McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Historic Preservation Commission met Nov. 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

The Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order by Commissioner Marti Dejon at 7:00 PM.

CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL:

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Marti Dejon and Tom Ellinghausen.

COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Jennifer Wegmann-Gabb, Erica Wilson and Chair Donovan Day.

STAFF PRESENT: City Planner Darrell Moore, Information Technology Director Dan McElmeel and Executive Assistant/ Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie.

Motion by T. Ellinghausen second by M. Dejon to accept J. Wegmann-Gabb’s attendance telephonically. Ayes: M. Dejon and T. Ellinghausen. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: D. Day, J. Wegmann-Gabb and E. Wilson. Motion carried.

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Marti Dejon and Tom Ellinghausen.

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT TELEPHONICALLY: J. Wegmann-Gabb.

OTHERS PRESENT: Ms. Sherry Bykowski, owner of Liquid Blues, Ray Shinkle, on behalf of T Mobile, Jim & Mary Ellen Prindiville, and Larry Lough, The Woodstock Independent.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:

Motion made by J. Wegmann-Gabb, second by T. Ellinghausen, to accept the October 25, 2021 Minutes. Ayes: M. Dejon, T. Ellinghausen and J. Wegmann-Gabb. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: D. Day and E. Wilson. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT: None.

OLD BUSINESS:

a. 126 North Benton Street – Certificate of Appropriateness for façade improvements fronting Jefferson and Judd Streets.

D. Moore said he brought historic color swatches for the owner’s selection and he has a rendering of the agreed upon improvements. In response to a question from M. Dejon, D. Moore said it hadn’t occurred to him to select a single color. It was agreed upon that the darker blue color delivers more of the color the owners are looking for, which is a similar color to the original blue. J. Wegmann Gabb agreed that the darker blue is a more accurate color as well and is more period correct. Sherry Bykowski said she’d be fine using the darker blue as well. T. Ellinghausen said he’s pleased with their selections, thus far. D. Moore said the fireproofing and drywall is already in place, therefore, additional fireproof material is not necessary on the exterior. There was some discussion about sliding panels, with a comment that those may have been garage doors when the building was built.

Commissioners were very pleased with the Bykowski’s plans and selections.

Motion T. Ellinghausen, second by M. Dejon. Ayes: M. Dejon, T. Ellinghausen and J. Wegmann Gabb. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: D. Day and E. Wilson. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

a. 101 N. Benton Street – Certificate of Appropriateness for T-Mobile cellular antennas D. Moore said the Prindivilles are present along with a representative from T-Mobile. He explained that the cellular antennas are part of the Hometown Techover reward that Woodstock received from T-Mobile this summer. Ray Shinkle, representing T-Mobile, reviewed the PowerPoint. He said T Mobile will be modifying existing sites with the latest technology along with adding new sites. This will provide the latest technology to the Woodstock Square. After much research their team selected 101 N. Benton Street as the appropriate location and came up with two options, which are being discussed this evening. A water tank, which can be any color, would be made of steel and RF transparent fiberglass material. The other option is called a penthouse. He added that stealth applications make the most sense in Woodstock.

Photos of the water tank’s specific location was shared with Commissioners. Mr. Shinkle provided measurements and conceptual drawings. T. Ellinghausen opined mm-wave/5G antennas, only work in the line of site, which is why they need to be on the face of the building. In response to a question from T. Ellinghausen, Mr. Shinkle said that leafed trees can block the signal. He added that T Mobile is happy with this design on this building. He noted that additional small cell antennas will not be needed; this is for outdoor use in the Square. T. Ellinghausen asked if T-Mobile has 5G anywhere in Woodstock. Mr. Shinkle doesn’t believe so; however, they are looking to improve and add additional service in Woodstock. Further details were shared.

