Historic Commission

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm. Present in person: Stephen Beach (Chair), Bob Purdy (Secretary), Lisa Buchanan (Treasurer), Nancy Flannery, Sophia Ruffolo Present virtual: Louise Ferrebee (Vice Chair), Emelie Engling, Absent: Joe Szczepaniak Public: Emily Dudley II. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the December 17, 2023 meeting were approved on a motion by Bob, seconded by Nancy, and passed unanimously. III. Old Business A. Illinois Attorney General Case 2021CH000460: At the Jan 31 session, Judge Joseph T. Bugos denied the Attorney General’s motion to strike and make partial judgement. Instead the case will now go to trial. Lawyers for the Plaintiff will be filing their responses to the decision and the case will move into discovery. Nancy is expecting receipt of the full transcript, including Judge Bugos’s reasons for denial and she will share it ASAP. Court date is Thursday April 13 at 9:00 am. B. Preservation Week 2023: 1. New Banners: Louise presented layout ideas with the previously approved text and different background color treatments. Once a vendor has been identified, she will be soliciting their advice as well. It was agreed the new banner(s) would be displayed the same dates as the new yard signs, May 12-May 22 2. Promotion and Publicity of Events: Steve has lists of previous plans and some new ideas were discussed. Louise agreed to coordinate much of this, especially the social media portion. 3. Home History Research: To help prepare us for the two sessions for Historic Register applicants to be held at WPL, May 15 and May 20, Nancy is coordinating training for commissioners with Gretchen Murphy, research librarian. The training session will be held Monday, April 24. C. Wheaton Register of Historic Places application process revisions: Steve shared his revisions to the application, making it much  simpler, shorter, and user-friendly. The new one-page application will be submitted electronically in the future. D. Miscellaneous: 1. 108 E. Wesley, former Wheaton Chamber of Commerce building: Sophia said that the Chamber of Commerce advised that the new occupant will be Lori Mesa Antiques and Fine Jewelry. 2. Keith Letsche “Wheaton Home Styles” lecture content: Nancy reported that this will be best presented in a produced video, instead of a lecture at the library. She agreed to plan and coordinate the recording, to be made by the City video crew. 3. Bob Goldsborough lecture in September 2023: Nancy reported that Bob’s topic would be “Railroad accidents in Wheaton.” This would complement an upcoming exhibit at the DuPage County Historical Museum on the CA&E railroad. Bob Purdy agreed to coordinate a lecture date with WPL and the City video crew. IV. New Business A. SharePoint site: Everyone was pleased with this new resource and its capability. We all felt that it will streamline our communication and enhance the overall efficiency of Historic Commission business. Some new folders and files have already been added, and Louise said she planned to upload to SharePoint the Historic Commission items that are posted on the City of Wheaton Facebook page. B. 515 W. Park Ave. Register Application: We are awaiting three additional current photos of the home, plus copies of the DuPage Tax Books, 1920-1930. Approval vote to be at March meeting. C. Miscellaneous: 1. Red Grange project: Sophia updated us on her research work. It was suggested she solicit information from users of the large “You Know You’re From Wheaton” FB group. 2. 1897 Map: Nancy brought this resource which she is using in her research of the Plamondon estate in Wheaton. V. Commissioner Comments Bob learned that there was a February 4 fire in the Richard and Mary Baker home at 329 E Franklin. Four rooms will be under reconstruction in this 1869 Wheaton Register home while the Bakers temporarily relocate to a house on Madison Ave. next to Bob’s house. VI. Adjournment Louise moved to adjourn, Lisa seconded, the motion passed unanimously; the meeting concluded at 8:46 pm. Respectfully submitted, Robert Purdy