Metro East Sun

City of Belleville Historic Preservation Commission met Sept. 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

ATTENDANCE 

Angelia Blackman-Donovan, Member

Justin Dominque, Member

Andy Gaa, Member

Mike Heisler, Member

Barb Swantner, Member

Timberly Hund, Member

Mike Dill, Member

Linda Weisenstein, Member

Excused: 

Molly McKenzie, Member

Staff: 

Eric Schauster, City Liaison

DRR Representative:

None

Guests: 

Emily Sigmund, Straight-up Solar

Sean P. McElligott

Donna McKelvey

CALL TO ORDER 

Mr. Gaa was selected to chair the meeting which was called to order at 7:05 PM.

Emergency Procedures were given.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: 

No public participation.

DESIGN REVIEW REQUEST(S):

200 Mascoutah Ave: Barb Swantner - Owner. No action needed.

306 N Charles St.: Staff Liaison Schauster stated that he is awaiting additional information regarding ownership of the property so no action can be taken at this time.

Mr. Heilser - Motion made to table until next meeting.

Ms. Donovan - Seconded.

Motion passed unanimously.

OFFICER'S REPORTS: 

Chair Report: None

Secretary's Report(s): 

Mr. Heilser - Motion to accept the minutes of August 15, 2023 and the special meeting minutes of August 22, 2023 as presented.

Ms. Donovan - Seconded.

Motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer's Report: 

Treasurer Mike Dill reported that $1,900 is currently available. Staff Liaison Schauster stated that $100 was spent on membership to the National Alliance of Historic Preservation Commissions.

NEW/OLD BUSINESS:

1.) Election of Chair and Vice Chair 

Ms. Weisenstein - Motion nominated Mr. Gaa as Chair of the Commission.

Mr. Gaa accepted.

Ms. Hund - Seconded.

Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Gaa - Motion nominated Mr. Dominque as Vice Chair of the Commission.

Mr. Dominque accepted.

Ms. Donovan - Seconded.

Motion carried unanimously.

2.) Discussion & possible motion on amendments to Design Guidelines/Policies & Procedures 

Manual/Solar Panels:

Staff Liaison Schauster introduced guest Emily Sigmund from Straight-up Solar to provide information on previous solar installations, specifically those related to historic properties. She also provided design and installation information as follows:

- Solar panels have a 25 year warranty, but often perform beyond the 25 years with degradation as they age.

- Aesthetic requirements of other commissions vary. Some examples of requirements include roof installations shall be installed parallel to a roof. Panels should be configured in a square, rectangular, or symmetrical form. Panels should not be in street view. Panels should not be on a street facing roof. Panels can be on the street side with a variance process. Panels should be similar in color to the roof. 

- Belleville currently references the 2015 International Fire Code which requires 3' minimum clearance from the panel to edge of roof on each side for fire department access.

- Flat roofs use a ballasted system and can be installed flat or five to 10 degrees rotated from roof. 

- Panel color options include silver or black frames and mounts, where panels can only be black. 

- There are separate tax credits for batteries.

- Solar shingles are available but are much more expensive than a panel system. They have only done one install.

After receiving information from Ms. Sigmund and general discussion with the group, the majority leaned toward allowing panels on the front roof, possibly with additional requirements, while others felt they should not be visible from the street or not on a street facing view at all.

Mr. Gaa - Motion to table discussion.

Ms. Hund - Seconded.

Motion carried unanimously.

3.) 6th Street Park:

Roadway is near completion, but park has not started.

4.) Discussion on HPC Facebook Page:

No updates.

5.) Discussion on vacant properties in Hexenbuckel District 

A meeting was held with St. Clair County and the city to discuss demolition costs versus costs to repair the property to make them more desirable to potential buyers.

6.) DRR - 410 Mascoutah Ave.: 

Tabled indefinitely until resolution on Item #2 above.

7.) 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.

8.) 107 East 'D' Street Update:

An RFP will be released in October.

9.) Miscellaneous Discussion:

Ms. Donovan asked if there were grants available for painting or landscaping places in need of repair. She said she would look into it.

ADJOURN:

Mr. Dominque - Motioned to adjourn.

Ms. Weisenstein - Seconded.

Motion carried unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 8:06 PM.

https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09192023-3088