Historic Preservation Commission

Regular Meeting

Glen Ellyn, IL · February 20, 2025

Minutes

Village of Glen Ellyn Minutes Village of Glen Ellyn Historic Preservation Regular Meeting Commission February 20, 2025 7:00PM Glen Ellyn Civic Center, Galligan Board Room Board or Historic Preservation Date: February 20, 2025 Commission: Meeting: Regular Called to 7:03 p.m. Order: Quorum: Yes Adjourned: 8:42 p.m. MEMBER ATTENDANCE: Penn French Chairman Present Nathan Darga Commissioner Absent Donna Leak Commissioner Absent Barb Lemme Commissioner Present Robert Margetts Commissioner Absent Jeremy Schletz Commissioner Present Zak Wilson Commissioner Present Also Present: Jordan Frahm Associate Planner Kirk Burger GE Historical Society Kelley Kalinich Village Trustee Elisa Pollina Recording Secretary Public Present: A. CALL TO ORDER The February 20, 2025 regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Chairman French at 7:03 PM at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center, Galligan Board Room. B. PUBLIC COMMENT – None C. ANNOUNCEMENTS – None D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM January 16, 2025 HPC MEETING MOVE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF HPC MEETING OF 1/16/2025 RESULT: Motion Unanimously Carried MOVER: Commissioner Lemme SECONDER: Commissioner Schletz AYES: 4 Historic Preservation 2 February 20, 2025 E. NEW BUSINESS 1. Review of Community Input from Historic Preservation Incentive Program Roundtable Discussions - Chairman French provided an update on the recent community feedback sessions, held over the past several nights. He distributed four handouts to the HPC (see attached), including:  Discussion Group Outline  Community Input Roundtable Invitation  Standard R2 Bulk Zoning Regulations VOGE  Initial Findings & Key Issues A total of 70 invitations were sent out to a diverse group of architects, builders, homeowners, real estate agents, appraisers, and interior designers. Eighteen participants attended across three group sessions, including six architects, five builders, three real estate agents, two homeowners, one appraiser, and one interior designer. Many of the participants had longstanding leadership roles in Historic Preservation Commissions or broader preservation efforts, and their input was invaluable. Each participant received the R2 Bulk Zoning Regulations, and many were already familiar with the current zoning code. There was strong enthusiasm and excitement for the proposed incentive program, particularly around the flexibility provided by the Bulk Zoning regulations. Chairman French noted that the tax incentive had been removed from the program — a decision many participants understood — and there was broad appreciation for the permit fee waivers and the bulk zoning allowances. Staff Liaison Frahm also explained the village’s plan to implement new software to streamline the permitting process. While there wasn’t much discussion about the grant component of the program, it was acknowledged and appreciated. One of the most significant takeaways from the focus groups was the importance of clearly outlining program eligibility. Participants suggested creating a dedicated section on the village website with a detailed list of eligibility questions and a clear tutorial to guide applicants through the process. This would help ensure accessibility and ease of use for both participants and village staff. While the question of eligibility was a key point of discussion in the focus groups, Trustee Kalinich emphasized the importance of staying aligned with the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan regarding historic preservation. The primary focus of this program is to preserve existing historic properties, and that mission should remain clear. Although an updated survey is needed, the village has a solid starting point for identifying historic structures. Trustee Kalinich also noted that if a homeowner believes their property has historic significance, the village would certainly consider it — but the overall intent of this program must prioritize the preservation of recognized historic properties. Historic Preservation 3 February 20, 2025 Commissioner Lemme noted that everyone in attendance was enthusiastic and engaged, with many participants having either grown up in or currently living in century-old homes. Many attendees came prepared with thoughtful priorities and ideas. Lemme emphasized the need for clear and consistent rules, along with a streamlined process to support historic preservation efforts. A visual aid, like a flow chart, would be especially helpful in communicating this process. There were also several questions about the criteria used to designate