City of Wheaton Historic Commission met Nov. 15.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m.
Present in person: Nancy Flannery (Chair), Joe Szczepaniak (Vice Chair), Lisa Buchanan, Bob Purdy, Sophia Ruffolo
Present virtual: Steph McGrath (Secretary), Emelie Engling, Louise Ferrebee
Absent: Stephen Beach
II. Approval of Minutes
Minutes of the October 18, 2022 meeting approved on a motion by Bob, seconded by Joe, and passed unanimously.
III. Old Business
A. Revised Chair and Secretary responsibilities: Tabled until December meeting.
B. Chicago, Aurora and Elgin site marker: Installation by Michael Bowen was to be October 24 but upon arrival it was determined that the concrete foundation that was poured was not appropriate to ensure that it doesn't heave. A more robust one will be poured, and the installation will be rescheduled.
C. Illinois Attorney General Case 2021CH000460: Hearing is scheduled for December 15, 11AM. Will be viewable on Zoom.
D. Preservation Week Signs
i. Wheaton Historic Register slogans were discussed and “Historic Wheaton Property” was approved on a motion by Sophia, seconded by Lisa, and passed unanimously.
ii. Signs will be City of Wheaton blue color with white text. The previously approved QR code pointing to the landing page, Wheaton Register of Historic Places Program | Wheaton, IL and the text “Learn More” and “City of Wheaton
Historic Commission” will be below the slogan.
iii. Nancy will be contacting Allegra for a printing quote for the Historic Register property signs.
iv. A large banner displayed at City Hall during a previous Preservation Week was exhibited and discussed. Lisa said she had secured permission from Mike Bernard to place a similar banner on the WPD land at Roosevelt and Main. Louise agreed to prepare a mock-up of a new large banner to complement the new Historic Register property signs. Library files: Started to get some files to the Wheaton Public Library, the Wheaton Register of Historic Places nomination forms accepted since 2016. Still need to get copies of minutes and other files there.
E. Library Files Project: Nancy has taken many of the Historic Register Application files to the Library These files represent the homes approved since 2016 and are now in the Genealogy Department.
F. Publication of Wheaton and its Homes: Need to get cost estimates for both print-on demand and also small runs of printed copies. Print-on-demand would allow realtors to pay for their copies. Louise thought that some of the content could be also made into printed postcards.
G. Preservation Month 2023: Will plan on two May lectures: 1) Keith Letsche has agreed to a talk on Wheaton architectural styles. 2) Brian and Joyce Ostberg are being contacted about another Chicago, Aurora and Elgin talk to commemorate with new historic site marker at Liberty & Main. A talk by Bob Goldsborough would be later in the year; probably Fall. The new Historic Property signs will be placed in yards May 12--May 22.
H. Wheaton Register of Historic Places application process revisions. The revised document draft was presented by Steph with discussion to follow at next meeting.
I. Miscellaneous: Louise confirmed that she is working with Susan Bishel for posts on the City Facebook page in December. These may include the William North architectural photos that were exhibited at the Library in September. Bob shared the October 30 Chicago Tribune Tom Kay obituary written by Bob Goldsborough. It is a very fitting tribute to Tom, his life in Wheaton and his service with the Historic Commission.
IV. New Business
A. 315 S. Washington Register of Historic Places application. Brad and Mina Kerr presented their application and discussed their research process. Joe asked for the four current images of the home. Voting will occur at December meeting.
B. Red Grange Project. Sophia will conduct this and begin researching the many available sources.
V. Commissioner Comments
Steph: Worked with Brad on the research process, glad to see his success.
Bob: Old Cook County Hospital received the National Trust’s Richard Driehaus award. Joe: The preservation of the old Cook County hospital was amazing.
Nancy: Picked up a flier about the Open Meetings Act and sees there can be fines for violations.
VI. Adjournment
Joe moved to adjourn, Bob seconded, the motion passed unanimously; the meeting concluded at 8:47 p.m.
https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11152022-2145
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