City of Elgin Heritage Commission met Oct. 4.
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 (6:05), Janine Hnatusko, Rebecca Hunter, Marge Rowe, Dennis Roxworthy, Scott Savel, and John Marston.
2. Members Absent: John Regan, John Wiedmeyer
3. City Staff Present: Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner
B. Approval of Minutes:
1. A motion was made by Commissioner Roxworthy to approve the August 2, 2022 minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Savel.
The motion passed 6-0-1 (Hnatusko abstained).
C. Recognize Persons Present: Christina Pila
D. Plaque applications:
1. 663 Preston Avenue – The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance 9.43; Architectural Significance: 9.71; Current Maintenance: 8.00. A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read F. & A. (Frank & Ann) Krieger, 1928. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Anderson.
The motion passed unanimously.
E. Old Business
1. Reports from Neighborhood Groups on Heritage Related Activities
a. Commissioner Rowe noted that the Elgin History Museum’s 35th Annual Cemetery Walk was a success.
b. She also noted that the Cobblestone rear deck is still in permit review.
c. Commissioner Rowe stated that the Windmill cistern is being painted this week. A maintenance schedule is being created by the Elgin History Museum.
d. She also noted that the Elgin History Museum’s Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, October 9th at 2:00PM at the Elgin History Museum.
e. The Annual Elgin History Museum gala will be held on October 29th at the Holiday Inn and the theme is Oktoberfest.
f. Lastly, Commissioner Rowe noted that the Elgin History Museum will be taking on an intern from the Architecture Department at Judson in the spring. She will also be assisting with the Elgin Heritage Commission’s HistoricElgin website and creating a tour to be presented in May during Preservation Month.
g. Commissioner Hunter stated that NENA is need of volunteers for Halloween setup on Douglas Avenue. She noted that the block will be closed during trick or treating.
h. Commissioner Savel stated that participating in Local History Day at the Elgin Farmer’s Market was a success. The Heritage Commission received a lot of exposure especially with the mini car show which had 15 cars. Commissioner Savel and Commissioner Roxworthy would like to expand the Heritage Commission sponsored car show next year possibly in the same lot and maybe on a Sunday as they don’t want to take away parking for attendees at the Farmer’s Market.
i. Commissioner Hnatusko noted that the Gifford Park Association is hosting a Fall Fest on Saturday, October 8th from 1PM-4PM at Gifford Park. It is free and open to all.
j. Chairman Marston stated that the 40th Annual House Tour was a success with 800 people in attendance on Saturday and 200 on Sunday, despite the rain. He stated that 60% of the House Captains and volunteers were from Design Review and the Heritage Commission which is remarkable and he commended all those who helped out during that weekend.
2. 2022 Elgin Heritage Commission Goals
a. Historic Resources Survey
Commissioner Hunter noted that she has only four block histories left to complete. Staff also noted that she is compiling Commissioner Hunter’s information into the Excel document.
b. Bungalow Website
Staff noted that the Judson architecture student will be assisting with inputting information on the website and she likely will start in the spring.
c. Design Review Subcommittee - Updates
Commissioner Savel noted that the Design Review Subcommittee works hard at finding the best possible solution with the least amount of cost for residents. At the last meeting, the subcommittee noted that an alternate design to a retaining wall, which was preferable in design, would cost less than the design that was being proposed. The owner was thankful of the suggestion and excited for the new design. d. Elgin Heritage Commission Budget
After upcoming expenses, the Heritage Commission will only have $235 remaining in their account. The commission will discuss if this should go towards a down payment for the Mayor’s Awards or if it should go towards plaque materials at their next regular scheduled meeting.
F. New Business
1. Possible December Heritage Commission Event
It was noted that the commission has only one plaque to present for the awards ceremony and it would be more special to present this plaque at the Mayor’s Award instead. They agreed to not host a December Plaque Awards this year.
2. Mayor’s Awards Discussion
Staff asked the Heritage Commission to start thinking of venues that we could host the Mayor’s Awards. She presented a list of a few venues, one of which was a venue within the historic Waverly Hotel stables along Highland. The commissioners were interested in this space as well and asked staff to reach out to the venue to see if they have any availability for Tuesday, May 2nd.
G. Other Business
Staff stated that the Image Awards returned and are being overseen by the Chamber of Commerce. She noted that the nominations are due November 1st.
H. Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rowe and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
https://www.cityofelgin.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/8111
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