Kane County Reporter

City of Geneva Historic Preservation Commission met Oct. 15

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Call to Order

Chairman Zellmer called to order the October 15, 2024 Meeting of the Geneva Historic Preservation Commission at 7:00 pm.

1. Roll Call

Present: Chairman Zellmer, Commissioners Jensen, McManus, Phillips, Salomon, Stazin, Tobler

Absent: None

Staff Present: Preservation Planner Jackie Boling

Others Present: Recording Secretary Anna Benson

2. Approval of Minutes

Minutes of September 17, 2024

Motion by Commissioner Phillips to approve the minutes of the HPC meeting of September 17, 2024. Seconded by Commissioner Jensen. A roll call vote followed and the motion passed 5-0. Commissioners Salomon and Stazin abstained.

3. Public Hearing

A. 949 S Batavia Ave Case 2024 - 062

Applicant: Charles Baumann, Owner

Request: Continued - Potential Local Landmark Nomination

Motion by Commissioner McManus to re-open the public hearing for 949 S Batavia Avenue. Seconded by Commissioner Phillips. Motion passed by voice vote 7-0. 

Chairman Zellmer read a prepared statement about the procedures for this evening’s public hearing. Chairman Zellmer swore in the individuals planning to give testimony.

Preservation Planner Jackie Boling presented a brief overview of the request. Within the property boundaries lies three structures; the Brownson- Baumann house, also known as “The Geneva House”, a guest house and a garage. The guest house is submitted as a contributing structure and the garage a non-contributing structure.

Chairman Zellmer asked if the applicant wanted to add anything to what Ms. Boling presented. He did not. Chairman Zellmer asked if the commission had any questions and they did not. Chairman Zellmer asked if there was anyone in the audience that wanted to speak. Al Watts from Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley, approached the podium and introduced himself. He spoke in regards to a comment that was made at the last meeting about the fence on the property. He said that in looking through the ordinance there is nothing that says a historically designated landmark must be visible to the public. He suggested that the commission make it clear that any of the four facades of the main house, although not visible from the right of way, are relevant as far as alterations or additions. He added that the point of the house was not to be seen, but to be connected to nature and the trees were placed where they were because it was planned that way. Chairman Zellmer commented that there is enough of a difference between something being located in the historic district and something being landmarked, which encompasses the entire structure instead of something just viewed from the right of way. The commission clarified that they are indeed landmarking everything within the property lines versus the house alone, and within it contributing and non-contributing structures are identified. They discussed how the trees and landscape define the character of the house and its philosophy. They seemed to agree that they wouldn’t want anyone to come through and clear cut them down, however trees are not protected. Ms. Boling pointed out that a nomination to include the landscape could be added at a later date on a nomination application. At this point, Chairman Zellmer asked the commission if they felt comfortable closing the public hearing.

Motion by Commissioner Salomon to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Jensen. A roll call vote followed and the motion passed 7-0.

Chairman Zellmer asked the commission if they felt it meets the requirements of landmark status. Commissioner Phillips suggested the commission go through the five SOI standards and he read them aloud and the commissioners discussed and decided that it does meet the five standards. Chairman Zellmer asked if they felt they should include the macro landscaping around the structure within the designation. Commissioner Stazin said that he disagrees as he does not think the trees are the original landscape based on the photos. He said he would like to see the original site plan to know what trees were there and still remain or review the architect's thesis. The commissioners discussed the landscape and whether the current landscape is part of the original design or intent. At one point the applicant approached and pointed out a tree that is seen in the first photos of the house and is also seen in present day photos. They discussed how they could add consideration of the natural environment into the landmark and to what extent. After discussion of this, they decided to revisit that idea after more research. 

Motion by Commissioner Jensen to approve the landmark as presented at 949 S Batavia Avenue. Seconded by Commissioner Salomon. A roll call vote followed and the motion passed 7-0.

