Historic Commission

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 Gamon Room, City Hall I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm Present In-person – Louise Ferrebee (Chair), Joe Szczepaniak (Vice Chair), Bob Purdy (Secretary), Mike Hill (Treasurer), Nancy Flannery, Syed Hussain Public – Sam Moyer, Diane Moyer II. Public Comments The Moyers discussed their recent Historic Register application and research for their 1924 home at 201 W Union. Copies will be shared with commissioners prior to the June meeting, when the application will be discussed and brought up for approval. III. Approval of February Meeting Minutes Approved on a motion by Joe, seconded by Nancy, and passed unanimously. IV. Treasurer Report: This was tabled until the June meeting in order to reflect the remaining Preservation Month related expenses, i.e. new banners, Ostberg lecture. V. New Business A. Preservation Month 2024 Recap 1. Ostberg Historic Talk, Railroads of Wheaton. More than 100 reservations were made, with 75 attendees present. The new placement for the Historic Commission table to greet attendees and offer literature was thought to be positive. 2. One-on-One Home Research at WPL.  This was very successful, with 16 of the half-hour time slots reserved, along with several walk-ins.  Commissioners discussed a “Researching Your Home” section on the website to supplement the application and research source information that has already been revised. Copy for this will be reviewed at the June meeting.  Gretchen Murphy, Research Librarian, has offered to help the commission with an additional One-on-One evening session in the fall; a September or October date will be scheduled. 3. Signage/Banners.   Both were well received again this year, with very positive feedback from several owners, both in-person and via email.  The two-week placement will be repeated in 2025, with signs and banners to be put up on May 1 and taken down May 17-19.  A survey of historic property owners was discussed. This could gather feedback, get missing history information about properties if available, and also determine any unwillingness about displaying a sign. B. Wheaton: A Pictorial History by Jean Moore printing plates and copyright purchase option. This 1994 publication had a limited printing of 3000 copies; the commission is attempting to locate the photos but has not been successful so far. C. Email correspondence for WheatonHistoricCommission@wheaton.il.us The commission email address was inadvertently set up with emails going to all commissioners. This has now been corrected, and confusion about requests and replies has been eliminated. VI. Commissioner Comments None VII. Adjournment. Syed moved to adjourn, Bob seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. The meeting concluded at 8:28 pm. VIII. Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Respectfully submitted, Robert Purdy Secretary 2