certain homes as historic or significant. Chairman French mentioned he would follow up with Laura Ramsey for further insight. Additionally, Lemme suggested that having a dedicated point person at the village for residents to contact would greatly improve accessibility and support. Chairman French shared that some builders raised concerns about who would qualify for matching grants and whether those doing lower-quality, quick renovations would be eligible. The group discussed a first-come, first-served approach for grant distribution. There was also conversation about implementing an expedited process, aiming for a five-day permit turnaround. French acknowledged that while there are still details to finalize, it’s important to move forward without letting the pursuit of perfection delay progress. Trustee Kalinich suggested framing this initiative as a pilot program, which the HPC supported. Commissioner Lemme agreed, noting that labeling it as a pilot clearly signals that this is just the beginning and the program will evolve over time. Chairman French noted that many participants had questions about which projects would qualify, such as whether painting or roofing would be eligible. Trustee Kalinich clarified that only projects requiring permits would qualify; painting alone would not. She also mentioned that at the upcoming Village Board meeting on Monday, the board will be approving a more streamlined structure for permitting fees, categorized for clarity. French added that, whenever possible, it would be ideal to refer participants to published lists. Chairman French outlined the next steps, aiming to launch the program in the last six months of the year. He mentioned that a presentation will be prepared for the Village Board, and once the date is set, he encouraged all HPC members to attend. Chairman French expressed his gratitude to Trustee Kalinich for her support and guidance throughout the development of the incentive program. Trustee Kalinich responded by sharing her pride in the group for their dedication. French also extended his thanks to Staff Liaison Frahm for his collaboration and the valuable assistance he has provided to the HPC. F. OLD BUSINESS – Annual Preservation Awards Nominations – Staff Liaison Frahm reported that approximately four nominations have been submitted so far, following a similar trajectory to last year. An increase in submissions is expected over the next few weeks, with the deadline set for March 31. Historic Preservation 4 February 20, 2025 G. HISTORICAL SOCIETY BUSINESS – Kirk Burger, representing the Board of Directors of the Historical Society, shared details on several upcoming events: •February 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM – What Exactly is the McKee House Project? •March 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM– World War II Women Spies: Nancy Wake and Marie- Madeleine Fourcade •March 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM – Bertha Honore’ Palmer: A Life in Three Acts He also announced the launch of the Historical Society’s new website, which features a map of plaqued homes. H. CHAIRMAN REPORT – No report I. VILLAGE BOARD TRUSTEE REPORT – Trustee Kalinich provided several updates, starting with the Full Circle project. The building design was presented to the Architectural Appearance Commission (AAC), where some adjustments were requested following public feedback that the Tudor-style design seemed out of place. Despite the comments, the AAC approved the design, which then moved on to the Plan Commission and also received their approval. This project is now scheduled for the Village Board meeting on Monday night for final approval. Any future deviations from the approved plan would require going through the entire approval process again. Additionally, Trustee Kalinich reported that a formal agreement has been reached between the Village and the Park District regarding the downtown park, with the Village committing to fund 50% of Phase 1. This agreement has already been presented to the Plan Commission, and once the Village Board gives its approval, the project can move forward. Finally, the train station design was approved by the AAC and will now proceed to the Plan Commission for further consideration and approval. J. STAFF REPORT – Frahm announced that the approval has been granted for the addition of four new outdoor pickleball courts at Ackerman. K. ADJOURNMENT & NEXT MEETING DATE – Commissioner Lemme motioned to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Schletz seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. The next HPC meeting is March 20, 2025. Submitted by Elisa Pollina, Recording Secretary Reviewed by Jordan Frahm, Staff Liaison