B. 202 N 6th St Case 2024 - 090

Applicant: Michael Olesen, Owner

Request: Potential Siding Replacement

Ms. Boling introduced the application for siding replacement on a contributing property, built in 1906 and originally located at 542 W. State Street. It currently retains original shakes and siding classified as wood clapboard. The applicant’s contractor, Fox Valley Unlimited, indicated that none of the boards are salvageable and they all need to be replaced. The new siding is proposed to be Hardy Board and cost of the job is estimated at $53,936. Meanwhile, the estimate to replace in kind is $110,000.

Michael Olesen, owner of the property, approached the podium and introduced himself. He said he wanted to explain a little bit about himself and his history with the house. He spoke about his investments in the home. He explained how he has been in a constant battle with birds and squirrels making holes in the siding and believes the Hardy Board will be the best solution. He notes that all the architectural details are in good shape, adding some trim needs to be replaced. Commissioner Stazin asked if the evaluation of the boards was done visually. The applicant responded that you can poke a hole through it with your finger. He said he has re-pounded in nails and even tried screws. The applicant said the reveal of the proposed Hardy Board is 4”, and it will arrive prime and painted. Metal brackets will be put on the corners of the house as they are there now.

Chairman Zellmer commented that the deterioration in the upper part of the house is very clear and in the lower part you can see almost every nail.

Commissioner Phillips asked the applicant how many lap boards he has replaced. Mr. Olesen responded that he has replaced various spots of 3 boards, primarily on the north side.

Commissioner Phillips commented that when his contractor said that 100% are unsalvageable, that is not technically accurate. Mr. Olesen said yes that is correct but he would say 98%. Chairman Zellmer asked the commission what their feelings are on the bottom portion. Commissioner Phillips said it doesn't look to him that it is 100% deteriorated and not fixable.

The commission discussed the state of the siding and the applicant explained that he is interested in historic preservation but he thinks repairing the boards is a losing battle. He believes the Hardy Board is the best option to preserve the house for the next 100 years. He said he interviewed 4 contractors and chose the guy with the best craftsmanship, not the lowest bid. He stated that he thinks new Hardy Board siding is the best option to preserve this wonderful house for decades to come and if the siding wasn't in bad shape he wouldn't be proposing a change to it. 

The commissioners discussed the siding replacement procedure and how to streamline it. They commented that if there was another estimate and expert opinion it would be beneficial. 

Commissioner Phillips asked one last question which was what material would be used to replace any of the crown modeling. The applicant responded with wood.

Motion by Commissioner Stazin to approve the case for siding replacement for 202 N 6th Street as submitted. Seconded by Commissioner McManus. A roll call vote followed and the motion passed 6-1.

4. Secretary’s Report (Staff Updates)

Ms. Boling said that she plans to revise the siding policy so that it is more user friendly, and would require more than one, itemized estimate. Commissioner Stazin added that he would like to see a survey from someone that has no fundiary interest in the project. Chairman Zellmer asked if they would need to vote on it and Ms. Boling responded yes.

Ms. Boling updated the commission that she has administratively approved 8 permits since the last meeting. She also stated that at the last city council meeting, the 2021 additions of International Building Code were adopted.

5. New Business

A. From the Commission:

Commissioner Jensen asked a question in regards to when the commission can concern themselves with the colors used on an historic building. Chairman Zellmer explained that if it is something like paint color that can be changed then it is not a concern to them, but when something like a new roof with a prefinished color or the color of an aluminum window system that is integral to the material it is a concern.

Chairman Zellmer asked for an update on Mill Race Inn. Ms. Boling responded that they were told they need to zip up the building and that they have not come forward with any plan.

The commission discussed the former Little Owl building located at Route 31 and State Street, with some stating they have heard the building is for sale and that the for sale sign is in the window and always has been.

B. From the Public:

There was none.

6. Adjournment

At 8:57 pm Commissioner Salomon made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Mcmanus. Motion passed by voice vote 7-0. 

https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10152024-2430