Historic Commission

HISTORIC COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES WHEATON CITY HALL, 303 W WESLEY STREET, WHEATON, ILLINOIS 60187 (/ Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Gamon Room, City Hall I. Cali to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:06 pm Present ln-person —- Louise Ferrebee (Chair), Bob Purdy (Secretary), Mike Hill (Treasurer), Debra Corwin, Elizabeth Krecisz Absent - Nancy Flannery, Syed Hussain ll. Public Comments Carol O’Gorman and Evan Sheriff attended the meeting in order to learn more about the work of the Historic Commission. Both are longtime Wheaton residents and both have a keen interest in local history. Ill. Approval of May Meeting Minutes Approved on a motion by Llzzy, seconded by Mike, and passed unanimously. IV. Treasurer Report A $300 speaker fee was submitted for payment to Beth Petti for the May 7 Trinity Episcopal Chapel: 150 Years presentation. V. Old Business A. One-on—One House History Survey. The 20 attendees were invited to submit feedback in an email survey. Responses were all very positive. ”Resolution Approving B. Ordinance Update. Louise confirmed that the wording of R 89—12, Updated Wheaton Historic Register Program Nomination Criteria” was replaced with the language about the program that is currently on the website. No changes are needed to the Historic Commission handbook/how—to-guide. C. Fall Lecture by the Ostbergs. o Date: Thursday, October 23 at 7pm. The library’s large meeting room is reserved and videography will be by city video staff. o Topic: History of Fairs in Wheaton, including fairgrounds locations through the years. Exact title and full description expected in mid-July; promotion and publicity will follow. Vl. New Business A. Assisting with sorting of vintage blueprints in Annex storage. The judge in the court case involving the WHPC has granted Nancy Flannery, official receiver of the WHPC assets, permission to engage the historic commissioners in an inventory of the blueprints stored in the Annex. lt is hoped this inventory can be accomplished by the end ofJune in order to be included in the next Receiver Report to the court. MW  B. How to Protect and Preserve Your Property—Mike Hill. Mike presented the details and requirements for a Wheaton property owner to establish a preservation easement. The easement is a Iegal agreement between the property owner and Landmarks Illinois, which administers most preservation easements in our state and is a qualified easement holder. To qualify, a property must be part of a local or National Register historic district, or else be individually listed on the National Register (which is a more likely route for a Wheaton owner). Once the easement is granted, the owner gains federal income tax benefits, and the property is protected in perpetuity. The easement also binds future owners of the property. C. 2026 Preservation Month Lecture. Two ideas to explore. The commission is open to others to consider; plans need to be finalized by early January. o 312 W Front St. celebrating 100 years in 2026. Currently Carlson Glass & Mirror, this unique building was designed by R. H. Salisbury. It was formerly Hahn Storage Co. and has an elevator suitable for both furniture and automobiles. o Wheaton Garden Club, established 1925, has a rich history of service; its activities were once a regular topic of society pages. D. Wheaton Register of Historic Places applications. Louise has received applications for three properties: 704 E Willow, 722 E Willow, and 112 S Chase. All are owned by a local realtor, Donna Arrigo. She is being notified of the research requirements and procedure so that the applications can be completed. E. Election of Chair for the remainder of term (August to January). Debra Corwin was submitted for election to the Chair position on motion by Bob, seconded by Lizzy, and passed unanimously. VII. Tabled A. Walking Tour of Main Street—What is possible with GIS map? B. "Meet and Greet” for future date VIII. CommissionerComments In reference to the recent official listing for the Theosophical Society Headquarters in the National Register of Historic Places, Bob suggested a Press Release be prepared for submission to CitySpark and local media outlets. IX. Adjournment A motion to adjourn was made by Mike, seconded by Bob, and passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 pm. X. Reminder: No July meeting. Next Meeting: Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Respectfully submitted, Robert Purdy Secretary