Agenda

Packet

Agenda Village of Glen Ellyn Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Thursday, February 20, 2025 7:00 PM Glen Ellyn Civic Center, Galligan Board Room Visitors are most welcome to attend all public meetings and can find copies of the Agenda online at www.glenellyn.org prior to the meeting. Any individual with a disability requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should contact the Village of Glen Ellyn ADA Coordinator, 630-469-5000, at least five (5) business days in advance of the next scheduled meeting. A. Call to Order B. Approval of Minutes 1) Approval of the Minutes from the January 16, 2025 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting C. Public Comment D. Old Business 1) HPC Annual Awards Nominations Update E. New Business 1) Review of Community Input from Historic Preservation Incentive Program Roundtable Discussions F. Chairman's Report G. Staff Report H. GEHS Director's Report I. Adjourn Village of Glen Ellyn Page 1 of 7 Village of Glen Ellyn Minutes Village of Glen Ellyn Historic Preservation Regular Meeting Commission January 16, 2025 7:00PM Glen Ellyn Civic Center, Galligan Board Room Board or Historic Preservation Date: January 16, 2025 Commission: Meeting: Regular Called to 7:00 p.m. Order: Quorum: Yes Adjourned: 8:58 p.m. MEMBER ATTENDANCE: Penn French Chairman Present Nathan Darga Commissioner Present Donna Leak Commissioner Absent Barb Lemme Commissioner Present Robert Margetts Commissioner Present – Late arrival 8:28 Jeremy Schletts Commissioner Present Also Present: Jordan Frahm Associate Planner Jeff Anderson GE Historical Society Kelley Kalinich Village Trustee Public Present: Zach Wilson Glen Ellyn resident and future commissioner to HPC A. CALL TO ORDER The January 16, 2025 regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Chairman French at 7:00 PM at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center, Galligan Board Room. B. PUBLIC COMMENT – None C. ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chairman French welcomed new commissioner Jeremy Schletts, who introduced himself by sharing that he grew up in Wheaton and has been a Glen Page 2 of 7 Historic Preservation 2 January 16, 2025 Ellyn resident for eight years. Schletts developed an interest in historic preservation during the pandemic, particularly in mid-century homes, which led him to apply for the HPC position. French expressed his enthusiasm for Schletts joining the commission. French also announced that Zach Wilson will be joining the commission. Wilson will complete his onboarding before participating in meetings and voting, ensuring he is fully prepared before the next meeting. Additionally, French shared that John Day will be stepping down from the HPC to join the Environmental Commission. Day attended his first EC meeting on Tuesday. French thanked him for his valuable contributions to the HPC and his continued service to the village. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM September 19, 2024 HPC MEETING MOVE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF HPC MEETING OF 9/19/2024 RESULT: Motion Unanimously Carried MOVER: Commissioner Lemme SECONDER: Commissioner Darga AYES: 4 E. OLD BUSINESS 1. Discussion of Historic Preservation Incentives Program - Chairman French provided an update, distributing a discussion guide and an invitation handout that Trustee Kalinich and Staff Liaison Frahm reviewed and edited. He noted that while the initial plan was to hold community focus groups this week, they will now begin in February. The invitation, which will be sent out on village letterhead, was shared with the HPC for review and edits, with the goal of keeping it to a single page. The finalized version will be mailed and/or emailed by Monday, using Frahm’s contact list, with the aim of securing RSVPs for one of the four scheduled sessions. French encouraged all commissioners to attend these sessions. As the next step, he will develop a moderator’s outline, including key discussion questions. He requested input from the HPC on potential questions—if none are provided, Penn will compile a list and send it to Jordan by the end of next week for final review and feedback. Darga mentioned that various stakeholders—including homeowners, builders, contractors, and architects—will participate in the focus groups. There was a suggestion to hold a dedicated session for builders. Lemme recommended mixed focus groups rather than targeted sessions for each stakeholder group. She noted that the board allocated a $50,000 budget for the incentive program, equating to funding for approximately five projects per year. Page 3 of 7 Historic Preservation 3 January 16, 2025 The HPC reviewed and refined the incentive criteria, with Frahm taking the lead in clarifying language, particularly regarding fees. French requested that at least one commissioner attend each focus group and asked commissioners to share their availability with Frahm, who will coordinate the schedule. The ideal focus group size is expected to be 6–10 participants. French emphasized that while builders and architects should be the primary invitees, homeowners with experience in historic restoration—particularly those who have pulled permits for such projects—would also provide valuable insight. Next Steps Recap:  The HPC agreed on mixed focus groups to include some homeowner perspectives.  