Historic Commission

Tuesday, July 20, 2021 I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm. Present in person: Nancy Flannery (Chair), Lisa Buchanan, Bob Purdy Present virtual: Steph McGrath (Secretary), Emelie Engling, Linda Moran Absent: Lori Bilske (Vice Chair), Diane Burant Public Comments: Joe Szczepaniak II. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the May 18, 2021 meeting approved on a motion by Bob, seconded by Linda, and passed unanimously. III. Old Business A. Annual Report: The revised version of the Historic Commission’s Annual Report was approved on a motion by Bob, seconded by Emelie, and passed unanimously. B. GIS Project: Lisa has been working with city staff, in person attendees could see it on a screen. Reviewed landmarking program research files at Wheaton Public Library, maybe link research files to GIS project. Some logistics involved in how to arrange data. Could do by location or date. Possible problems with some dates as they have only been taken from the Milton Township Assessor’s website, which often has incorrect built dates. Those properties need to be marked as date unverified until proven. Possibly add tabs for architect/builder, whether residential or other, and whether marked for age, architecture and/or historical significance. Plan to notify property owners and make an announcement at a city council meeting about this new resource. C. Historic Site Markers: City staff wants to be present at installation. Height should be determined by ADA/Universal Design Standards. D. Update for landmarks list: Robert Salisbury designed homes, commercial, public and college buildings in town. E. Fall Lecture: “The Great Fires of Wheaton” is scheduled for September 16 at the Wheaton Public Library, with an introduction by the Wheaton Fire Chief. IV. New Business A. Property plaque: The company providing plaques for our landmarked properties has closed, so will need to find a new company. B. Aloca Aluminum House: Barbara Dutton-Thomas has provided a research report of the Alcoa aluminum house, reviewing its unique architecture and story. C. Commissioner Resignation: Barbara Dutton-Thomas has resigned due to moving out of Wheaton. We will miss her many contributions. D. New commissioner application: Joseph D Szczepaniak introduced himself and his application for the Historic Commission was reviewed. He left the meeting while a vote was taken. His application was approved on a motion by Bob, seconded by Lisa, and passed unanimously. E. Landmark Application: Discussed the application submitted for 831 N. Washington. Some of the scans were unreadable that were submitted as proof of age, and the research report doesn’t specifically explain the findings. Steph gave an update on other properties whose owners have requested research assistance. V. Commissioner Comments Bob: Offered Preservation Magazines Lisa: Opposition to the proposed Mariano’s gas station and withdrawal of project Joe: Looks forward to working with the commission Emily: At the Culinary Historians meeting met the author of a book about supper clubs Steph: Wondered if the Roosevelt Corridor Plan still valid with changes brought on by pandemic, some have pointed out there may be much less demand for commercial real estate with more working from home options Nancy: Provided some information on Camiros reports, including the Design Guidelines for the Northside Residential Overlay District VI. Adjournment Bob moved to adjourn, Linda seconded, the motion passed unanimously; the meeting concluded at 8:30 pm. Prepared and submitted by Steph McGrath