Kane County Reporter

City of Geneva Historic Preservation Commission met Jan. 22

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Call to Order

Chairman Zellmer called to order the January 22, 2025 Meeting of the Geneva Historic

Preservation Commission at 7:00 pm.

1. Roll Call

Present: Chairman Zellmer, Commissioners Phillips, Salomon, Tobler

Absent: Commissioners Jensen, McManus, Stazin

Staff Present: Preservation Planner Jackie Boling

Others Present: Recording Secretary Anna Benson

2. Approval of Minutes

Minutes of December 17, 2024

Motion by Commissioner Tobler to approve the meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Salomon. A roll call vote followed and the motion passed 4-0.

3. Five Minute Field Guide

- THAT Can Be Listed? Hidden Non-Building Landmarks That Tell Unique Stories.

Preservation Planner Jackie Boling presented a Five Minute Field Guide regarding nonbuilding historic landmarks such as Vernal the Dinosaur in Vernal, UT, Mile Markers on the National Road in WV, a McDonald’s Sign in Downey, CA, and the Boll Weevil Monument in Enterprise, AL.

4. Permit Review

A. 22 S Second Street Case 2025 - 005

Applicant: McCann Window and Door, American Legion Post 75

Request: Potential Window Replacement on a Contributing Structure

Ms. Boling introduced the property and some of its history. It was built in 1905 and has had many uses over time, such as a funeral chapel, garage, lunch car and is currently an American Legion Hall for Post 75. The proposal is to remove and replace windows along the James Street facade due to exterior deterioration. The applicant has received a grant in the amount of $13,200 from the City of Geneva funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA.) The new windows would maintain the same size and grid pattern as the existing ones. The interior would remain wood, and the exterior would feature the traditional brick mold casing. Ms. Boling reviewed the style, condition, and measurements of each window and presented photos.

Chairman Zellmer asked if the applicant had anything to add. Larry Barrens, member of the American Legion Post 75 on the executive committee, approached the podium and spoke. He said the plan is to replace the windows on Second Street after raising more funds.

Commissioner Phillips stated that the windows are obviously very deteriorated and asked for clarification about what brick mold casing is. Patrick McCann approached and responded to Commissioner Phillips general questions about the new windows.

Chairman Zellmer recalled that in the past the commission has desired the steel spacer bar within the simulated divided lites to be black instead of stainless steel, as they have found stainless steel catches light. Commissioner Zellmer asked if Ms. Boling could verify that was the case.

Chairman Zellmer asked if the windows are original and Mr. McCann responded that they weren’t sure but they are single pane and putty glazed so old enough to be authentic.

There were no further questions or discussion.

Motion by Commissioner Salomon to accept the application as presented with the replacement of the three windows, with the applicant to work with staff on the color for the spacer bar within the window glass. Seconded by Commissioner Phillips. A roll call vote followed and the motion passed 4-0.

B. 418 S Fifth Street Case 2024 - 087

Applicant: TJ Bollinger, Contractor

Request: Potential Siding Replacement on a Contributing Structure

Ms. Boling briefly reviewed the application. Last month, the commission reviewed a proposal for siding replacement at this location. Chairman Zellmer asked if the applicant had anything to add to Ms. Boling’s summary. TJ Bollinger approached the podium and spoke about the proposal. He said in this proposal he did a complete breakdown of every component. 

The commission sought clarification about the estimates found in the packets. The estimate to replace the entire house in kind with cedar siding is about $90,000. The estimate to do the house in LP SmartSiding is around $63,000. The estimate to repair the deteriorated cedar is around $60,000. According to the applicant 58% of the cedar siding is unsalvageable.

The commissioners explained their mandates as members of the HPC and that the SOI standards ask them to prioritize the repair of original materials first, replacement in kind as a second option, and as a third option to use a different material. Commissioner Phillips said given the mandate the commission has to preserve, he doesn't see a case to be made to do the whole house in LP SmartSiding. Chairman Zellmer and Commissioner Salomon spoke in agreement about the mandate which is to preserve and repair. Commissioner Salomon added that these are the same set of standards other homeowners have had to comply with within the historic district.

The applicant responded that the estimate does not represent the amount of money the homeowner will have to pay to repair or replace the other 40% of the wood in coming years when it deteriorates. He said that it doesn't make complete sense to him and was curious how a house down the road is entirely Hardy Board and other situations, to which the commission responded that it is all reviewed on a case by case basis. The applicant and commissioners discussed their opinions on the matter and the HPCs processes peacefully.

Motion by Commissioner Phillips to approve the siding repair at 418 S Fifth Street as presented in the application. Seconded by Commissioner Salomon. A roll call vote followed and the motion failed 0-4.

5. Siding Policy Review

The revised siding policy was not reviewed in detail and was postponed for another meeting as edits are still underway. The commission discussed different aspects of siding replacement proposals.

6. Secretary’s Report (Staff Updates)

Ms. Boling stated that she has administratively approved six building permits since the last meeting, majority was for signs.

Ms. Boling reported she has completed the intensive-level survey, and is moving on to final reviewing and making edits where needed.

7. New Business

A. From the Commission:

There was none. 

B. From the Public:

There was none.

8. Adjournment

At 8:05 pm Commissioner Salomon made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Phillips. Motion passed by voice vote 4-0. 

https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01222025-2475