Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Committee of the Whole
Regular MeetingJoliet, IL · June 23, 2021
Minutes
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
Sara Stovall
Steven Wright
Wednesday, June 23, 2021 6:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers
As of June 11, 2021, Governor Pritzker moved Illinois to Phase 5. Under Phase 5, all sectors
of the economy can resume at regular capacity with new safety guidelines and procedures .
Pursuant to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Guidelines, it is
recommended that any individual appearing in-person who is not fully vaccinated 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, Mary Beth Gannon, Bill
Habiger, Candace Johnson, Sharon Merwin, Sara Stovall and
Steven Wright
Absent Kevin Heinemann, Kailee Lowry and Aaron Mikottis
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Candace Johnson, seconded by Bill Habiger, to approve the May 26,
2021 meeting minutes. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Adamowski, Bessler, Beth Gannon, Johnson, Merwin, Stovall
and Wright
Abstain: Habiger
May 26, 2021 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission TMP-1903
Page 1 of 4
Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes June 23, 2021
Committee of the Whole
Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting Minutes
Attachments: 05-26-21 COW Minutes JB
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
COMMITTEE AND STAFF REPORTS
a.Staff Report
Ms. Bernhard decided to save the staff report for the regular meeting at 7 p.m. Ms. Bernhard
invited Melissa and Nathan to speak about some of the historic preservation projects that they
have been working on. Melissa and Nathan talked about researching some of the churches in
Joliet and how they have influenced the neighborhoods around them . The Commissioners
discussed some of the historic churches around Joliet.
Derek Conley gave an update on St. Mary's Church on Ottawa Street.
Ms. Bernhard gave an update on the Casseday House.
Ms. Bernhard & Mr. Conley gave an update on the U.S. Steel Administration building. Ms.
Bernhard stated that the property owners would like some feedback on changes being made
to the building. Ms. Bernhard also said that she and Quinn Adamowski were able to visit the
site and go inside the building. Derek announced that U.S. Steel representatives would like to
come to visit the site soon.
Ms. Bernhard spoke with the Consultant who is doing both the St. John’s Historic Resource
Survey and the Downtown Joliet National Register Historic District survey project. The St.
John’s project is approximately 70% done. The Downtown project is underway with the photo
inventory mostly completed.
Ms. Bernhard announced the Railroad Museum certified local government project is stalled.
Ms. Bernhard will continue to work with Greg Peerbolte on the project.
Ms. Bernhard announced the Lakota Group continues to work on the design guidelines
project.
Ms. Bernhard has administratively issued two certificates of appropriateness within the last
month.
Ms. Bernhard went over the requirements for submittals, new applications must be submitted
by the deadline to be properly advertised in the Herald News.
Ms. Bernhard discussed the property at 23 S. Eastern Avenue. The property owner was
recently cited by Neighborhood Services due to exterior maintenance issues. Ms. Bernhard is
working with the property owner and Neighborhood Services to resolve the issues at this
residence.
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Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes June 23, 2021
Committee of the Whole
b.Committee of the Whole (COW)
There was no discussion on this subject.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Candidates for future landmarks
Ms. Johnson gave an update on 417 Taylor Street. She is also working on 20 S. Raynor
Avenue.
Ms. Merwin is still researching 214 Herkimer Street.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Certificate of Appropriateness application
There was no discussion on this subject.
B. Thematic District Criteria
There was no discussion on this subject.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Ms. Merwin attended the Landmarks Illinois meeting.
recently visited 609 E. Cass Street. The homeowner would like to sell the house but he is
concerned it will be converted to a commercial use. Ms. is going to work with the homeowner
to landmark the house to protect it from demolition. The Commissioners discussed land
marking the home and possible uses to preserve the building. The home has been used as a
tourist home in the past, Ms. Bernhard talked about the possibility of being approved by the
City Council.
Ms. Bernhard received an inquiry about a home at 429 Buell Avenue. Ms. Bernhard sent
paperwork to the homeowner and gave information on the historic landmarking process .
Ms. Johnson gave an update on the historic walking tour project.
PUBLIC COMMENT
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, Beth Gannon, Habiger, Johnson, Merwin,
Stovall and Wright
Page 3 of 4
Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes June 23, 2021
Committee of the Whole
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
Agenda
City of Joliet
Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Committee of the Whole
Meeting Agenda
Commission Members
Quinn Adamowski
Brian Bessler
Mary Beth Gannon
Bill Habiger
Kevin Heinemann
Candace Johnson
Kailee Lowry
Sharon Merwin
Aaron Mikottis
Sara Stovall
Steven Wright
Wednesday, June 23, 2021 6:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers
As of June 11, 2021, Governor Pritzker moved Illinois to Phase 5. Under Phase 5, all sectors
of the economy can resume at regular capacity with new safety guidelines and procedures .
Pursuant to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Guidelines, it is
recommended that any individual appearing in-person who is not fully vaccinated 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
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Page 1 of 2
Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Agenda June 23, 2021
Committee of the Whole
May 26, 2021 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Committee-of-the-Whole
Meeting Minutes
Attachments: 05-26-21 COW Minutes JB
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
COMMITTEE AND STAFF REPORTS
a.Staff Report
b.Committee of the Whole (COW)
OLD BUSINESS
A. Candidates for future landmarks
NEW BUSINESS
A. Certificate of Appropriateness application
B. Thematic District Criteria
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURNMENT
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 2 of 2