Historic Commission

Minutes of the City of Wheaton Historic Commission DRAFT December 19, 2017 Meeting Held at City Hall, Wheaton, Illinois Attendance Present: Nancy Flannery (Chair), Tom Kay, Steph McGrath (Secretary), Frank Principe, Bob Purdy, Barbara Dutton (Vice Chair) Absent: Emelie Engling, Maureen Fogerty The meeting was called to order at 7:06 pm Public comment: none Approval of Minutes Minutes of the November, 2017 meeting were approved as corrected following a motion by Frank, seconded by Bob, and passed unanimously. Old Business Preservation Month 2018 -The Commission reviewed the proposed calendar of events. -Various publicity ideas discussed; Nancy informed the Commission that the Wheaton Public Library newsletter is being discontinued. There will be no Spring 2018 newsletter. The Library will be using social media for promoting its events. Miscellaneous -The Commission agreed that the proposed citizen’s preservation award/recognition needs name ideas. In the future the Commission will request but not require nominations. This award will be presented during a City Council meeting. The Mayor has agreed to issue a proclamation celebrating this award. -Nancy described the Illinois Bicentennial Flag Raising event held on December 4th. Wheaton is now registered with Illinois as a participant so we can publicize some of our events through the State’s publicity website. -The Commission’s proposed meeting at the Metra Station to pick a location for the railroad historic site marker was cancelled due to the fire at the depot. Nancy reported on the City’s progress re: re-opening the depot building. -The Commission discussed possible fundable projects: more Pride in Preservation signs & holders, local history blog set up, stickers or some other handout, brochures. New Business -Nancy informed the Commission that we are still waiting for the check to the DuPage County Historical Society sent November 15, 2017 to be cashed and contact made. She will continue to pursue this. -A new landmark application for 321 W Franklin has been submitted to the Commission. It will be put on next month’s agenda. -Nancy will be meeting at an undetermined date after the holidays with John Duguay, Assistant City Manager, to discuss the historic site marker at the Metra depot and plans for Martin Plaza. -Nancy has sent a request to include the 1939 aerial photo link on the Wheaton Public Library’s website. -The draft of the SFY 2018 budget was passed out. The City is transitioning from a May to April fiscal year to a January to December fiscal year. SFY 2018 will cover May 2018 to December 2018 expenses. -Nancy passed around a letter from Michael Barbier, City Council, and let the Commission know that she had extended an invitation to him to attend one of the Commission’s meetings. Commissioner Comments Barb reported that the McKee house group is working on their National Registration nomination. Bob said that he was disappointed that the exterior finishes being used at the Airhart development on the corner of Wesley & West do not comply with the Northside Overlay District design guidelines. Steph gave a teardown update. Adjournment Frank moved to adjourn, Barb seconded, the motion passed unanimously and the meeting concluded at 8:26 pm. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 7:00 pm, City Hall.