Lombard Historic Preservation Commission

Village of Lombard Village Hall 255 East Wilson Ave. Lombard, IL 60148 villageoflombard.org Minutes Tuesday, January 21, 2020 7:30 PM Lombard Village Hall - Community Room Lombard Historic Preservation Commission Rita Schneider, President Tom Fetters, Eileen Mueller, Brigitte O'Brien, Lyn Myers, Pat Poskocil, Marcy Novak, Stephanie Zabela, Bob Wardzala, Lynn O'Donnell and Jason Sanders Leslie Sulla Ex-Officio Member - Leslie Sulla Village Liaison - Sharon Kuderna Village Liaison - Tami Urish Lombard Historic Preservation Minutes January 21, 2020 Commission Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance Chairperson Schneider called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. Chairperson Schneider led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call Present: Rita Schneider, Eileen Mueller, Brigitte O'Brien, Patricia Poskocil, Tom Fetters, Stephanie Zabela, Lynn O'Donnell, Jason Sanders and Marcy Novak Absent: Lynn Myers, Bob Wardzala Also Present: Tami Urish, Planner I, Staff Liaison Public Hearings There were no public hearings Business Meeting Approval of Minutes The minutes of the meeting on October 15, 2019 were approved with no changes. The motion was made by Commissioner Fetters and seconded by Commissioner Poskocil and passed by a unanimous vote. Chairman's Report Chairperson Schneider said she will prepare the annual report for Commissioners to review. Reports A. Local Landmarks - Eileen Mueller Nothing to report by Commissioner Mueller B. Finance - Jason Sanders Commissioner Sanders distributed copies of the Expense Budget Performance Report and noted that although 2019 is not closed out there is a projection of 3-6 percent under budget. The Certified Local Village of Lombard Page 1 Lombard Historic Preservation Minutes January 21, 2020 Commission Government grant reimbursement was received from the State in December. C. Personnel - Pat Poskocil Commissioner Poskocil reported that Sarah Richardt has accepted a position in Ohio and her last planned day as Executive Director will be April 13th. Alison Constanzo, Executive Director of the St. Charles History Museum and a former employee was offered the position to replace Sarah and plans to start on April 6th. D. Ex-Officio Report - Leslie Sulla Chairperson Schneider provided updates for Lombard Historical Society President, Leslie Sulla, the following information: · A fundraiser farewell party is being planned for Sarah Richardt’s departure. · Research is being conducted regarding “Old Charlie Wilson” · An exhibit about the centennial for women’s suffrage is under preparations for the Victorian Cottage. E. Heritage Award - Lyn Myers No report at this time. F. Certified Local Government Chairperson Schneider stated that the deadline for grant applications has been delayed until sometime this summer due to new personnel hired by the State of Illinois to assist and review the applications. At this time, the 2020 application or manual has not been published. Commissioners were asked for suggested projects or ideas for grants. The following was suggested in no particular order: 1. National Register for the Peck House 2. National Register for a Downtown District 3. Statue for Ellen Martin 4. Statue for Colonel Plum in Lilacia Park 5. Statue for Little Orphan Annie and her dog Sandy 6. Continue the Village of Lombard Architectural and Historical Survey 7. Brochure for local landmark process including a frequently asked question (FAQ), telling a story. 8. Trivia cards for public education Village of Lombard Page 2 Lombard Historic Preservation Minutes January 21, 2020 Commission A question was asked if grant money has to be used by a specific time. Chairperson Schneider responded that grants have to be implemented in a timely manner. Chairperson Schneider asked if Commissioners Sanders and O’Donnell could work on the list and formulate a ranking of sorts. Both Commissioners agreed. Chairperson Schneider asked staff for a McKee House update. Staff responded that they had no information regarding the McKee House. G. Cemetery Chairperson Schneider stated that Public Works, the Historic Preservation Commission and Historical Society has agreed on a committee for maintenance. Planner's Report William Heniff, Director of Community Development, conducted a power point presentation on Downtown Preservation Activities/Programs in the Village. Chairperson Schneider commended the Village for their efforts with grants and was not aware of the leverage they provided. An update of specific buildings was requested by Commissioners. Mr. Heniff responded that the building located at 1 S. Main Street is available for lease and the 9 N. Main Street building has permits in for interior renovations with the expectation of new tenants. 20 N. Main is occupied by AT&T and there are no indications that they plan to move. The old bank building at 1 S. Park was recently renovated on the upper level. Commissioner Schneider asked about creating a downtown historic district. Mr. Heniff responded that a marketing /promotional approach to a historic district could be perceived positive by property owners however additional regulations could be viewed as barriers by some property owners. A consensus with property owners would be encouraged if a historic district is considered. Chairperson Schneider stated that a National Register of Historic Places for a district would be considered and there are no regulatory elements associated with it. A further study would be needed. The State Historic Preservation Office and RATIO, the consultant for the Lilacia Park application for National Register of Historic Places responded positively to the idea. Copley Hospital and Wrigley Field Village of Lombard Page 3 Lombard Historic Preservation Minutes January 21, 2020 Commission are good examples. Chairperson Schneider asked if there was any information for the Planner’s Report. Tami Urish, Planner I, responded that she has been working with the representative of the sign company that the Village purchases the landmark plaques from. The representative indicated that the manufacturer will clean or reface damaged plaques. The plaque for the cemetery was removed and returned to the manufacturer to be examined. Under these circumstances, the purchase of the next plaque which would be for 515 N. West Road would need to be delayed until the quality of plaques can be determined. Unfinished Business None New Business None Adjournment On a motion by Commissioner Poskocil and seconded by Commissioner Mueller and all were in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Village of Lombard Page 4