City of Belleville Historic Preservation Commission met July 18
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
ATTENDANCE
Angelia Blackman-Donovan, Member
Justin Dominque, Member
Andy Gaa, Member
Timberly Hund, Member
Molly McKenzie, Member
Mike Dill, Member
Barb Swantner, Member
Absent:
Mike Heisler, Member
Linda Weisenstein, Member
Staff:
Eric Schauster, City Liaison
DRR Representative:
None
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Gaa was selected to chair the meeting which was called to order at 7:01 PM.
Ms. Hund was appointed Secretary, pro tem.
Emergency Procedures were given.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
No public participation.
DESIGN REVIEW REQUEST(S):
None
Staff Liaison Schauster reviewed historical property permit requirements, specifically regarding windows and roofs.
OFFICER'S REPORTS:
Chair Report: None
Secretary's Report(s):
Mr. Gaa- Motion to accept the minutes of June 21, 2023.
Ms. Swantner - Seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
Treasurer's Report:
Current savings: $0. Current City budget: $2,000. Staff Liaison Schauster reported that $100 has been spent on membership to the National Alliance of Historic Preservation Commissions, which should be reflected in the next report.
NEW/OLD BUSINESS:
1.) Discussion on possible motion on election of officers
Ms. McKenzie - Motion to nominate Mr. Dill as Treasurer
Mr. Dominque - Seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Dominque - Motion to nominate Ms. Hund as Secretary Ms. McKenzie - Seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chair and Vice Chair nominations tabled until next month.
2.) Discussion on HPC Facebook page
Current FB page is not accessible as it's currently listed under a former members name. Attempts have been made to contact FB to move the admin rights to someone else, but they are not responsive. Discussion on starting a new FB page verses continuing to try to move admin rights - No conclusion was made. Staff Liaison Schauster will contact the City's IT Department for guidance.
3.) Discussion on Vacant Properties in Hexenbuckel District:
Staff Liaison Schauster presented a Powerpoint with pictures of buildings in disrepair in the Hexenbuckel District. The City met with St. Clair County and the Belleville CDC to discuss how to work together to save vacant homes. The Sale in Error rule through the state no longer exists. The City of Belleville is working on a new direction to deal with vacant buildings in hopes of getting more investment in property, rather than demolition.
4.) Discussion & possible motion on amendments to Design Guidelines/Policies & Procedures Manual/Solar Panels:
Staff Liaison Schauster distributed Solar Panel Policies from other municipalities' historic districts. Members were asked to review and be prepared to provide recommendations at next month's meeting.
5.) DRR-410 Mascoutah Ave.:
Photos of the panels were presented. Discussion tabled until resolution on Item #4 above.
6.) Design Review Manual:
Mr. Schauster reported that the grant has been submitted to the State of Illinois. The City is waiting until the grant has been approved/denied before moving forward.
5.) 107 East 'D' Street Update:
Nothing new to report.
6.) Miscellaneous Discussion:
Mr. Gaa asked about 6th Street historic park where old courthouse columns are slated to go and if there's a site plan design.
Ms. Swantner provided a Kerner House update expressing the need for more involvement from the community. The City received a $150,000 grant to rebuild the side porch and provide ADA access. An architect has been selected to design the porch for $20,000.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Gaa - Motioned to adjourn.
Ms. Hund - Seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07182023-3047
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