Historic Commission

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 Gamon Room, City Hall I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm Present In-person – Louise Ferrebee (Chair), Bob Purdy (Secretary), Mike Hill (Treasurer), Debra Corwin, Nancy Flannery, Syed Hussain, Elizabeth Krecisz II. Public Comments None III. Approval of March Meeting Minutes Approved on a motion by Syed, seconded by Lizzy, and passed unanimously. IV. Treasurer Report April expenditure: $20 to print promotional flyers for May 7 lecture. V. Old Business A. Preservation Month 2025 1. Timeline & Action items.  Publicity. Louise reviewed outlets where press release has appeared: Wheaton Facebook page, email alerts and monthly eNewsletter, Wheaton Patch, and CitySpark. Nancy has covered several local organizations, individuals, and influencers with the release, and will also be contacting the Daily Herald.  Table in Library. Syed will be pursuing this, selecting a date prior to the May 7 lecture.  April 19 French Market 7:30a—12:30p. Exhibit items and handouts were discussed. Staffing was confirmed.  Training for “Researching Your Home.” Commissioners committed for a library training session on May 5. This will prepare us for the scheduled meetings with homeowners on May 12 and May 19. 2. Sign Assignments. Commissioners received sign route printouts and placement guidelines and tips were reviewed. The paper mapping procedure using the city address map pdf was demonstrated. Signs and mounting brackets were picked up at the end of the meeting. B. “Meet and Greet” There was extensive discussion about the viability of this event scheduled for June 5. Several factors pointed to a reevaluation of the format and the timing of this first-time venture:  The need to reconsider potential programming options   A low response to the initial RSVP request included in the letter to Historic Register property owners regarding their May 3 sign placements  Potential conflicts with local events A motion to postpone and redefine the “Meet and Greet” was made by Syed, seconded by Lizzy, and passed unanimously. Deb will be contacting Emily O’Brien at DCHM to recover the deposit. VI. New Business A. New applicant for Wheaton Register of Historic Places, 723 East Willow. Although the submitted application was very thorough and well-documented, it lacked proof of construction date. This can be done with tax records or evidence of a building permit. Louise will share how to do this with the owners. If completed by the May meeting, the commission will review again and vote. B. Update on Database. Louise showed the completed database printouts, which are now in a binder. VII. Tabled  Walking Tour of Main Street—What is possible with GIS map? VIII. Commissioner Comments  Deb alerted commissioners to the upcoming May 13 lecture in St. Charles by Dr. Kathryn Louise reminded commissioners about her term ending August 15 and our need to select a new chair at that time. IX. Adjournment A motion to adjourn was made by Bob, seconded by Syed, and passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:53 pm. X. Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Respectfully submitted, Robert Purdy, Secretary 2