Joliet Historic Preservation Commission

150 West Jefferson Street City of Joliet Joliet, IL 60432 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Commission Members Quinn Adamowski Brian Bessler Mary Beth Gannon Kevin Heinemann Candace Johnson Kailee Lowry Sharon Merwin Aaron Mikottis Sara Stovall Steven Wright Ken Spiegel Wednesday, April 26, 2023 6:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers Citizens who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments in advance of the meeting to publiccomment@joliet.gov. CALL TO ORDER DECLARATION OF QUORUM Present Quinn Adamowski, Brian Bessler, Mary Beth Gannon, Candace Johnson, Kailee Lowry, Sharon Merwin, Aaron Mikottis, Sara Stovall, Steven Wright and Ken Spiegel Absent Kevin Heinemann APPROVAL OF MINUTES Historic Preservation Commission Minutes--March 22, 2023 TMP-5677 Attachments: JHPC 03-22-23 A motion was made by Ken Spiegel, seconded by Kailee Lowry, to approve the March 22, 2023 Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Mikottis, Stovall, Wright and Spiegel Abstain: Adamowski and Gannon CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS Page 1 of 7 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes April 26, 2023 This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Commission members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak. COMMITTEE REPORTS There was no discussion on this subject. OLD BUSINESS There was no discussion on this subject. NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC HEARING: COA-4-2023--CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR AN APPROXIMATELY 22' WIDE DORMER ON THE REAR (WEST) ELEVATION AT 17 S. CENTER STREET. A motion was made by Sharon Merwin, seconded by Sara Stovall, to open the public hearing . All were in favor. Public Hearing: COA-4-2023 – Certificate of Appropriateness TMP-5664 for an approximately 22’ wide dormer on the rear (west) elevation at 17 S. Center Street Attachments: COA-4-2023_Staff Report Packet_17 S. Center Ms. Bernhard read the staff report into the record. Chairwoman Johnson asked the applicant for comments, Mr. Jeff Bussean, appeared to answer questions. Mr. Bussean gave a brief explanation of the request for an updated dormer. Mr. Bussean explained that the third floor is used for changing space for bridal parties, a groom's room and two washrooms. Mr. Bussean talked about all of the response to the recent fire at the Patrick Haley Mansion. Mr. Bussean discussed the details of the repairs with the Commissioners. A motion was made by Sharon Merwin, seconded by Kailee Lowry, to close the public hearing. All were in favor. A motion was made by Ken Spiegel, seconded by Quinn Adamowski, to approve Public Hearing: COA-4-2023 – Certificate of Appropriateness for an approximately 22’ wide dormer on the rear (west) elevation at 17 S. Center Street. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Adamowski, Gannon, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Mikottis, Stovall, Wright and Spiegel Page 2 of 7 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes April 26, 2023 PUBLIC HEARING: LTHD-1-2023: DESIGNATION OF 410 WHITNEY AVENUE AS A CONTRIBUTING PROPERTY IN THE CLASSIC BUNGALOW LOCAL THEMATIC HISTORIC DISTRICT. A motion was made by Quinn Adamowski, seconded by Sharon Merwin, to open the public hearing. All were in favor. Public Hearing: LTHD-1-2023: Designation of 410 Whitney TMP-5662 Avenue as a Contributing Property in the Classic Bungalow Local Thematic Historic District Attachments: LTHD-1-2023_Staff Report_410 Whitney Avenue 410 Whitney Ave Landmark Nomination form Ms. Bernhard read the staff report in to the record. Chairman Johnson asked for comments from the applicant but they did not attend the meeting. The Commissioners discussed details about 410 Whitney Avenue. A motion was made by Mary Beth Gannon, seconded by Quinn Adamowski, to close the public hearing. All were in favor. A motion was made by Sharon Merwin, seconded by Mary Beth Gannon, to approve Public Hearing: LTHD-1-2023: Designation of 410 Whitney Avenue as a Contributing Property in the Classic Bungalow Local Thematic Historic District. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Adamowski, Gannon, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Stovall, Wright and Spiegel PUBLIC HEARING: L-1-2023: DESIGNATION OF 212 RICHARDS STREET AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK. A motion was made by Sharon Merwin, seconded by Mary Beth Gannon, to open the public hearing. All were in favor. Public Hearing: L-1-2023: Designation of 212 Richards Street TMP-5663 as a Local Historic Landmark Attachments: LHD-1-2023_Staff Report_212 Richards Street 212 Richards st Landmark Nomination Ms. Bernhard read the staff report into the record. Chairwoman Johnson asked the applicant, for comments. A representative from Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church clarified that the Bishop's name is J.E. Moore. He went on to explain that the church was built in 1890 and should be considered a historical destination. Ms. Merwin asked if this approval would supersede building permits from the Page 3 of 7 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes April 26, 2023 City of Joliet, Ms. Bernhard said building permits would still be required. Ms. Merwin asked if a tour of the church would be offered, the gentleman from Christ Temple Church said yes the Commissioners are always welcome. Ms. Bernhard announced that she previously spoke with the applicants about doing a tour of the church in May, in celebration of National Historic Preservation Month. A motion was made by Quinn Adamowski, seconded by Sharon Merwin, to close the public hearing. All were in favor. A motion was made by Ken Spiegel, seconded by Kailee Lowry, to approve Public Hearing: L-1-2023: Designation of 212 Richards Street as a Local Historic Landmark. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Adamowski, Gannon, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Stovall, Wright and Spiegel PRELIMINARY REVIEW: L-2-2023: DESIGNATION OF 14 WEST JEFFERSON STREET (FORMER WILL COUNTY COURTHOUSE) AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK. Preliminary Review: L-2-2023: Designation of 14 West TMP-5673 Jefferson Street (former Will County Courthouse) as a Local Historic Landmark Attachments: LHD-2-2023_Staff Report_14 West Jefferson Street Local Historic Landmark Application_14 . West Jefferson Street Ms. Bernhard read the staff report into the record. Chairman Johnson asked for comments from the property owner, Ms. Elaine Bottomley, Deputy Chief of Staff, appeared on behalf of the Will County Executive. Ms. Bottomley gave a brief overview of the history of the former courthouse and the action the Will County Board has taken so far, she also read a report from Wight & Company about the structural integrity of the courthouse. Ms. Bottomley explained that this property has to remain a government building and the courthouse can not be sold to a private entity. Ms. Bottomley expressed that Will County does not have any current or future uses for the courthouse. Ms. Bottomley explained that if the City of Joliet was interested in purchasing the courthouse, this would need to be discussed with the Will County Board. Mr. Mikottis expressed that he does not exactly agree with Wight & Company's assessment of the courthouse. Ms. Merwin stated that she believes reuse of the courthouse was a better solution. Mr. Adamowski agreed with Mr. Mikottis that this building is structurally sound. Mr. Adamowski reviewed the findings and images from the Request for Expressions of Interest Summary Report that was issued by Landmarks Illinois. The Commissioners discussed aspects of the Summary Report. A motion was made by Sharon Merwin, seconded by Sara Stovall, to approve Page 4 of 7 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes April 26, 2023 Preliminary Review: L-2-2023: Designation of 14 West Jefferson Street (former Will County Courthouse) as a Local Historic Landmark and move the request forward to a public hearing at the next Regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Gannon, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Stovall, Wright and Spiegel Abstain: Adamowski ANNUAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS-REVIEW OF NOMINATIONS AND SELECTION i. 150 N. Ottawa Street (Joliet Public Library) - for the sensitive interior and exterior preservation work performed during the 2021-2022 remodeling project. ii. Ken and Irene Odorizzi - for their dedication to preserving the history of the former Planinsek Grocery and Meat Market at 1314 Elizabeth Street. A motion was made by Sharon Merwin, seconded by Mary Beth Gannon, to approve. The motion carried by the following vote: Annual Historic Preservation Awards – Review of TMP-5666 nominations and Selection Attachments: Staff Report_Annual Awards_April 2023 Meeting Ms. Bernhard read the staff reports into the record. A motion was made by Sharon Merwin, seconded by Mary Beth Gannon, to approve Annual Historic Preservation Awards – Review of nominations and Selection. