Joliet Historic Preservation Commission

City of Joliet 150 West Jefferson Street Joliet, IL 60432 Meeting Minutes - Final Wednesday, February 26, 2025 6:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Commission Members Quinn Adamowski Brian Bessler Mary Beth Gannon Kevin Heinemann Candace Johnson Kailee Lowry Sharon Merwin Aaron Mikottis Ken Spiegel Sara Stovall Steven Wright Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes - Final February 26, 2025 Page 1 of 1 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes - Final February 26, 2025 Citizens who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments in advance of the meeting to publiccomment@joliet.gov. CALL TO ORDER DECLARATION OF QUORUM Present Brian Bessler, Candace Johnson, Kailee Lowry, Sharon Merwin, Sara Stovall and Ken Spiegel Absent Quinn Adamowski, Mary Beth Gannon, Kevin Heinemann, Steven Wright and Aaron Mikottis APPROVAL OF MINUTES Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting TMP-8281 Minutes 1-22-25 Attachments: JHPC 1-22-25 Minutes.pdf A motion was made by Kailee Lowry, seconded by Sara Stovall, to approve Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes 1-22-25. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Bessler, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Stovall and Spiegel Absent: Adamowski, Gannon and Heinemann CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS None COMMITTEE REPORTS None OLD BUSINESS a. Election of Chair TMP-8282 A motion was made by Ms. Merwin, seconded by Ms. Stovall, to suspend the Commission rules to accommodate the voting process. All Commission members were in favor. There was a discussion about Chair term lengths. A motion was made by Sharon Merwin, seconded by Sara Stovall, to appoint Candace Johnson to Chair. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Bessler, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Stovall and Spiegel Absent: Adamowski, Gannon and Heinemann b. Election of a Vice Chair TMP-8283 A motion was made by Kailee Lowry, seconded by Ken Spiegel, to appoint Brian Page 1 of 3 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes - Final February 26, 2025 Bessler to Vice-Chair. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Bessler, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Stovall and Spiegel Absent: Adamowski, Gannon and Heinemann NEW BUSINESS a. Public Hearing: LHD-1-2025 - Rescind Local Historic TMP-8289 District designation from the Whitney Terrace Local Historic District (412, 414, 416, 418, 420, and 422 Whitney Avenue and its associated common area) Attachments: LHD-1-2025 Staff Report Packet.pdf Planner Jayne Bernhard read the petition title. At the request of Ms. Johnson, a motion was made by Ms. Merwin, seconded by Ms. Lowry, to open the public hearing. All Commission members were in favor. Ms. Bernhard read the staff report into the record. Ken Spiegel appeared on behalf of the petition. There was a discussion about Whitney Terrace Local Historic District design guidelines, application of design guidelines relating to de-designation, common area cosmetic regulations, and local landmark designation for individual properties. A motion was made by Ms. Lowry, seconded by Ms. Stovall, to close the public hearing. All Commission members were in favor. A motion was made by Sharon Merwin, seconded by Kailee Lowry, to deny Public Hearing: LHD-1-2025 - Rescind Local Historic District designation from the Whitney Terrace Local Historic District (412, 414, 416, 418, 420, and 422 Whitney Avenue and its associated common area). The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Johnson, Lowry, Merwin and Stovall Nay: Bessler and Spiegel Absent: Adamowski, Gannon and Heinemann b. Annual Awards Announcement TMP-8290 Ms. Bernhard gave an overview of the Annual Joliet Historic Preservation Award timeline. There was a discussion about an award celebration and City Council proclamation. STAFF REPORTS Ms. Bernhard provided an update on the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study. Ms Lowry gave an overview of the community collection scan of artifacts event. There was a discussion about continued submittal of artifacts, access to the scanned documents, final deliverables related to educational curriculum, and school districts’ archives. Page 2 of 3 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes - Final February 26, 2025 Ms. Bernhard discussed the Comprehensive Plan and the upcoming Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee meeting. Ms. Bernhard explained the applicants of St. Joe’s Church Landmark application met with City administration. Ms. Johnson spoke about the St. Joe’s Church Landmark application. Ms. Bernhard discussed the status of the C.L.G. application. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Ms. Merwin discussed an article in Landmarks Illinois newsletter and federal grant funds. Ms. Johnson distributed St. Joe’s Church brochures with information about the Church’s history, layout and stained-glass windows. There was a discussion about stained-glass windows and walking tours. Ms. Bernhard discussed possible bus tours in partnership with the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Ms. Lowry explained the need for affordable bussing options. PUBLIC COMMENT None ADJOURNMENT Ms. Merwin inquired about the second City Council meeting in March. There was a discussion about March holidays. A motion was made by Sharon Merwin, seconded by Brian Bessler, to approve adjournment . The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Bessler, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Stovall and Spiegel Absent: Adamowski, Gannon and Heinemann This meeting will be held in an accessible location. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact The City Clerk Office, 150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 at (815) 724-3780. Page 3 of 3