Historic Commission

APPROVED Minutes of Wheaton Historic Commission May 19, 2015 Meeting at Wheaton City Hall, Wheaton, Ill. In attendance: Nancy Flannery (Chair), Trent Nichols (Vice Chair), Tom Kay, Steph McGrath, Bob Shuster and Barbara Dutton (Secretary). Absent: Emelie Engling and Greg Morrison Guests/Public Comment: Al Fisher expressed that he very much enjoyed the recent Civil War lecture sponsored by the Commission. Maureen Fogerty explained that she was present to learn about the Commission’s mission, and indicated that she had an appreciation of older homes in the community. Nancy welcomed the guests and provided an overview of the Commission’s landmark program. The meeting was called to order by Nancy at 7:07 p.m. Minutes of the April 21, 2015 meeting were approved as amended, upon vote, following a motion made by Trent and seconded by Tom. Old Business Preservation Week Update: Nancy reported on the May 9th Landmarks Illinois-Chicago Suburban Preservation Alliance meeting hosted in Wheaton (the first time ever, noted Trent), saying that it was attended by 35-40 people at the DuPage County Historical Museum. At the event, Illinois State Representative Anderson of Geneva talked about preservation issues, while she (Nancy) gave a presentation on Mid-Century Modern Homes in the community. Nancy expressed that there is interest among Landmarks Illinois and herself in looking into the possibility of establishing a historic district in Wheaton around the Mid-Century Modern architecture theme. Trent explained that such a designation at the Federal level would be merely honorific, unless the Federal government wants to fund a project here. Steph wondered if Downers Grove had a historic district designation for its collection of Sears Homes. Bob reported on the David Maas lecture, which drew approximately 90 people. The talk discussed traditions and facts relative to the Underground Railroad, as well as documentation of its presence in Wheaton. (Nancy related that she put in a request for an honorarium to give to Maas for the lecture, and that the fee should arrive in June.) The open house at a local Dart home was attended by more than 50 people, it was reported, and inspired owners of a nearby “Alcoa demonstration house” of the same vintage as the Dart house to submit an application for listing on the Wheaton Register of Historic Places (“Wheaton Register”). Another landmark applicant homeowner also attended the event. Dart researcher Matt Seymour spoke at the open house, as did the daughter of the real estate developer who built the home. Nancy reported that Boy Scouts helped her distribute maps to for self-guided tours to see local Dart-designed structures. Reports and observations were made relative to placement of Pride in Preservation signs. Upcoming yet is the home history research workshop scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.at the Public Library; Steph asked for a volunteer to assist her with administering the event. She also described the display she organized at the Library, which features, among other items, “birds-eye” view images of Wheaton, images which she’d had enlarged. A walking tour of downtown historic sites is also scheduled for the 23rd. FOIA Request Update: Nancy reported that she received notification from Sharon (clerk) at the City that the request submitted on behalf of the Commission under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to obtain information relative to Wheaton History Center/Center for History landmark application records had been received, and that further communication would be forthcoming after the FOIA request is processed. Wheaton Register: Discussion resumed as to information to list relative to publishing on the City website listings of landmark properties. The thinking expressed was that, since there’d so far been no agreement on what should be listed, that just building address, date or style would be realistic. Steph thought that Greg might be able to create a database of information. In an update on plaque vendors, it was noted that there is no information prepared yet for distribution to homeowners on how to order a plaque. Shape and color options were also touched upon. APPROVED New Business Election of Officers: After some discussion, Bob introduced a motion, which was seconded by Tom, to maintain a slate to support a partial election, nominating Nancy to continue as Chair, and articulating the intention to elect a new Vice Chair and Secretary at the next meeting, upon interest expressed by members in assuming these posts. The motion passed by vote, with Nancy being elected to carry on as Chair. Commission Membership: Steph moved to accept the applications to serve on the Historic Commission that were received from Frank Principe and Maureen Fogerty. Trent seconded the motion, and the applications were approved by vote. The new members’ terms will begin at the June 2015 meeting. Despite these two additions to the Commission, the body will be losing two members: Trent has tendered his resignation, and Bob announced that he does not intend to continue as a member once his term is up in November. Discussion ensued as to the possibility of having Trent maintain an affiliation with the Commission. through an “Ex Officio” designation. Annual Report: Nancy explained that an annual report is expected to be produced by the Commission. She will draft one for input and approval by the group. She added that a financial report will be delayed, awaiting reimbursement requests. Landmark Applications: Nancy announced that at the next meeting, the Commission is to consider three Wheaton Register applications that have been submitted. Website presentation of landmarks information was discussed briefly, with Bob inquiring as to whether applicants were made aware of listing documentation being public record. Nancy confirmed that information being public record was noted on the application form. Steph said she could speak with Donna at the Library about storing application records. Commissioner Comments Nancy complimented Trent on his leadership as Chair of the Commission. Trent recalled his recruitment to serve, and remarked that doing so had been a fun experience. Barbara reported that Friends of Pioneer Cemeteries’ recent newsletter made mention of interaction with our Commission Chair, Nancy, and Pride in Preservation signage. Trent moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Bob, the motion was approved by vote, and the meeting concluded at 8:37 p.m.