Historic Commission

Tuesday, July 19, 2022 I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m. Present in person: Nancy Flannery (Chair), Joe Szczepaniak (Vice Chair), Lisa Buchanan, Bob Purdy Present virtual: Steph McGrath (Secretary), Emelie Engling Public Comments: Louise Ferrebee, Stephen Beach II. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the June 21, 2022 meeting approved as amended on a motion by Joe, seconded by Lisa, and passed unanimously. III. Old Business A. Wheaton Historic Register Map: Have asked how many views the site has had, how to search it, and if the quadrants can be highlighted. B. Attorney General’s Case: Next session August 11. Last session just dealt with scheduling. C. Exterior Alterations to Register Properties: Lisa objected posting a “Pride in Preservation” sign in front of a house, noting the brick had been painted and windows replaced. Her issue is more with the slogan “Pride in Preservation” being appropriate for this overly altered house. She thinks something like “Wheaton Landmark” would be more appropriate. Discussed what “preservation” meant. Discussed the three Register criteria categories. Need to divide these two issues, exterior changes vs. new slogan. Will add discussing new slogan to next month’s agenda and what we want on Preservation Month signs. If we changed to restricting exterior alterations we would have to go back and review and research every Register property and purge noncompliant ones. Trying to grandfather them would lead to confusion and resident complaints. D. Wheaton History Dates: Bob reviewed the process of posting dates on Wheaton Patch. He will look into posting on the City of Wheaton and You Know You’re From Wheaton Facebook pages too. E. Time Capsules: Nothing done on the St. Michael Student Council time capsule yet. IV. New Business A. Commissioner Applications: Louise Ferrebee and Stephen Beach introduced themselves and reviewed their respective interests in joining the Historic Commission. They left the meeting while the commissioners deliberated. Bob moved to approve their applications, Lisa seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. A third applicant, Sophia Ruffolo, was unable to attend the meeting. Emelie moved to delay a decision on her application until she is present, Bob seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. B. Annual Report: The City proposed a change in format for how boards and commissions report their activities to include goals and how funds were spent towards them. C. Distribution of Chair Responsibilities: Suggested sharing more of the chair’s duties. Nancy will make a list. There are official required duties, and activities Nancy has chosen to take on herself due to her interests. D. Miscellaneous: The house at 517 North West Street, on the Wheaton Register of Historic Places, is scheduled to be demolished. Steph said she went by and saw that the landmark plaque had been removed, a chain link construction fence erected, and a sign on it says the demolition is scheduled for July 25th. V. Commissioner Comments Bob: The vote on the 7-story apartment building next Monday. Des Plaines just approved a similar building. Emelie: Attended the meeting the night before about the proposed 7-story apartment building and said it appears the City will approve it. Steph: Received another home history research request from a local realtor wanting to highlight an older home. It is in the Jesse C. Wheaton, Jr’s Addition to Wheaton, north of Harrison. The current owner had a title document which was really interesting. VI. Adjournment Lisa moved to adjourn, Joe seconded, the motion passed unanimously; the meeting concluded at 8:24 p.m.