Mr. Shinkle shared that the penthouse design must coincide with the height of the building and must be appropriately located to provide service. In response to a question from M. Dejon, Mr. Shinkle said the water tank would provide better service since it would be higher than the penthouse. He added that the penthouse is closer to the edge of the building, not centered as the water tank would be. Mr. Shinkle said T-Mobile needs permission from the City before they can proceed with this project. T-Mobile believes this is the best building structurally for this project. T. Ellinghausen said he’s very appreciative of T-Mobile. He opined this is a big ask to put a cell tower/antenna in the Square. He added that this Commission’s job is to preserve the appearance of the historic Woodstock Square. He asked what the gain/advantage is. J. Wegmann-Gabb said this would be advantageous for any merchant that holds outdoor summer festivals. She opined 5G coverage in the Square would be a game-changer for the Farmers’ Market, for Arts Festivals, community events, etc.

D. Moore said this service would be available to only T-Mobile customers. T. Ellinghausen is concerned that this will set a precedent for other providers to come in and want to do the same thing. Mr. Shinkle said there are four nationwide carriers; T-Mobile is one, AT&T, Verizon and Dish Network. Those carriers would also have to come in with the same request. He added that this is the technology that Woodstock wants in this area. T. Ellinghausen is concerned about the large structure on the roof in the Square. He asked if it could be placed a block or two off the Square and still provide appropriate service. Mr. Shinkle said they’d have to find a higher rooftop if they need to get another block or two off the Square. He added that the location is specific in order to provide for service needs.

Mr. Prindiville said he and his wife are very excited to be part of this project with T-Mobile and happy that they chose this building/site. He added that after spending time on the building’s roof with the engineers, their preference is the water tank, which would not have been uncommon in the era of when the building was built. He opined that it would be far superior to put the water tank in the middle of the building, as the front of the building has residential on the upper floor (where the penthouse would be located). In addition, the water tank would be less visible from the street compared to that of the penthouse. He suggested a cream color with perhaps ‘Woodstock’ on the tank, in non-commercial lettering. J. Prindiville said he did a project 20 years ago where he added a belvedere atop his house; the Commission allowed it. He said it’s been a positive experience; most people like it. T. Ellinghausen stated that Mr. Prindiville has done a great job restoring this building. J. Prindiville said that both design options were acceptable, but that he much prefers the look of the water tank design and believes that it will provide better service for the Square.

M. Dejon said she hadn’t understood that this would be for T-Mobile customers only. T. Ellinghausen said 5G service will come to Woodstock, this is an early jumpstart of a year or two. M. Dejon said there are a lot of places, such as New York City, where water towers on buildings already exist. T. Ellinghausen said the skyline of Woodstock will be defined by the Old Courthouse, the Opera House and the T-Mobile water tank. Mr. Shinkle said these have become part of the landscape, along with many other creative looks. J. Wegmann-Gabb agreed that this technology is coming. She added that, pertaining to the rendering, the penthouse screen makes more sense as it blends in with the building. The water tower looks like a “Disney-fication” of a historic Main Street. She’s concerned about redefining the skyline; therefore, she’s leaning towards the penthouse because it seems the most visually inert.

M. Dejon suggested using the new 5-story apartment building on Route 120. Mr. Shinkle said the building didn’t stick out as a candidate when the team was in town doing their research. T. Ellinghausen said he spoke to the director of the Toyota commercial last month who said they chose Woodstock for its authenticity. T. Ellinghausen said this Commission has done a lot of work on the heights of buildings in Woodstock because the site lines are so important. He opined having this front and center on the Square is problematic. Mr. Shinkle said they’d be happy to install the penthouse, if the Commission approves the project. M. Dejon suggested that T-Mobile investigate the apartment building to see if that would work. She understands why the Prindiville’s building was chosen as it’s one of the taller buildings on the Square.

J. Wegmann-Gabb suggested waiting to make a decision until their full Commission is present. D. Moore said if there are time sensitive topics, we can call a special meeting in December. Mr. Shinkle said he’d be happy to vet other candidates outside of the Square, and get a review by T Mobile’s engineers. He’d be happy to come back in December or in early January. M. Dejon said this is a very important project, so they’d prefer to wait until additional information is available. T. Ellinghausen said it doesn’t have to be miles away, just a couple of blocks off the Square so that it’s not seen on the Square.

D. Moore suggested holding a Special Meeting on Monday, December 20th to accept additional information from T-Mobile.

J. Prindiville said the difference between the water tank and the penthouse is going to be the same; the penthouse is going to be more visible. He referred to another community that had a similar water tank installed and it’s been a very good idea. M. Dejon said she did a bit of research on the water tank; she understands why he likes that option. She’d like to hear additional information before making a decision. T. Ellinghausen would like to see examples of the materials and what it will actually look like. Mr. Shinkle said he will accommodate these requests.

