Historic Commission

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. Present in person: Nancy Flannery (Chair), Stephen Beach, Lisa Buchanan, Louise Ferrebee, Bob Purdy, Sophia Ruffolo Present virtual: Steph McGrath (Secretary), Emelie Engling Absent: Joe Szczepaniak (Vice Chair) Public Comments: Mike Dzugan, City Manager, and Andrea Rosedale, City Clerk II. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the August 16, 2022 meeting approved as amended on a motion by Bob, seconded by Stephen, and passed unanimously. III. Old Business A. New Commissioner: Welcome to Sophia Ruffolo. B. O-2022-34 - Amendment to Chapter 2, Article V - Boards, Commissions and Committees: Mike Dzugan and Andrea Rosedale attended to review changes affecting our commission and to answer questions. The primary reason for these updates was that many purpose statements were decades old. Some boards/commissions were combined or renamed. Can now have members from nearby unincorporated areas with approval of city council. Added terms limits to chair position. Minutes need to be physically signed by chair, then submitted to the city. Tracking use of city staff for projects. Quorum based on current membership. Can solicit donations. C. Annual Report template: Went over the new form and how to use it. Question whether home history research program is using Wheaton Public Library staff when it is also a part of their local history services. Mike said that is up to the library director to decide. Steph will follow up with library staff. D. Open Meetings Act: Andrea reiterated that there are no “off the record” discussions or comments left out of the minutes. A handout was distributed about email limitations. E. Chair and Secretary duties: Some chair activities are required responsibilities, others can be reassigned. Assignments taken–Wheaton Register: Stephen; Outreach: Louise; History inquiries: Steph. F. Attorney General case: Next session September 22. G. Exterior alterations impact on Wheaton Register status: Case by case review. No written standards. Glen Ellyn has stricter, defined standards. Should we add stated standards? Just for those already on the Register? Can’t make certain changes? H. New slogan for Preservation Week signs: Want QR code. Handout distributed of commissioner suggestions. The fewer words the better. Next month will have an edited compilation of suggestions and more sign mock ups. Should the signs be the same material and dimensions as the old ones? City uses the color blue. I. Library Files Project: Nancy nearing completion. Question whether only approved properties’ applications should be on file. Some apply but delay or withdraw if their research is incomplete. Could ask submitters if they want their application on file. J. Publication of Wheaton and its Homes: Original published in 1892, Wheaton Historic Preservation Council republished with additions. We can only republish original content, not what WHPC added, but could add our own. Could do as print on demand, or by preorder. A digital copy is online on archive.org for free use, maybe it could be linked as a resource on the Wheaton Public Library website. K. Budget: Tabled discussion. IV. New Business A. Wheaton Register of Historic Places application process: Would like to reframe how we are presenting the process. Nancy wants a digital copy required. Steph will edit out unnecessary process info from the application for review at next month’s meeting. B. Preservation Month 2023: Start thinking of what we want to do. Talks about Wheaton history. Keith Letsche will present a talk. Ask Bob Goldsborough if he’d like to present a talk. Another possible person is Mary Baker, a local resident. Other ideas, offer a walking tour, have a photo exhibit at Wheaton Public Library in the display area. V. Commissioner Comments Lisa: Excited about new members and participation. Nancy: New staff at DuPage County Historical Museum, Emily O’Brien. Louise: Interviewed a woman who grew up in the “painted lady” on Main Street. If anyone knows of someone else she can interview for her oral history project please let her know. Emelie: Read a quote from Wheaton and its Homes. Steph: Glen Ellyn business district has blocks in the sidewalks with information about past