Will County Gazette

Will County Historic Preservation Commission met June 6.

Here is the agenda provided by the Commission:

1. Call to Order

Vasko called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

2. Roll Call – Establishment of a Quorum

Commissioners Present: Matt Galik John Kiefner William McCollum Judy Panozzo Daniel Seggebruch, Vice-Chairman Sandy Vasko, Chairwoman

Commissioners Absent: Catherine Boo Kirsten Steeves Ann Marie Nagel, Secretary

Staff: Jessica Gal, Will County Land Use Department Phil Mock, Will County State’s Attorney’s Office Colleen Novander, Will County Forest Preserve District Representative

Others: None

A quorum was present.

3. Approval of Agenda

Judy Panozzo moved that the agenda be adopted as presented. John Kiefner seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

4. Approval of April 4, 2018 Minutes

John Kiefner moved that the April 4, 2018 minutes be amended to include Jessica Gal’s last name. Dan Seggebruch seconded that motion, which passed unanimously.

Approval of May 2, 2018 Minutes

John Kiefner also motioned to approve the minutes for the May 2, 2018 meeting. Judy Panozzo seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

5. Public Comments

No Public Comments.

6. Chairman’s Report

Vasko discussed the demolition permit that was submitted to the Will County Land Use Department for a single-family residence at 20798 W. Ballou Road. The demolition permit was issued in early June and the Wilmington Fire District will perform a controlled burn of the residence. The residence, built in 1913, is in poor condition and cannot be saved. The property owner, however, intends to keep the original milk house that was made of quarried stone. Chairwoman Vasko met with him and had the opportunity to see the interior of the home and the rest of the property prior to the demolition.

Vasko discussed finding genealogical records of four Wesley Township pioneer families. This information is a great discovery that contributes to the history of Wesley Township.

Vasko stated that paperwork to nominate the Launching Pad restaurant and the Gemini Giant in Wilmington is ready to be submitted. However, the property owners are reluctant to sign it because they are unsure how the landmark status will impact their ability to move the Gemini Giant four feet away from the road. Phil Mock stated that a Certificate of Appropriateness would not be reviewed by this Commission anyway because this property is located within the City of Wilmington. With this information, Vasko will reach out to the property owners.

Vasko recently toured the Old Joliet Prison. The majority of the walls are covered in graffiti, but the property has been cleaned up very well due to the hard work of volunteers and skilled labor and tradesmen. Vasko intends to give candlelight tours with stories about the prison inmates once housed in the prison. The Commission may find an opportunity to tour the Old Joliet Prison in the future.

7. Staff’s Report

Jessica Gal reminded the Commission that the July Historic Preservation Commission meeting will take place on July 11th due to the July 4th holiday.

8. Old Business

No Old Business.

9. New Business

Commissioners discussed the travelling meeting for this year. A public site in Manhattan was suggested by John Kiefner. Dan Seggebruch noted that the Commission has not held a meeting in Mokena. Vasko agreed and inquired if Matt Galik could look into a meeting location in Mokena. Galik is on the Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees. Matt stated that the public library may be able to host their travelling meeting. He will report back to the Commission on this possibility. The Commissioners came to the consensus that the travelling meeting would take place in the fall, likely October.

10. Commissioner Discussion

Bill McCullom shared with the Commission that the New Lenox Train Station has been in the news recently because preparatory work has begun on the foundation in order to move it to Walt Konow’s Farm.

Dan Seggebruch shared an article from The Vedette on plans to rehab the Monee Creamery in coordination with the Village of Monee. Seggebruch also read an excerpt to the Commission from The Landsman newsletter. Seggebruch is specifically called out on his good work in researching and contributing to the history of the eastern townships of Will County. Vasko recognized Seggebruch for his contributions to Will County’s history and this Commission.

11. Announcements

Vasko announced that Canal Days, in Downtown Lockport, will begin on June 14th and run until June 17th. The Will County Historical Museum, located in downtown, will offer a viewing of the Lincoln Funeral Rose on June 15th. Tickets can be purchased at the door. There will also be live music behind the museum, along with snacks. There are other events taking place for Canal Days at the museum and in Downtown Lockport.

12. Adjournment

Matt Galik moved that the meeting be adjourned. Bill McCollum seconded the motion which passed unanimously at 7:39 P.M. The next meeting will be July 11th, 2016.

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