Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Committee of the Whole

150 West Jefferson Street City of Joliet Joliet, IL 60432 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes Commission Members Quinn Adamowski Brian Bessler Mary Beth Gannon Bill Habiger Kevin Heinemann Candace Johnson Kailee Lowry Sharon Merwin Aaron Mikottis Christine Policandriotes Sara Stovall Steven Wright Wednesday, February 24, 2021 6:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers Pursuant to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity's Guidelines recommend best practices that limit an in-person meeting to 50 people or less (Council Chambers allows for 18 members of the public) while adhering to social distancing guidelines. During meetings, any member of the public physically present in the Council Chambers in excess of the limit will be asked to wait in another room with live feed to the meeting until the Citizens To Be Heard on Agenda Items section or Public Comments section of the meeting has commenced. Speakers will be rotated into Council Chambers to allow everyone an opportunity to speak. Pursuant to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Guidelines, it is recommended that any individual appearing in-person wear a face-covering to cover their nose and mouth. 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 Quinn Adamowski, Brian Bessler, Bill Habiger, Candace Johnson, Kailee Lowry, Sharon Merwin, Sara Stovall and Steven Wright Absent Mary Beth Gannon, Kevin Heinemann, Aaron Mikottis and Christine Policandriotes APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 6, 2021 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission TMP-1019 Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting Minutes Attachments: 01-06-21 COW MINUTES Page 1 of 4 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes February 24, 2021 Committee of the Whole A motion was made by Bill Habiger, seconded by Candace Johnson, to approve the January 6, 2021 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting Minutes. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Adamowski, Bessler, Habiger, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Stovall and Wright Absent: Beth Gannon, Heinemann, Mikottis and Policandriotes CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS NOTE: There is a new temporary procedure for public speaking. Details can be found on the Joliet.gov “Public Comments” web page. This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding non-agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff and the Joliet Historic Preservation Commission do not generally respond to public comments. Please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the Joliet Historic Preservation Commission shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak. STAFF REPORTS a.Staff Report Ms. Bernhard went over the current staff reports. Ms. Bernhard stated she does not have any updates on the current surveys taking place. Ms. Bernhard talked about the underrepresented communities grant updates. Ms. Bernhard stated work on design guidelines will be discussed at the regular meeting. Ms. Bernhard said applications for the next round of C.D.B.G. fund grants will be due in May. Ms. Bernhard went over past contributions for local community projects and facilities. Chairman Adamowski asked if snow removal is a normal use for these funds. Ms. Johnson mentioned Aurora just started a snow removal program for seniors but she does not know how it is funded. Ms. Merwin asked about the about the 80% median income, Ms. Bernhard said the information is available with web search. Chairman Adamowski stated there should be discussion with city officials and the JHPC about preservation in the City of Joliet. Ms. Johnson asked about the facade program, Ms. Bernhard responded that the city had a painting program, not a facade program . Ms. Bernhard asked if anyone else would like to discuss the staff reports. Chairman Adamowski asked if the commission agrees that city needs to start talks with the commission about preservation and fixing up blighted areas. The commissioners discussed preservation in other communities. Ms. asked about the timelines for the Joliet Prison application submittal. Ms. Bernhard stated the budget cap is $50,000 and the deadline is in May. Chairman Adamowski talked about the historical attributes that make the Joliet Prison worthy of funds to preserve it. Chairman Adamowski asked if any one else would like to discuss staff reports. No one came forward. Page 2 of 4 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes February 24, 2021 Committee of the Whole b.Committee of the Whole (COW) There was no discussion for this subject. OLD BUSINESS A. Candidates for future landmark nominations Chairman Adamowski asked if any one had updates on landmark nominations. Ms. Bernhard stated she has not had an opportunity to review the information Ms. Johnson submitted. Ms. Merwin said that she spoke with the homeowner at 214 Herkimer Street and she would like to set up a meeting to get the process started. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion of Thematic Districts and Local Historic Districts Ms. Bernhard reviewed information on the four thematic districts and put together a staff report for the commissioners to review. Ms. Bernhard talked about the thematic districts. Ms. Bernhard stated that the design guidelines for these districts were given to residents in these districts. Ms. Bernhard talked about the criteria for homeowners. Ms. Merwin talked about the catalogue style and homes that have been nominated in the past and past procedure with altered homes. Ms. Merwin and Ms. Johnson discussed Sear & Montgomery Ward catalogue homes around town. Ms. Bernhard talked about the specifics for catalogue homes. Ms. Merwin asked if the commission is looking for consistency and stricter guidelines, Ms. Bernhard said yes. Ms. Merwin asked if the commission would only look at individual properties or full thematic districts. Ms. Bernhard recommends land marking qualified homes so they can go through the proper review process when necessary. Ms. Merwin talked about the colonial revival theme and whether or not it should be an individual group. Chairman Adamowski talked about visiting Hobbs Farm and discussing preservation. Chairman Adamowski suggested talking about styles monthly, maybe as a class during committee workshops. Chairman Adamowski asked if any one else would like to discuss anything. No one came forward. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS PUBLIC COMMENTS Page 3 of 4 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes February 24, 2021 Committee of the Whole NOTE: There is a new temporary procedure for public speaking. Details can be found on the Joliet.gov “Public Comments” web page. This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding non-agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff and the Joliet Historic Preservation Commission do not generally respond to public comments. Please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the Joliet Historic Preservation Commission shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Candace Johnson, seconded by Sharon Merwin, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Adamowski, Bessler, Habiger, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Stovall and Wright Absent: Beth Gannon, Heinemann, Mikottis and Policandriotes This meeting will be held in an accessible location. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Christa M. Desiderio, City Clerk, 150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 at (815) 724-3780. Page 4 of 4