Will County Historic Preservation Commission met Aug. 1.
Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:
1. Call to Order
Vasko called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M.
2. Roll Call – Establishment of a Quorum
Commissioners Present:
Matt Galik
John Kiefner
William McCollum
Ann Marie Nagel, Secretary (7:06 P.M.)
Judy Panozzo
Daniel Seggebruch, Vice-Chairman
Sandy Vasko, Chairwoman
Commissioners Absent:
Catherine Boo
Staff:
Janine Farrell, Will County Land Use Department
Phil Mock, Will County State’s Attorney’s Office
Marguerite Kenny, Will County Land Use Department
Colleen Novander, Will County Forest Preserve District
Others: Ken Itle, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. (WJE)
A quorum was present.
3. Approval of Agenda
Galik moved that the agenda be adopted as presented. McCollum seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
4. Approval of July 11, 2018 Minutes
McCollum moved that the minutes be approved as presented. Seggebruch seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
5. Public Comments
No Public Comments.
6. Chairman’s Report
Vasko discussed her recent interactions with Lori Lindberg at the New Lenox Area Historical Society. Lindberg stated that there are 3-4 potential landmark nominations being worked on by the Society. Lindberg enlisted the assistance of Vasko with a bat infestation at Grace Epispocal Church, specifically inside the chimney and what to do about removal or repair of said chimney.
Vasko updated the Commission on her work with the Chief Judge and placement of Will County courthouse history and artifacts into the new court house, currently under construction. Vasko stated that kiosks will be placed in front of some of the courtrooms that will offer insight to the rich history of the Will County Court system.
Vasko stated that there will be tours of the structure once known as Miami Gardens in Peotone, now known as Edwin’s, at the corner of Kennedy Road and Route 50. Vasko encouraged the Commissioners to take the tour.
Vasko spoke of a residence at the corner of Hadley Road and Jackson Street that has been bought by a developer who wants to tear down the home and turn it into a gas station. Vasko believes she has proof of its historic worthiness, though is looking for a map that goes back prior to 1836 that would show that the current street was Hadley Road back then.
7. Staff’s Report
Farrell introduced Marguerite Kenny, called Margie, a new Planner from the Will County Land Use Department.
Farrell informed the Commission that Rachel Leibowitz, from the State Historic Preservation office, resigned on 7/31/18, and there is no replacement at this time. Farrell stated that Amy Hathaway is the grant liaison to the CLG grants for the Commission’s surveys and other projects the commission takes on.
Farrell introduced Ken Itle, from WJE who will present the Washington Township survey. The survey is now in the final stages.
Farrell provided the Commission with a financial update for the Monee Township Survey: County received $13,050 of the $14,500 requested; the State will now cover 90% and County with match 10%; the County will in fact be paying less than what was anticipated.
Farrell noted the new state tax credit that will be going into effect on 1/1/2019 for preservation/landmarks. Farrell will provide a tutorial on the credit once more information is received. There is also available a 20% Federal tax credit for income- producing properties as well.
Wagner Farm located at the corner of 103rd Street and Route 59 is being annexed into Naperville and will be torn down for redevelopment. Farrell received documentation from the developer on the farmstead which was provided to the SHPO.
With the Will County Fair fast approaching, Farrell was looking for volunteers to staff the Land Use booth in the Commercial building at the fair on the weekend. Commissioners Panozzo, McCollum and Nagel agreed to help.
8. Old Business
Vasko discussed that she would like to see the Commission receive an additional $2,000- $3,000 more in the FY budget for educational purposes.
It was discussed that Catherine Boo should resign from the Commission. Boo was asked to step down since the beginning of 2018 and has not attended one meeting this fiscal year. Boo’s Commission appointment expiries in November 2018. The Commission is in need of one member who is an attorney and one ordinary commissioner as well. Farrell has pursued and will continue to pursue prospects for the vacancies.
9. New Business
Presentation of Rural Historic Structural Survey for Washington Township Survey
Ken Itle of WJE presented some standout sites from the township survey and asked for input from the Commission as well. Comments need to be sent to Farrell by 8/31/2018.
10. CommissionerDiscussion
Nagel discussed that there were two schools on Highland Ave. in Monee Township. One was owned by what is known as the first Prairie Schoolmaster, Otis Philips and one near the Deutsche farm. Nagel has references to both schools, but it was the school near the Deutsche farm that was referred to as the Black Walnut school that was turned into a public school in the late 1930’s to early 1940’s. The other school, currently a residence, was a subscription school and the one room school was actually the home of Mr. Otis Philips.
There was discussion of Ken Itle following up with the Washington Township Board regarding the “landmark” plaques awarded to homeowners. Nagel will continue to reach out to get clarifications as well.
Seggebruch and his daughter have been working on a new logo for the WCHPC and it will be put on the agenda for next month’s meeting to be voted upon. Once approved by the WCHPC, it will go before the Will County Board for a proclamation to honor Seggebruch’s daughter.
11. Announcements
Nagel announced that St. John’s Church in Peotone is having their annual Corn Roast this coming Saturday, August 4th, from 4pm to 7pm.
Vasko invited the Commission to have the September meeting in Lockport at the Heritage Village Visitor Center at 249 W 2nd St, in Lockport. The meeting is on September 5, 2018 at 7:00pm.
12. Adjournment
Galik moved that the meeting be adjourned. Nagel seconded the motion which passed unanimously at 8:55 P.M. The next meeting will be September 5, 2018 in Lockport.
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