Will County Historic Preservation Commission met Sept. 5.
Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:
1. Call to Order
Vasko called the meeting to order at 7:10 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
Ann Marie Nagel, Secretary
A quorum was present.
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:
Brian ,Will County Historical Museum and Research Center
Andrea ,Will County Historical Museum and Research Center
3. Approval of Agenda
Panozzo moved that the agenda be adopted as presented. McCollum seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
4. Approval of August 1, 2018 Minutes
Galik moved that the minutes be approved as presented. McCollum seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
5. Public Comments
No Public Comments.
Vasko stated that Tom Pinn from the City of Lockport Heritage & Architecture Commission was present earlier in the evening and would like the Heritage Village to be nominated as a Lockport landmark.
6. Chairman’s Report
[Vasko addressed items under Commissioner Discussion.]
7. Staff’s Report
Farrell reminded the Commission that the October meeting will be held at the Mokena Public Library on October 10.
8. Old Business
Seggebruch disputed the preliminary research completed by Nagel and Vasko on the landmark nomination for the former schoolhouse located at 26656 S. Highland Ave., Monee. Seggebruch believes that the structure is not the subscription school, but the Black Walnut/Deutsche School that his father attended. Seggebruch has requested that staff find a 1940s deed to the property to prove ownership which will clarify which school the structure actually is.
Seggebruch stated that he provided two comments to Staff for the Washington Township Rural Survey. Farrell stated that the comments were compiled with those received from Howard Piepenbrink and herself and sent to Ken Itle that afternoon.
Seggebruch stated that he will assist Nagel and Christi Holston on the St. John’s cemetery landmark nomination.
Vasko questioned Farrell on the status of the missing Wesley Township Rural Survey site. Farrell will follow-up with Ken Itle.
9. New Business
1. Discussion: Kiniry House Landmark Nomination
Galik provided an overview on the history of the structure, the original owner, Thomas Kiniry, and how the nomination came to fruition. Galik stated that it appears a new owner has purchased the property and is currently completing rehab of the structure. Panozzo checked the MLS listing and found that the property was sold on August 23, 2018 but the deed has yet to be recorded.
Farrell discussed the upcoming nomination process with the Commission. The Village of Mokena is slated to vote on the intergovernmental agreement in October. If the Village approves the intergovernmental agreement, the County’s public hearing will occur at the November 7th HPC meeting and progress to the Land Use and Development Committee on November 11th, then the full County Board on November 15th. Farrell and Mock discussed that any demolition permit applied for the property would go through the Village of Mokena and the County would be unaware. Farrell has made attempts to reach out to the property owner. Now that the property has been sold, Farrell will wait for a new deed with updated contact information in order to send a certified letter to the new owners.
2. WCHPC New Logo
Vasko presented a color version of the logo for Commissioners comment on. Over the upcoming months, Farrell will work to digitize and colorize the logo. Seggebruch stated that his daughter did not want to put her initials in the logo. Seggebruch would like an acknowledgement letter sent to his daughter or a proclamation read at a County Board meeting to honor her work on the logo.
Kiefner moved that the logo be approved and formally adopted. Seggebruch seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
10. CommissionerDiscussion
McCollum discussed that the New Lenox Train Station was successfully moved on August 15, 2018 down Cedar Road to its new home on Konow’s Farm in Homer Glen. McCollum had several discussions with Will County Fair attendees about the move when he volunteered to staff the Land Use Department booth. McCollum stated that there is a desire to landmark the train station.
Galik discussed a potential landmark nomination for a commercial property located on Front Street in Mokena.
Seggebruch stated that he will assist Nagel and Christi Holston on the St. John’s cemetery landmark nomination.
Kiefner discussed options for farmland preservation in Will County and using revenue from video gaming/gambling to fund placing farmland into trusts and rehabilitating landmarks. Kiefner will be attending a presentation by Janice Hill who works for Kane County and will report back to the Commission about farmland preservation.
Vasko informed the Commissioners about the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program. Vasko stated that the Will County Historical Museum and Research Center has applied to be listed on the Network to Freedom. Vasko encouraged the Commissioners to nominate other Will County Underground Railroad sites to be on the network. The Commissioners discussed the potential to have a Will County Underground Railroad sites tour.
Vasko met with the new owners of the Gemini Giant in Wilmington and discussed what it means to be a Will County landmark. Vasko intends to meet with the owners again the weekend of September 8th. Gina Wysocki has drafted a nomination for the Launching Pad Restaurant and the Gemini Giant.
Vasko discussed the impending demolition of an odd structure in Wilmington. Vasko is researching to find out what the structure was once used for since it was located adjacent to the Stewart House Hotel, now demolished.
11. Announcements
The Apple Fest will occur at the Heritage Village on October 14, 2018 from 10:00a- 4:00p. This is an Illinois Bicenntial approved event. On the same day in the public landing, Midwest SOARRING will be holding a dance fest.
Seggebruch announced that the beer named after his last name is back on the menu at Evil Horse Brewing in Crete.
12. Adjournment
Kiefner moved that the meeting be adjourned. Galik seconded the motion which passed unanimously at 8:08 P.M. The next meeting will be October 10, 2018 in Mokena.
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