A. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call ELGIN HERITAGE COMMISSION Tuesday, January 5, 2016 7:00pm City Council Chambers, 2 nd Floor North Tower 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 60120 AGENDA B. Approval of Minutes 1. November 3, 2015 Elgin Heritage Commission C. Recognize Persons Present D. Plaque Applications 1. 1262 W. Highland Avenue Sears Plaque Application E. Old Business 1. Reports from Neighborhood Groups on Heritage Related Activities 2. Mayor s Initiative a. Directional Signage update 3. Alternative Tour Methods (to replace Guide By Cell ) a. Web Based App b. Cancellation of Guide By Cell next steps for current signs (a) Lowered cost discussion 4. Ideas for More Advertisement for the Historic Rehabilitation Grant Program F. New Business 1. 2014 budget wrap up report, and 2015 budget projections (attached documentation) G. Other Business H. Adjournment THE CITY OF ELGIN IS SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990. INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES WHO PLAN TO ATTEND THIS MEETING AND WHO REQUIRED CERTAIN ACCOMMODATIONS IN ORDER TO ALLOW THEM TO OBSERVE AND/OR PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING, OR WHO HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ACCESSIBILITY OF THE MEETING OR THE FACILITIES, ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, ADA COORDINATOR AT (847) 931 5620 {TDD (847) 931 5616} PROMPTLY TO ALLOW THE CITY OF ELGIN TO MAKE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THOSE PERSONS.
City of Elgin Elgin Heritage Commission November 3, 2015 Proposed Minutes A. The meeting of the Elgin Heritage Commission was called to order at 7:34 p.m. in the City Council Chambers by Chairman John Wiedmeyer. 1. Members Present: Elizabeth Femal, George Rowe, Judith Van Dusen, Scott Savel, Judith Rivera, Tom Krebsbach, Rebecca Hunter and John Wiedmeyer 2. Members Absent: Steve Thoren 3. Others Present: Richard Popko 4. City Staff Present: Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner; Sarosh Saher, Senior Planner A motion was made by Commissioner Rivera to move 363 Wellington appeal review before approval of minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Femal. The motion passed 8 0. B. New Business 1. Appeals: 363 Wellington Avenue It was stated by Commissioner Savel that it would set a bad precedent if the Commission allowed the applicant to maintain his vinyl siding and vinyl windows as the applicant did not receive a permit for the work. Commissioner Savel also mentioned that if the applicant took out a permit for the work completed on the exterior, they would have been notified that they were in a historic district and were not permitted to use inappropriate materials such as vinyl. The applicant was concerned that given the situation he won t be able to place a renter in the home until the exterior is corrected. Commissioner Femal reassured him that the Commission does not review interiors and that the applicant can have a renter live there while the work on the exterior is completed. The applicant understood that he made a mistake and will do what it takes to correct the situation so that his work meets the guidelines. Mr. Saher stated that the applicant may be in the Rivers Edge Redevelopment zone and if so, he may qualify for tax credits as the property will be used as a rental property. The applicant seemed interested in any grants that would be available to restore the building. A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to uphold the decision of the Design Review Subcommittee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hunter. The motion passed unanimously.
Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 2 November 3, 2015 C. Approval of Minutes: 1. A motion was made by Commissioner Femal to approve the October 6, 2015 minutes with the following amendments: Krebsbach abstained from voting on the plaque application for 420 Douglas; and the date in the header changed to read October 6, 2015. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Savel. The motion passed 8 0. D. Recognize Persons Present: the Commission recognized Robert Popko E. Plaque applications: 1. 612 Raymond Street The plaque nomination received the following average score: Architectural Significance: 3. Since the application for the H. Hubbard House built in 1876 failed to meet the 6 points in Architectural Significance it was deemed ineligible for a plaque award. 2. 162 College Street The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance: 9.0; Architectural Significance: 9.0; Current Maintenance: 9.25. A motion was made by Commissioner Rivera to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read 1861, P. Jones (Abbreviated for Patrick Jones). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hunter. The motion passed 8 0. 3. 844 Brook Street The item was removed until there is significant work completed on the porch of the home (2015 second round grant recipient). A motion was made by Commissioner Rowe to remove the nomination for the H. & I. James house built in 1908 until future work on porch is completed in 2016. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hunter The motion passed 7 0 1 (Savel abstained). F. Old Business 1. Reports from Neighborhood Groups on Heritage Related Activities i. Northeast Neighborhood Association (NENA) will be hosting a Homes for the Holidays House Tour, showcasing eight homes in Elgin s Historic Northeast Neighborhood to be held on December 5, 2015 from 12:00PM 5:00PM. More information can be found at www.nenaofelgin.org. ii. Elgin Area Historical Society Annual Benefit will be hosted on Saturday, November 7 th from 6:00PM 10:00PM at the Elgin Country Club. Commissioner Rowe stated that the tickets have been sold out as of October 31, 2015. 2. December Plaque Awards i. The awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 from 7:00PM 9:00PM at the Elgin History Museum. The event will including awarding six plaques recipients, a lecture on Elgin s new Bungalow Thematic Historic District as well as awarding two plaque recipients for their inclusion into the Bungalow Thematic Historic District.
Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 3 November 3, 2015 3. Mayor s Initiative Ideas i. Directional Signage Update To be discussed at the January 5, 2016 Heritage Commission meeting. 4. Alternative Tour Methods (to replace Guide by Cell ) i. Web Based App To be discussed at the January 5, 2016 Heritage Commission meeting. ii. Cancellation of Guide By Cell next steps for current signs To be discussed at the January 5, 2016 Heritage Commission meeting. G. New Business 1. Elgin Heritage Commission Budget Update Ms. Sundquist provided the Commission with its current budget status. She reviewed upcoming anticipated expenses. The plaque painting and website cost are the only expected and remaining expenses of the year. In keeping with this, Commissioner Rowe requested the Commission s consideration for donating the remainder of the funding to the Elgin Area Historical Society for the purchase of computer equipment. Staff stated that the Downtown Neighborhood Association Design Committee is also requesting funds for production of a Downtown Elgin Commercial District Historical Walking Tour booklet. The Commission stated their concerns of the funding request provided by the Downtown Neighborhood Association Design Committee as there were no cost estimates provided. Commissioner Femal stated that she would like to see not only a cost estimate but a preliminary booklet to show what information would be included. The Commission agreed that they will partially fund seed money for the Downtown Neighborhood Association Design Committee of $500.00. When cost estimates and a preliminary booklet are provided, the Commission will review the proposal for additional funds. A motion was made by Commissioner Van Dusen to fund $500.00 to the Downtown Neighborhood Association Design Review Subcommittee and the remaining funds to be donated to the Elgin Area Historical Society for the purchase of equipment. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rivera. The motion passed unanimously. Staff also stated that the website will cost a fee of $236.00 per year. Commissioner Femal mentioned that this amount is more cost effective than the Guide By Cell s yearly cost. A motion was made by Commissioner Rowe to allow staff to pay $236.00 for the year subscription to the website for 2016. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hunter. The motion passed unanimously.
Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 4 November 3, 2015 2. Recommendation Historic Rehabilitation Grant Program The Commission asked on the status of grants to be funded next year. Staff stated that given the current situation with the State budget, Elgin has not been released their Riverboat funds which are used for all capital improvement projects including the Historic Rehabilitation Grant program. In light of the funds being released from the State, the Commission agreed to send a recommendation to the Elgin City Council that the 50/50 and 75/25 Historic Architectural Rehabilitation Grant Programs be considered to continue to receive funding in the 2016 fiscal year. Commissioner Savel stated that this was a great program that had a huge impact on properties within historic districts and landmarks. A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to recommend to the City Council that funding the grants in 2016 be given strong consideration. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Femal and passed unanimously. 3. Letter of Support for the Elgin History Museum s IMLS grant application Ms. Sundquist and Commissioner Rowe provided a background for the letter of support requested by the Elgin History Museum. The Elgin History Museum is applying for a grant to the 2015 Institute of Museums and Library Services Museums for America program to digitize the Gylleck Photograph Collection consisting of 4,094 Elgin images. The images include Elgin at a variety of different time periods, Elgin homes and businesses, schools, railroads and a large number of photos of the Elgin Road Race. Commissioner Femal stated that this would be a wonderful program and resource for Elgin. A motion was made by Commissioner Rivera to provide a letter of support to the Elgin History Museum for their grant application. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Savel. The motion passed unanimously. 4. DNA Downtown Elgin Commercial District Historical Walking Tour booklet funding request The Commission stated that they will fund $500 seed money to begin the project discussed in the Elgin Heritage Commission Budget update discussion (Agenda Item G1). 5. Appeals 1013 Douglas Avenue At the hearing, the applicant stated that he received a couple cost estimates to restore the wrought iron columns. The applicant specified that the cost estimates were close to $10,000. Commissioner Van Dusen stated that $10,000 is a lot of money for restoration of the columns. Commissioner Savel noted that the original materials are unique and what defines it in the neighborhood with this unusual architectural element, however, he agreed the cost for restoration is high. Chairman Wiedmeyer suggested that the owner salvages the iron work and place it in his rear yard as a decorative garden arbor.
Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 5 November 3, 2015 It was also suggested that if the applicant did not want to keep the iron work, that they donate it to a resale store. A motion was made by Commissioner Rowe to uphold the decision of the Design Review Subcommittee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Femal. The motion failed 7 1 (aye Savel). H. Other Business 1. Commissioner Rowe stated that he toured the Wing Mansion on October 17, 2015. He wanted to thank Commissioner Thoren for offering the tour and for his hospitality. Chairman Wiedmeyer stated that he also received a personal tour of the Wing Mansion by Commissioner Thoren and mentioned that Commissioner Thoren welcomes anyone on the Commission who would like to receive a tour of the home to contact him. I. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rivera and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner Community Development Department Approved:
Christen Sundquist From: Sent: To: Subject: Patty Ruland <patty@guidebycell.com> Wednesday, December 09, 2015 9:20 AM Christen Sundquist Guide by Cell follow up Hi Christen, To recap our earlier phone conversation, we would be able to continue your audio service at a reduce price of $250 for the next year. Also, I have keep your current account live until the board makes its decision on January 5 th. Please let me know if you have any questions. Patty Ruland Solutions Consultant GUIDE BY CELL Direct 415.997.0213 Office 415.615.0150 patty@guidebycell.com www.guidebycell.com 1
2015 Elgin Heritage Commission Budget Budgeted Amount Mayor's Awards $ 1,800.00 Caterer $ 725.50 Misc. Expenses (Plaque Frames, Gold Seals) $ 364.21 Security Guard $ Plaques/certificates (includes plaque replacement) $ 285.00 Digitized Elgin Logo 1 time fee $ 28.00 Proposed plaques (includes plaque replacement) $ 90.00 Proposed bungalow plaques $ 60.00 Plaque Materials $ 109.94 Graphic design of Brochure/Poster $ Amount Expended $ 1,662.65 General Fund $ 3,200.00 Memberships Landmarks Illinois $ 50.00 IL Assoc. of Hist. Preservation Commissions $ 50.00 National Alliance of Preservation Commissions $ 150.00 Elgin Area Historical Society 1. Dairies to Praries Documentary $ 500.00 2. End of Year Balance allocation $ 1,315.55 Downtown Neighborhood Association 1. Walking Tour brochures $ 500.00 Website App: Historic Elgin $ 205.55 Guide by Cell Inc. $ 475.00 New Commissioner Name plates $ 10.00 Public Hearing Signs $ Paddock Publications Public Hearing Notices $ 63.75 Historic Rehab Grant Review Food $ 17.50 Amount Expended $ 3,337.35 Total Annual Budget $ 5,000.00 Total Amount Expended (Mayor's Awards and General) $ 5,000.00 Funds remaining from Preservation Month $ 137.35 Funds remaining from General $ (137.35) Total Funds Remaining $ (0.00) Updated December 28, 2015
2016 Elgin Heritage Commission Budget Budgeted Amount Mayor's Awards $ 1,800.00 Caterer $ Misc. Expenses (Plaque Frames, Gold Seals) $ Security Guard $ Plaques/certificates (includes plaque replacement) $ Bungalow plaques/certificates $ Plaque Materials $ Amount Expended $ General Fund $ 3,200.00 Memberships $ Landmarks Illinois $ IL Assoc. of Hist. Preservation Commissions $ National Alliance of Preservation Commissions $ Elgin Area Historical Society 1. $ 2. End of Year Balance allocation $ Downtown Neighborhood Association 1. $ Website App: Historic Elgin $ Guide by Cell Inc. $ New Commissioner Name plates $ Public Hearing Signs $ Paddock Publications Public Hearing Notices $ Historic Rehab Grant Review Food $ Amount Expended $ Total Annual Budget $ 5,000.00 Total Amount Expended (Mayor's Awards and General) $ Funds remaining from Preservation Month $ 1,800.00 Funds remaining from General $ 3,200.00 Total Funds Remaining $ 5,000.00 Updated January 4, 2016