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Adamowski, Bessler, Gannon, Johnson, Merwin, Mikottis, Stovall, Wright and Spiegel Absent: Heinemann Abstain: Lowry FY2024 CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANT ROUND Ms. Bernhard read the staff report into the record. Mr. Adamowski explained that with the Route 66 Centennial coming up in 2026. He believes the previously vibrant African American district along South Chicago Street should be surveyed to highlight what was there. Chairwoman Johnson asked if any one else had ideas. Ms. Bernhard asked Mr. Adamowski who he envisioned taking responsibility for doing something with the information generated from such a project in the short-term . Mr. Adamowski responded that it would need to be decided. Chairwoman Johnson expressed that she agrees with having a survey conducted for the South End. Ms. Bernhard said that she would reach out to her contact at Will County for more information, because some of the South End region is unincorporated Will County. Ms. Bernhard said that the state has been Page 5 of 7 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes April 26, 2023 turning around the grants quickly in recent years. A motion was made by Candace Johnson, seconded by Sharon Merwin, to approve applying for a survey for the South End and printing the Design Guidelines Manual as a secondary application. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Adamowski, Gannon, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Stovall, Wright and Spiegel ADOPTION OF THE 2022 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Resolution Accepting and Placing on File the Joliet Historic 247-23 Preservation Commission (JHPC) Annual Report for 2022 Attachments: CLG-Annual-Update-City of Joliet Resolution Approver Report Ms. Bernhard explained that the 2022 Annual Report of the Historic Preservation Commission must be approved to be reviewed by the City Council. Ms. Bernhard explained that the City Council will receive a detailed council memo report for review. A motion was made by Mary Beth Gannon, seconded by Ken Spiegel, to approve the Resolution Accepting and Placing on File the Joliet Historic Preservation Commission (JHPC) Annual Report for 2022. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Adamowski, Gannon, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Stovall, Wright and Spiegel STAFF REPORTS Ms. Bernhard gave staff report updates. The St. John's research survey is done, Ms. Bernhard hand delivered hard copies to both Joliet Libraries. They will also get digital copies. Chairwoman Johnson asked if the Joliet Library will make the reports available online, Ms. Bernhard said she would ask. Ms. Merwin asked if the reports would be on Joliet's website, Ms. Bernhard said yes. Ms. Bernhard said the National Register nomination for the Illinois State Penitentiary would be on the May JHPC agenda. Ms. Bernhard announced the Designated Historic Properties project is complete and will be available on the City's website, Ms. Bernhard gave a brief preview of the interactive database. Ms. Bernhard said the same database will be used for the Downtown Joliet National Register of Historic Places information. Ms. Bernhard announced that she has the plaque for 804 W. Marion. Ms. Bernhard said the Joliet Area Historical Museum is hosting a happy hour on Wednesday, May 17th, Ms. Bernhard will be giving a presentation on downtown buildings. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Ms. Merwin asked if questions about previous agenda items should be sent directly to Ms. Page 6 of 7 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes April 26, 2023 Bernhard, Ms. Bernhard said yes. Mr. Adamowski asked if there was interest in having one of the courthouse Developers at the May JHPC meeting, Chairwoman Johnson expressed that she felt like it would be imperative. Ms. Merwin said that she felt that it would be helpful. Chairwoman Johnson announced that the Bicentennial Bluffs Neighborhood Association will do a presentation of the St. John's Neighborhood Research Survey. PUBLIC COMMENT This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding non-agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Commission members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Sharon Merwin, seconded by Kailee Lowry, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Adamowski, Gannon, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Stovall, Wright and Spiegel This meeting will be held in an accessible location. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Christa M. Desiderio, City Clerk, 150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 at (815) 724-3780. Page 7 of 7