J. Wegmann-Gabb made a motion to table this project, second by T. Ellinghausen. Ayes: M. Dejon, T. Ellinghausen and J. Wegmann-Gabb. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: D. Day and E. Wilson. Motion carried.

b. 101 N. Johnson Street (Old Courthouse & Sheriff’s House) – Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior demolition and additions

D. Moore said the City is getting close to the start of renovations for the Old Courthouse. He added that the plan on the east facing side, a 1960s addition, will be demolished and windows that had previously been there will be reinserted, which will bring more light into the spaces renovated. The rendering on page 47, which was already reviewed by the Commission and City Council, shows where the current connector building on the Throop Street side will be demolished and replaced with a brick and glass structure. The brick and stone elements will match the Courthouse and will combine traditional with large modern windows. D. Moore added that a more recent design reconfigures the entrance and enlarges the lobby. The third element to be demolished is the entryway to the basement of the jail on the Throop Street side. For the tenant that will be going into the jail, the architect suggested there be a material lift between street level and drop to the basement for pallets, to avoid the main lobby, and will be assessible to tenants only. D. Moore added that there will be restoration of the gables and decorative elements. D. Moore is asking for a Certificate of Appropriateness for those items. He added that he may have information pertaining to signage, lighting and landscaping in a couple of months. D. Moore commented on the chimney, which is believed to have been built in 1905-1912; they are hoping to get some usable brick from that chimney. There was a brief discussion about the cisterns and lids, and if they can be returned.

Motion by J. Wegmann-Gabb, second by T. Ellinghausen. Ayes: M. Dejon, T. Ellinghausen and J. Wegmann-Gabb. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: D. Day and E. Wilson. Motion carried.

D. Moore provided the commission with updates on the Courthouse rehabilitation project. He said there have been many questions about having one vs. two elevators for long-term use and functionality. Staff presented cost estimates with the uncertainty that came along with it. The recommendation from both the architect and builder is that a second elevator is not needed. Council agreed. D. Moore added that Council discussed the option of making space in the design of the building so that it would allow for a second elevator in the future, should it be needed.

D. Moore stated that City Council moved forward with the geothermal system, with plans to place the wells in the parking lot on Judd and Throop Street. Testing will be done in the next month which will determine how many wells are needed; maybe thirty. The space could handle more. D. Moore said they must determine if the conditions are right for a new type of well system, if appropriate and cost effective. D. Moore said there’s been a lot of discussion about the courtroom ceiling in the Old Courthouse, which was a hand-painted ceiling, currently with the structure holding it in place due to water damage and the type of nails that had been used. D. Moore said one of the engineering solutions for putting it back into place would be to use thousands of screws and then hand paint them. However, they are uncertain how this may impact the plaster ceiling behind the boards. Therefore, they’ve opted to take down the ceiling and replace it with a new ceiling and repaint it with its original design. The medallion was probably not original, but it is believed that something similar was there in the beginning. M. Dejon said she had a tour of the building about seven years ago, the medallion was beautiful. D. Moore said the medallions will be saved and used somewhere in the Old Courthouse. However, they won’t be used in the venting system as they would impede the functionality. D. Moore said there is a chance that the hand-painted design will stay as is, but the color scheme may be updated. Both M. Dejon and T. Ellinghausen asked that the colors not be neutralized. D. Moore said typically this Commission doesn’t review interior plans. D. Moore added that the state is reviewing the plans, also. T. Ellinghausen said the Friends of the Old Courthouse group is hoping to salvage some of the pieces.

REPORTS AND DISCUSSION:

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

a. Downtown height recommendations

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion made by T. Ellinghausen, second by J. Wegmann-Gabb to adjourn this Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. Ayes: M. Dejon, T. Ellinghausen and J. Wegmann-Gabb. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: D. Day and E. Wilson. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:34 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/historic_preservation_commission/meeting/43171/f_-_hpc_11-22-2021_meeting_-_part_1_of_1_-_minutes.pdf