Historic Preservation Commission

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES February 3, 2025 City Council Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL: A Special Called Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order by Chairwoman Lou Ness at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2025, in Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Marilyn Cuevas, Tom Ellinghausen, Jose Rey, and Chairwoman Lou Ness. COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Erica Wilson. STAFF PRESENT: City Planner Darrell Moore and Commission Clerk Melissa Bauer. 2. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: a. November 25, 2024 There was a motion made to approve the November 25, 2024 meeting minutes as presented. MOTION: T. Ellinghausen. SECOND: J. Rey. All present voted Aye. Motion carried. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT: There were no public comments. 4. OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business. 5. NEW BUSINESS: a. Certificate of Appropriateness – 132-134 Cass Street, window replacement (after the fact) Rick O’Connor – 3116 S. Country Club Rd, Woodstock, IL 60098, representing property owner. Planner D. Moore summarized the request and stated that there are seven, second-story windows, which were all original throughout 2018. At that time, a Category 1 Certificate of Appropriateness was granted, approving the replacement of the left, three windows with fiberglass. In 2024, the new building owner was seeking approval to replace the right three windows and receive Façade Improvement Program funds to offset the cost. Wood windows were approved, but due to a misunderstanding, vinyl windows were installed. The property owner is now seeking approval from the commission to allow the installed windows to remain. Planner D. Moore reviewed the events that led to this request and summarized by stating the estimates, as presented by the owner, ranged in price from $10,387 for “wood product” windows, $7,087 for vinyl windows, and $4,700 also for “wood product” windows. He advised the applicant that vinyl windows would not be eligible for the Facade Improvement Program and were strongly discouraged in the historic district. Additionally, Planner D. Moore noted that the  Historic Preservation Commission 02/03/2025 Page 2 of 5 lowest price quoted for wood windows was unusually low and he recommended the owner check with the contractor to make sure of what was being quoted. The contractor, Anselmo Varoli, subsequently contacted Planner D. Moore for clarification, at which time Planner D. Moore verbally explained the historic district guidelines for windows. It was understood from that phone call that his quote was accurate, and he would use wood windows. Mr. Varoli followed up with an email to property manager Ron French in which he summarized his understanding for window replacement in the historic district, noting: “The size, proportion, placement, and style of windows establish balance and create visual harmony in the building’s exterior appearance. Replacement windows should always fill the entire opening and duplicate the original type of sash, pattern of light divisions, and profile. Window material should match original material. (Not necessarily the same material but should be like its original material.)” He also revised his estimate language, adding to the section that says, “the windows will be made of wood following the code.” The updated quote stated, “the windows outside trim will be wood, inside it would be white vinyl.” Staff interpreted that to mean the windows would be wood and that portions on the interior of the building would be vinyl. Only after installation did it become clear that Mr. Varoli was describing that the frame around the window would be wood and that the window itself would be vinyl, inside and out. Planner D. Moore concluded by stating that, based on the application provided by the building owner, Malcom Prado, and subsequent conversations with the building manager, Ron French, it was the staff’s understanding that the applicant believed the windows would be installed to meet historic district guidelines and be constructed of wood. Planner D. Moore met onsite with Mr. Varoli and Mr. French on November 5th, and at that meeting, Mr. Varoli stated that all elements of the window replacements were vinyl. Planner D. Moore explained that, because the material was not what was expected, the profile was different, and the window glass area was smaller, he could not approve the replacement, and a Certificate of Appropriateness would need to be obtained from the Historic Preservation Commission. Planner D. Moore advised that if approval were to be granted, the windows could remain, and the Facade Improvement Program funds could be released, but it was his assessment that the profile of the windows and frames are more intricate than what they were replacing and what still exists on the other windows in the building. Further, the proportions of the windows are significantly changed, and the window opening has been reduced by at least 15%. J. Rey inquired why the building inspector didn’t inspect the windows during installation. Planner D. Moore advised that a replacement, with no changes, does not require a permit. J. Rey inquired if Planner D. Moore had advised the applicant that vinyl was not an option. Planner. D. Moore advised that he had told the applicant vinyl was not acceptable, and the documentation reinforces that the replacement windows are required to be replaced with like windows. J. Rey inquired if the Façade grant stated what was required. Planner D. Moore advised that the grant states the applicant must be compliant with the plans as approved. Chairwoman L. Ness advised that if the guidelines were clear, then the property owner should have installed what was approved.  