Historic Commission

Tuesday, August 16, 2022 I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. Present in person: Nancy Flannery (Chair), Joe Szczepaniak (Vice Chair), Lisa Buchanan, Bob Purdy, Louise Ferrebee, Stephen Beach Present virtual: Steph McGrath (Secretary), Emelie Engling Public Comments: Sophia Ruffolo II. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the July 19, 2022 meeting approved as amended on a motion by Joe, seconded by Bob, and passed unanimously. III. Old Business A. Illinois Attorney General Case: Nancy reviewed the history of the Wheaton Historic Preservation Council and the subsequent formation of the Historic Commission, which was intended to be a liaison with the WHPC. Nancy stated that if the ruling of the current civil case favors the State, the Attorney General will then appoint a new board of directors for the WHPC 501(c)3. The August 11 court session ended with another extension; the next date has not yet been determined. B. Exterior alterations impact on Wheaton Register status: The Guidelines for reviewing Historic Register status are published as a part of the program. There will be ongoing and regular review of properties to determine whether owners can retain the Register status based on the condition of their property. C. Wheaton History Dates: Bob will continue posting dates on Wheaton Patch. Louise will pursue postings on the various Facebook groups: Wheaton Historic Commission, City of Wheaton, and You Know You’re From Wheaton. D. Time Capsule: Nancy has contacted Father Hoehn, pastor of St. Michael Parish, to help assemble information about the 1976 Student Council time capsule to add historical background to the Historic Commission's web page about time capsules. E. Pride in Preservation Signs: Need to order new signs by January to receive in time for May. Do we want a slogan or Wheaton Landmark? Liked having the City seal. Some ideas: A Wheaton Landmark Property or Celebrate Wheaton History. Could include QR code. Rethink color and what we want on the sign. We can afford to buy new signs. Send any  sign text ideas to Nancy and she will compile a list for our next meeting. F. Wheaton Register Map: Have analytics for traffic to page. Page views were heaviest in early May when the map was initially published and during the week the Pride in Preservation signs were up. Should ask Wheaton Public Library again to link on their website. Need to think of other ways to publicize the map. IV. New Business A. New Commissioner Application: Sophia Ruffolo reviewed her background and interests. She left the meeting while the commissioners deliberated. Steph moved to approve her application, Joe seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. B. Chair Responsibilities: In line with sharing more of the chair’s duties the following responsibilities were assumed: Louise, liaison for Facebook and other social media sites, and Steve, technology consultant for audio-visual communications and other IT tasks. V. Commissioner Comments Lisa: Wondered about the vote on the 7 story apartment building. Joe: Welcome to new members. Suggested putting image of new Pride in Preservation sign on Wheaton Register Map and other web pages to help create recognition. Louise: Saw comments about the home torn down at 517 North West Street on the You Know You’re From Wheaton Facebook page. The owners are building the new house. Emelie: Wheaton Public Library’s recent book sale raised over $20,000. Steph: Have received more home history research requests via the Wheaton Public Library. Nancy: Been reviewing various boards and commissions and their reported budgets. VI. Adjournment Lisa moved to adjourn, Bob seconded, the motion passed unanimously; the meeting concluded at 8:37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Steph McGrath Chair