McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Historic Preservation Commission met July 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

The Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order by Chairman Donovan Day at 7:15 PM in Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall.

CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Marti Dejon, Tom Ellinghausen, Erica Wilson and Chair Donovan Day.

COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: none.

STAFF PRESENT: City Planner Darrell Moore and Executive Assistant / Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:

Motion made by E. Ellinghausen, second by M. Dejon, to accept the June 27, 2022 Minutes. Ayes: M. Dejon, T. Ellinghausen, E. Wilson and Chair D. Day. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Motion carried.

OTHERS PRESENT: Keith Parr.

PUBLIC COMMENT: none.

OLD BUSINESS:

a. Replacing siding and windows at 124 Hutchins Street-Certificate of Appropriateness Mr. Parr stated he doesn’t want to use Hardie siding. He said he’s interested in vinyl TimberCrest Perfection Shingles to be placed on most of the home. He opined that this would match the asphalt shingle siding. This product would cost approximately $14,500. Hardie would be $8,500 but the installer doesn’t like working with it. K. Parr said approximately 50% of the windows have been replaced with vinyl. K. Parr mentioned that he found a place that will come out to give him a price to repair the decorative window. It should cost around $300-$400 to restore it, plus the removal and re-installation fee.

D. Day mentioned the new apartment building on Church and Madison, the Commission allowed vinyl but he said he wishes that it hadn’t made that decision. There was some discussion about the proposed siding along with a variety of products available. It was noted that vinyl siding doesn’t comply with Woodstock’s historic district guidelines. E. Wilson suggested LP Smart Side, which is an engineered wood product. It was noted that this is a contributing building in Woodstock’s Historic District.

K. Parr stated that wood windows would cost $19,000 vs $6,000 for construction-grade vinyl windows. It was mentioned that, while there’s a large initial cost difference, in the long run you may be paying just as much for having to replace vinyl windows sooner. Vinyl windows wont’s last as long as aluminum-clad windows. K. Parr said he wants to use white vinyl windows. E. Wilson suggested aluminum clad wood windows. D. Day reiterated that the Commission has guidelines they must follow. He added that the petitioner can appeal to the City Council if he’s not happy with this Commission’s decision. D. Day said he understands the frustration involved. He added that the Commission is trying to preserve as many characteristics of the building as possible. E. Wilson shared information on some of the previous decisions the Commission has made on products over the years.

There was continued discussion pertaining to windows and trim. It was noted that vinyl windows aren’t recommended because they don’t last as long as other windows. Their life expectancy may be around ten years; they’re not as sustainable, and, they don’t look like historic windows. Aluminum-clad wood windows were recommended. There was some discussion about inserts, which are less intrusive. There was a suggestion to use aluminum-clad wood windows on the front of the house, and possibly use vinyl windows on the sides of back of the house. D. Day read guidelines from which the Commission is required to adhere to. The guidelines call for the use of replacement products that are the same or similar to those used originally when the structure was built.

K. Parr agreed to preserve/restore the stained-glass window, use LP Smart siding 6” minimum exposure for the entire house, aluminum-clad wood windows for front façade.

Motion made by M. Dejon to preserve/restore the stained-glass window, to use LP Smart siding, 6” minimum exposure for the entire house, aluminum-clad wood windows for the front façade of the house, the owner’s choice of materials for windows on the sides and back of the home, and to maintain the soffit, frieze, facia and moldings for the home located at 124 Hutchins Street, second by T. Ellinghausen. Ayes: M. Dejon, T. Ellinghausen, E. Wilson and Chair D. Day. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS: none.

REPORTS AND DISCUSSION:

a. Commission approach to remodeling of historic residences

D. Moore suggested getting re-familiarized with the City’s guidelines and be consistent. Discussion ensued pertaining to the guidelines of the Commission. T. Ellinghausen suggested getting together with the City’s Building & Zoning Department to discuss guidelines. D. Day suggested sending a letter to new homeowners when they purchase a building in the historic district advising them of the guidelines. He believes home and business owners need to be advised of the specific requirements should they wish to restore or remodel their building. Further discussion ensued about the historic district and the TIF district. D. Moore will email the Historic Resources Survey from 2014 to commissioners.

b.T-Mobile

D. Moore said it has been determined that the Benton Street building is no longer use-able for T Mobile’s tower. T-Mobile is looking around town for a suitable building. D. Moore said he has provided some possible options with T-Mobile reps.

D. Moore mentioned that there may be interest from private individuals to pay for future murals. He asked for suggestions for buildings and locations in the historic district. T. Ellinghausen suggested creating general guidelines. Commissioners were supportive of additional murals in the downtown, as long as the appropriate paint is used for the project.

D. Moore said there is a vacancy on this Commission. Please recommend interested and qualified persons. He mentioned TIF inducement proposals; three developers are interested in the Die Cast site. PanCor, WellQuest plus one more.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: None.

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion made by M. Dejon, second by E. Wilson to adjourn this Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. Ayes: M. Dejon, T. Ellinghausen, E. Wilson and Chair D. Day. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:47 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/historic_preservation_commission/meeting/45710/hpc_minutes_07-25-22.pdf