North Cook News

City of Elgin Heritage Commission met Sept. 3

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: Rebecca Hunter, Tonya Luchetti, Christina Pila, John Regan, Marge Rowe, Scott Savel and John Marston.

2. Members Absent: Janine Hnatusko, Dennis Roxworthy

3. City Staff Present: Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner

B. Approval of Minutes:

1. A motion was made by Commissioner Pila to approve the June 4, 2024 minutes with the following amendments: Tonya Luchetti and Christina Pila added to members present.

The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hunter.

The motion passed 7-0-1 (Regan abstained).

C. Recognize Persons Present: None

D. Plaque applications:

1. 527 Laurel Street: The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance 10.00; Architectural Significance: 9.17; Current Maintenance: 7.50.

A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read W. W. & R. (William Wright & Rachel)

Abell, 1888.

The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pila.

The motion passed 7-0-1 (Hunter abstained).

2. 1000 Logan Avenue: The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance 7.67; Architectural Significance: 7.67; Current Maintenance: 8.67.

A motion was made by Commissioner Savel to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read W. & A. (Walter and Anna) Pertiet, 1925.

The motion was seconded by Commissioner Luchetti.

The motion passed 7-0-1 (Hunter abstained).

3. 43 Hamilton Avenue: The plaque nomination received the following average scores: Historic Significance 9.00; Architectural Significance: 8.67; Current Maintenance: 9.50.

A motion was made by Commissioner Pila to approve awarding the plaque for the property with the inscription that would read A. & L. (Arthur and Lida) Giertz, 1925.

The motion was seconded by Commissioner Savel.

The motion passed 7-0-1 (Hunter abstained).

Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes Page 2

E. Old Business

1. Reports from Neighborhood Groups on Heritage Related Activities

a. Commissioner Rowe noted the following:

i. Lords Park Zoo closed on August 11th and had over 12,000 visitors and over 30 programs.

ii. Elgin History Museum had their annual car show as well as a couple programs at the Cobblestone. Other programs at the museum included the Preserve Your Neighborhood Exhibit focused on the Elgin National Watch Historic District and the preparation of the upcoming Cemetery Walk.

b. Commissioner Hunter noted the following:

i. The restoration of the property on the corner of Summit and Douglas is going very well.

2. 2024 Elgin Heritage Commission Goals

a. Historic Resources Survey

No Update

b. Bungalow Website

Staff noted that a summer intern within the Community Development Department assisted with adding more bungalows to the HistoricElgin.com website.

3. Design Review Subcommittee

Commissioner Savel noted that the DRSC reviewed a solar panel request and educated a property owner regarding window restoration and their options.

Commissioner Luchetti noted that it would be worthwhile to create a “Did You Know” video series that can be placed on the website that focuses on key subjects such as: Window Restoration, Paint, Solar Panels, and Grants. This would allow us to focus on educating prior to property owners submitting a permit. The commission asked

Commissioner Luchetti to figure out a plan for the videos to discuss at the next meeting.

4. 2024 Marketing and Outreach Plan

a. 4th of July Parade

Chairman Marston thanked those that were able to attend the parade and heard it was successful in advertising the carshow, house tour and our historicelgin.com website.

b. Heritage Commission Car Show, August 4th

Commission Savel noted that there were approximately 130 cars compared to 13 cars the first year. Noted it as highly successful and that he’s looking forward to next year’s event.

c. Downtown Elgin Market – September 6th

Staff noted that she will follow up via email asking for volunteers to assist with being at the market to represent the Heritage Commission for Local History Day.

F. New Business

1. National Alliance of Preservation Commissions – Best Practices in Protection Award Staff presented the award to the commission. They noted that it was wonderful to receive national recognition for the Historic District and Landmark Design Guidelines.

2. Gifford Park Association – Historic House Tour, September 7th and 8th

Staff reminded the commission of the upcoming event and encouraged them to attend if they are not able to volunteer.

3. Elgin History Museum – 2024 Cemetery Walk, September 21st – 22nd.

Staff reminded the commission of the upcoming event and encouraged them to attend if they are not able to volunteer.

4. Elgin History Museum – Nellis Clark Memorial Flag

Staff showed the structure on the NE corner of Chapel and DuPage Streets. The memorial flagpole was erected in 1918 by the class of 1917. Nellis Clark was the president of the Class of '17. He died in WWI in 1918 and the flagpole was dedicated to him. She noted that the Elgin History Museum may be looking at starting a conversation regarding the installation of interpretive signage near the pole to bring more awareness of the structure.

5. Budget

a. Memberships – NAPC and Landmarks Illinois

A motion was made by Commissioner Regan to renew the commission’s memberships to NAPC ($150) and Landmarks Illinois ($50). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hunter.

The motion passed unanimously.

6. December Plaque Awards

Staff noted that we will likely have five plaques that could be presented their certificates in December. The commission agreed that presenting the heritage plaques at the

Mayor’s Awards seems more special than during a December ceremony. The commission may still want to host a lecture in December but unsure of the logistics at this time.

7. 2025 Preservation Month Discussion

a. Event Location Discussion

Staff noted that a possible location for the awards ceremony could be the Hemmens to show off the new addition. Chairman Marston stated that if that doesn’t work, then they can reach out to the Elgin Math and Science Academy as it would be great to get back there since the Administration Building has been restored. The commission asked for staff to look into the Hemmens for the possible event venue as a first choice since this space has not been used for the Mayor’s Awards yet.

b. Caterer Discussion

The commission noted that they would like to look at local caterers. Commissioner Luchetti suggested reaching out to the Chamber of Commerce for a list.

G. Other Business

1. None

H. Adjournment

A motion was made by Commissioner Rowe to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Luchetti and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

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