Historic Preservation Commission 02/03/2025 Page 3 of 5 Rick O’Connor approached the commission and advised that there had been a breakdown in communication and that the contractor made a choice of material that was not in the bid. Mr. O’Connor further noted that the windows are on the second floor and once painted the public would not be able to recognize that they were not wood windows. Further, inventorying the other windows on the square, there is no consistency in style and reveals. Chairwoman L. Ness asked for a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for 132- 134 Cass Street, window replacement. No motion was made. There was a motion made to deny the Certificate of Appropriateness for 132-134 Cass Street, window replacement. MOTION: T. Ellinghausen. SECOND: J. Rey. Ayes: M. Cuevas, T. Ellinghausen, J. Rey, and Chairwoman L. Ness. Nays: None. Absent: E. Wilson. Motion carried to deny the Certificate of Appropriateness for 132-134 Cass Street, window replacement. b. Approve Revised 2025 Meeting Schedule Planner D. Moore provided the revised meeting dates for the 2025 Historic Preservation Meetings as follows: 2025 Meeting Schedule (all meetings at 7:00 p.m.) Monday, January 20 (Special meeting) – Canceled Monday, February 17 (note: Washington’s birthday) Monday, March 17 (note: St. Patrick’s Day) Monday, April 21 Monday, May 19 Monday, June 16 Monday, July 21 Monday, August 18 Monday, September 15 Monday, October 20 Monday, November 17 Monday, December 15 A motion was made by J. Rey and seconded by T. Ellinghausen to approve the 2025 Historic Preservation meeting schedule as presented. Ayes: M. Cuevas, T. Ellinghausen, J. Rey and Chairwoman L. Ness. Nays: None.  Historic Preservation Commission 02/03/2025 Page 4 of 5 Absent: E. Wilson. 6. REPORTS AND DISCUSSION: a. Groundhog statue in the Park on the Square Planner D. Moore advised that Groundhog Day Committee Chairman Rick Bellairs was present to discuss a proposed groundhog statue for the Park in the Square. Mr. R. Bellairs approached the commission and advised that the Groundhog Day Committee would like to have a statue made and placed in the Park in the Square near either the north entrance, west entrance by the Old Courthouse or the south entrance near the Opera House where there are already benches present. The sculptor, Erik Blome, would create a bronze statue of a groundhog standing on a 6-foot-long log that would also serve as a bench where people could sit and relax as well as take pictures. Chairwoman L. Ness inquired if the statue would be violating any restrictions in the Historic Preservation guidelines or if it would interfere with any of the future park plans. Planner D. Moore advised that it would not. T. Ellinghausen suggested placing the statue in the southwest corner of the Park in the Square as that area seems to be underutilized. There was a consensus from the Historic Preservation Board that they were in favor of the proposed groundhog statue with the attached bench, suggesting it be in the southwest corner of the park. b. 124 Hutchins Street Planner D. Moore gave an update on the progress of the window at 124 Hutchins Street and shared an exhibit of a window with a panel above to replicate where the original stained-glass window was located noting the owner had agreed to the design. Further, the owner has indicated he will install the panel when the weather is warmer. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: c. Sign Variation – 100 S. Benton Street Planner D. Moore advised that the Needful Things business, on the second floor of the Harris Bank building, will be coming before the commission for a variation to expand signage for the property. T. Ellinghausen stated that he felt there should be an overall sign plan for the building as there are multiple businesses within the building and the sign code restricts the number of signs allowed. Opera House Emergency Exit Stairs Planner D. Moore advised that the City Engineer has found the exterior emergency exit stairs from the second story of the Opera House to the Dean St. sidewalk to be in disrepair and in need  Historic Preservation Commission 02/03/2025 Page 5 of 5 of replacement. The replacement may not replicate what is currently there, but options will be brought before the HPC for consideration. General Discussion Discussions ensued on the calling of special-called meetings, and there was a consensus that guidelines should be set not to hold special-called meetings. Planner D. Moore advised that he would add this topic to the next agenda for further discussion and a vote. Planner D. Moore advised the Commission that he has accepted a position as the City Planner for the City of Crystal Lake, and he will not be serving as the liaison for the Woodstock Historic Commission anymore. Planner D. Moore was very appreciative of all the time and effort the commission has put into making Woodstock such a wonderful City to work for and be a part of. The commission was very supportive of Planner D. Moore and wished him well in the City of Crystal Lake, noting that he would be sorely missed in Woodstock. M. Cuevas noted that the property located at 223 S. Tryon Street/226 W. South Street, which was before the commission in June of 2024, still had a temporary fence installed on the property. Planner D. Moore advised that he would have staff notify the homeowner that it needed to be removed. J. Rey advised that there was a petition going around about some form of art piece to be located within the roundabout and inquired if that would have to come before the HPC. Planner D. Moore advised he would investigate. 7. ADJOURNMENT: There was a motion made to adjourn the meeting at 8:49 p.m. MOTION: J. Rey. SECOND: M. Cuevas. All present voted Aye. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:49 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Melissa Bauer Commission Clerk