Kane County Reporter

City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission met Dec. 9

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1. SITE VISIT 106 North River Street - Commission Members to view the building; 3p to 5pm

Chair Bus noted that some of the Members were able to participate and that the building is too dangerous for the general public to enter.

2. RECONVENE TO CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT 5 p.m.

3. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

Chair Bus called the Historic Preservation Commission meeting to order at 5:00 pm.

4. ROLL CALL

Members Present: Chair Bus, Commissioners Koc, Mahler, Saam, Allen

Members Absent: Commissioner Connelly

Also Present: Mayor Schielke, Jeff Albertson, Building Commissioner; Peter Gerardi, Recording Secretary

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 25, 2024

MOTION: To recommend approval of the minutes

MAKER: Saam

SECOND: Mahler

VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.

6. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED

None.

7. COA Review: 106 North River Street - Primary Structure Demolition (City of Batavia, applicant):

Chair Bus reminded the Commission that this meeting is the second of two steps required in the COA process when a demolition is requested. He noted that at last week’s HPC meeting the Commission found that the application was complete and complied with the first step of the Ordinance regarding this contributing building. Jeff Albertson made a presentation for the City noting that the intention is to allow the City a relocation or demolition of the building and to combine the property with adjacent parcels in order to market the assemblage for redevelopment. He added that the building is in very poor shape.

Commissioner Saam asked if the building is not purchased by others, is it possible to preserve the sign on the side of the building and noted the poor roof condition and moldy smell on the inside. Albertson said that reusing materials is possible if in good condition and then read a statement offering commentary and perspective to reflect preserving the building from Batavia resident Daniel Russo; an e-mail Russo sent and received by the City on 12/9/24 which will be on file. Chair Bus asked if anyone from the public had comments or questions; there were none.

Albertson reiterated the City’s position noting that renovating the building was investigated but determined not economically feasible since the building is in such bad shape and that the City is willing to entertain relocation of the building by others. The HPC procedure from the City’s Ordinance was shown on the screen. The Commissioners discussed the review criteria and seemed to agree that several items had been met.

MOTION: To recommend City Council approval of the COA as amended below and based on review criterion item “c” of the Ordinance as the major finding being met. If and when demolition is imminent, the City shall salvage materials from the building as practicable such as the sign on the north facade.

MAKER: Saam

SECOND: Koc

VOICE VOTE: AYE: Saam, Mahler, Allen, Koc, Bus

NAY: None

ABSENT: Connelly

5-0 Vote; motion carried.

8. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC (NOT ON THE AGENDA)

None.

9. UPDATES:

None.

10. OTHER BUSINESS:

Chair Bus inquired about the date of the next meeting. Albertson noted the next meeting is in January.

11. ADJOURNMENT:

There being no other business to discuss, Chair Bus asked for a motion to adjourn. There was a motion and a second. By a voice vote, all were in favor and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 5:21PM.

https://www.bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/21353?fileID=16414