MINUTES
TOWN OF NORMAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
CONFERENCE ROOM C, CITY HALL
100 EAST PHOENIX AVENUE
NORMAL, ILLINOIS
SPECIAL MEETING
May 10, 2006
7:00 p.m.
Members Present
Bruce Warloe, Nancy Armstrong, Matt Felumlee, Anne Matter
Members Absent
Bob Ward, Kathy Burgess
Others Present
Mercy Davison, Town Planner; Ed and Angie Ulbrich, 611 Normal; Laura Dimascio, 704 Normal
Call to Order
Ms. Matter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and noted a quorum was present.
Minutes:
Minutes of March 14, 2006 regular meeting were approved (4-0) as submitted.
Ms. Matter introduced Matt Felumlee as the newest member of the Commission. Mr. Felumlee is filling the real estate position on the Commission.
CA-06-05-14, 704 Normal, New wood fence
Ms. Matter summarized the Certificate of Appropriateness for the new wood fence in the rear yard at 704 Normal. She said that the purpose of the fence is to block the view of the neighboring yard and also provide privacy. Ms. Matter said that the fence material and style was appropriate. She noted that the fence would have to be reviewed by the Zoning Board of Appeals at their May meeting, because the fence required a two foot height variance from the zoning code.
Ms. Dimascio explained that the height of the fence is the result of the grade change on the site.
Mr. Ulbrich added that the property that neighbors 704 Normal to the south is an eyesore and the fence is needed. He walks by the neighboring property daily.
Ms. Armstrong moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness application for the fence, Mr. Warloe seconded.
Ayes: Bruce Warloe, Nancy Armstrong, Matt Felumlee, Anne
Matter
Nays: None
The motion carried, 4-0.
CA-06-05-16, 611 Normal, New wood screen/storm door
Ms. Matter summarized the Certificate of Appropriateness for the new wood screen/storm door at 611 Normal.
Mr. Ulbrich showed the commission an illustration of the door prepared by Lincoln Woodworks. Mr. Ulbrich said that the door would be stained to match the existing interior door. He added that the storm door would include a seasonal screen in addition to the glass pane, which added to the cost.
Ms. Armstrong asked about the grid in the door. Mr. Ulbrich said that the windows have the same grids, as does the existing front door.
Mr. Warloe moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness application for the door, Ms. Armstrong seconded.
Ayes: Bruce Warloe, Nancy Armstrong, Matt Felumlee, Anne
Matter
Nays: None
The motion carried, 4-0.
BG-06-05-03, 611 Normal, New wood screen/storm door
Ms. Matter said that she supports the grant, as does staff.
Mr. Ulbrich explained the cost difference between the two bids. He said that the Alexander bid was higher, because they do not carry the door and it would cost more to have the door special ordered, with inserts, plus shipping. He said he would like to go with the Lincoln Woodworks bid regardless.
Ms. Armstrong moved to approve the Bone Grant for the door up to the amount of $225.00, Mr. Felumlee seconded. The motion was amended to increase the amount to $325.00 to cover the installation of the door and taxes.
Ayes: Bruce Warloe, Nancy Armstrong, Matt Felumlee, Anne
Matter
Nays: None
The motion carried, 4-0.
CA-06-05-19, 611 Normal, Rebuild side/back door entrance deck and stair
Mr. Ulbrich and Ms. Matter shared photos and illustrations of the proposed deck and stair with the Commission. They explained that it would not be visible from Normal Avenue, given the depth of the lot, grade of the site, and existing mature landscaping. Also, the existing deck and stair are not original to the house.
Mr. Ulbrich explained that he and his wife used this side entrance and stair as their main ingress/egress. The existing deck and stair are not in good condition, mainly because they were not designed well. He said that they would like to replace it with something nicer.
Mr. Ulbrich showed the illustrations. He said that the new deck would be a Trek wood composite material that will match the color of the house. He added that the deck would not come out any further from the house than the existing deck, approximately five feet; however, the new deck will be longer (east-west) along the side of the house. He said that the steps will be stone instead of wood and that they will be a bit wider and moved slightly to the east. He said the deck will have brick columns. He shared the proposed extensive landscaping plan around the deck. He said that the deck would not be an outdoor furniture deck.
Ms. Matter asked for clarification on the columns and said that she liked the new design.
Ms. Armstrong asked for clarification on how the deck fits under the windows.
Ms. Ulbrich said that they are trying to match the existing lines and style of the house. Ms. Matter said that they had done a nice job. Ms. Ulbrich said that she thought the stone color will complement the brick.
Ms. Armstrong moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness application for the replacement deck and stair, Mr. Warloe seconded.
Ayes: Bruce Warloe, Nancy Armstrong, Matt Felumlee, Anne
Matter
Nays: None
The motion carried, 4-0.
Other Business:
The Commission asked the Ms. Kerestes send a welcome packet to the new homeowners at 905 W. Hovey.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at
approximately 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mercy Davison
Town Planner
Lauren Kerestes
Associate Planner