The incentive criteria language will be revised and sent to Jordan for final review.  Commissioners should submit names of homeowners who would be good focus group participants.  French will finalize a moderator’s outline.  Commissioners should share their availability for moderating or attending focus groups, which will be capped at 10 participants each. F. NEW BUSINESS – Annual Preservation Awards Nominations – Staff Liaison Frahm provided an update, noting that several nominations were submitted in January. He will begin compiling the nominations and gathering relevant details for the HPC to review. Additionally, Frahm will send out reminders to encourage further submissions. G. HISTORICAL SOCIETY BUSINESS – Jeff Anderson, Director of the Historical Society, provided several updates. He announced that the new art exhibit is now on display and that work at the tavern is progressing under the leadership of Public Works. The recent Lucille Ball event was a great success, drawing over 100 participants. Additionally, another home at 338 Cottage was recently plaqued, with nine more properties in the pipeline. The society has also received thirteen new plaque requests in the past month. Anderson highlighted several upcoming events: • Saturday Feb 8 at 2:00 - An Unfinished Journey: African Music in its Pivotal Decades. • Saturday Feb 22 at 2:00 - What Exactly is the McKee House Project? H. CHAIRMAN REPORT – No report I. VILLAGE BOARD TRUSTEE REPORT – Trustee Kalinich provided an update on an upcoming project that will be presented to the Plan Commission on February 6. The project, proposed by Full Circle, is for attainable housing at the former hotel site on Roosevelt Road. The architects conducted a survey of the town’s architectural styles and initially suggested a Tudor design, which was well-received by the AAC. However, upon Page 4 of 7 Historic Preservation 4 January 16, 2025 further review, it was noted that Roosevelt Road may not be the most suitable location for Tudor-style architecture. Kalinich mentioned this to ensure the commission is aware of the design discussion as it does overlap with this commission. J. STAFF REPORT – Frahm shared that he reached out to local high schools to gauge student interest in serving as a student commissioner with the HPC. However, he has not received any responses. He asked the HPC if they would still like to pursue this initiative, and the commission expressed continued interest in adding a student commissioner. K. ADJOURNMENT & NEXT MEETING DATE – Commissioner Darga motions to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Lemme seconds the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m. The next HPC meeting is February 20, 2025. Submitted by Elisa Pollina, Recording Secretary Reviewed by Jordan Frahm, Staff Liaison Page 5 of 7 Glen Ellyn Historic Meeting 2/20/2025 7:00 PM Preservation Commission Department: Community Development 535 Duane Street Department Head: Jennifer Henaghan Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Category: Discussion Item Prepared By: Jordan Frahm AGENDA ITEM (ID DOC ID: 2025-157 # 2025-157) HPC Annual Awards Nominations Update Statement of the Issue: Nominations for 2025 HPC Annual Awards projects are open until March 31st 2025. Analysis: Awards are given across four categories: Renovation of the Year, Remodel of the Year, Streetscape Compatibility and Architectural Details; in addition to other homes being granted honorable mentions in relevant categories. Staff will provide an update on nomination entries and outreach to local homeowners, contractors, etc. that may have completed an applicable project in 2024 and have an interest in nomination submission. Budget Impact: Contribution to Strategic Plan Action Requested: Review Awards process and discuss 2025 Awards targets. Attachments: Page 6 of 7 Glen Ellyn Historic Meeting 2/20/2025 7:00 PM Preservation Commission Department: Community Development 535 Duane Street Department Head: Jennifer Henaghan Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Category: Report Prepared By: Jordan Frahm AGENDA ITEM (ID # 2025- DOC ID: 2025-158 158) Review of Community Input from Historic Preservation Incentive Program Roundtable Discussions Statement of the Issue: Historic Preservation Incentives aim to curb demolition of older homes that may contribute to the historic character of Glen Ellyn neighborhoods. Chairman Penn French moderated feedback sessions with builders, homeowners, architects and realtors and the results of these meetings will be reported here. Analysis: On September 19 2024 Chairman French presented an action plan for pursuing a Historic Preservation Incentive Program where various facets of early program planning were discussed. This included community outreach, Village Board outreach, programmatic focus (addressing matching grants, bulk zoning regulations, fee waivers and review process), timelines, alongside more general feedback and review of goals, impacts and outlook. The HPC passed a motion to request an initial budget for matching grants of $50,000. The HPC will discuss next steps, and review any initial directives from the Village Board. Budget Impact: Contribution to Strategic Plan Action Requested: Discuss next steps for pursuing program creation, review previous discussions, synthesize public input. Attachments: Page 7 of 7