Recognize Persons Present: Rebecca and Daniel Brant; Chloe Burkhart
D. Plaque applications:
1. 425 Ball Street – The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance 7.125; Architectural Significance: 8.00; Current Maintenance: 7.75. A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read J. & C. (Joseph & Caroline) Krambeer, 1908. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hunter.
The motion passed unanimously.
E. Old Business
1. Reports from Neighborhood Groups on Heritage Related Activities
a. Commissioner Rowe stated that work continues at the Nancy Kimball House, 302 W. Chicago Street. She also stated that the building now has temporary occupancy through Spring, 2023.
b. Commissioner Hnatusko stated that the Gifford Park Association’s holiday party had between 40-50 people in attendance and that their next upcoming meeting will be discussing/voting for board positions.
2. 2023 Elgin Heritage Commission Goals
a. Historic Resources Survey
Staff noted that they have five more blocks to complete and then the survey sheets are fully compiled. She should have them completed by the February meeting to present to the board. Commissioner Hunter also noted that she has completed her historic research and was able to find the construction dates for each home so that we aren’t guessing when the building was constructed.
b. Bungalow Website
Staff noted that the Judson architecture student will likely be starting her volunteer internship in January but she needs to figure out her class schedule as well as when she will be working.
c. Design Review Subcommittee - Updates
No updates.
F. New Business
1. 2022 Budget Wrap-up Report and 2023 Budget Projections
Staff presented the 2022 budget and what items were spent on during the past year. The commission noted that the increase in budget will help immensely in balancing the cost of the Mayor’s Awards but as well as being able to fund some preservation minded projects throughout the city.
The commission also reviewed the 2023 budget. Chairman Marston asked the commission to think of projects that could get done in 2023 that requires funding and to bring those ideas to the board in February to be a part of the 2023 commission goals discussion.
2. 2023 Elgin Heritage Commission Goals
The commission discussed briefly some ideas they had for possible goals and projects for the 2023 year including the creation of signage in the D.C. Cook/Lovell Area Historic District as well as creating an informational sign in Esmeralda Place facing the D.C. Cook property, similar to those found at the museum, Lords Park, and Newsome Park. Another idea that was brought up was partnering with NENA for a rehab project of the brick hill.
Chairman Marston asked the commission to come with ideas for goals/projects at their next meeting.
3. Preservation Month
Staff noted that she followed up with the owner of Frida’s Party Room and at this time, she does not need any additional information from us but asked to reach out with a head count and what we may need such as chairs and tables for the event in early April. Staff also noted that since we were able to place a large deposit down for the caterer that the remaining balance was less than $500. The commission noted that this put them in a good position to allocate funds to preservation projects versus solely on the Mayor’s Awards.
Commissioner Hunter noted that she will start working on the history of 219 W. Highland Avenue so we can create a Heritage Plaque for the owners as a thank you gift for being able to use their space at no cost. She will have that completed by the March meeting.
Commissioner Savel confirmed that we need Heritage and Bungalow plaques made. He noted he will follow up at the next meeting with material cost.
4. Historic Rehabilitation Grant Program
Staff noted that city council has funded $100,000 for the program. She will be announcing grants on Friday, January 6th with a due date on March 31st.
G. Other Business
1. Chairman Marston noted that he’d like to look into the creation of a maintenance/paint grant. He stated that the historic districts could benefit from this type of grant. It was noted that paint work would not qualify for the Historic Rehabilitation grant and most homes in the districts need maintenance work versus full rehabilitation. It was noted that outside entities who have grants focused on maintenance/paint have a long wait list or refuse to work on pre-1978 homes.
H. Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner Anderson to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rowe and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
https://www.cityofelgin.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/8247
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