MINUTES
TOWN OF NORMAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
CONFERENCE ROOM C, CITY HALL
100 EAST PHOENIX AVENUE
NORMAL, ILLINOIS
SPECIAL MEETING
August 8, 2007
12:00 P.M.
Members Physically Present
Anne Matter, Kathy Burgess, Matt Felumlee, Kristen Allen, Bruce Warloe, Nancy Armstrong
Members Absent
Bob Ward
Others Present
Associate Planner, Lauren Kerestes; Debbi Feid, Office Associate; Steve Mahrt, Corporation Counsel; Don Wilcox; Jane Sumrall; Darlene
Call to Order
Ms. Matter called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. and noted a quorum was present.
Minutes:
The minutes of the June 12, 2007 special meeting were approved (6-0) with the following corrections:
- Second page, third paragraph change “with” to “without.”
- Second page, third paragraph change “built” to “building”
- Third page, second full paragraph change “move” to “moved.”
The minutes of the July 12, 2007 special meeting were approved (6-0).
CA-07-08-23, 20 Broadway Place, New Windows
Ms. Kerestes reviewed the original and supplemental Certificate of Appropriateness applications along with contractor quotes and an affidavit from Mr. Wilcox. She explained that the first Certificate of Appropriateness did not address the front, west facing windows, but only proposed that the side (north and south windows) not be replaced with wood windows, but remain vinyl. The supplemental Certificate of Appropriateness application was received by staff in the afternoon of August 7, 2007 and proposed in addition to leaving the side windows as is, replacing the front windows with true wood replacements having exterior muntins. The contractor quotes and affidavit were also submitted August 7, 2007, the former document providing costs estimates for just replacing the front windows with true wood and another for also replacing the side windows with true wood.
Mr. Wilcox clarified that on page two of the supplemental application the date should be changed from June 12, 2007 to July 6, 2007.
Ms. Kerestes clarified that neither the first application or the supplemental application addressed replacing the vinyl framing around each window. She noted that the contractor from Midwest Lumber Products was very uncertain about the costs associated with replacing the vinyl framing, largely because it is unknown what is under the framing.
Mr. Wilcox explained the reasoning for only replacing the front windows and sited a project that was approved in Old North Normal at 710 N. School.
Ms. Kerestes said that staff does not recommend approval of the first and supplemental Certificate of Appropriate applications. She said the correct thing to do in this case is to replace all of the windows on the north, south and west sides of the house with true wood windows with exterior muntins. She added that she understood that removing the vinyl framing around the windows on the second floor would be very difficult, given its integral relationship to the siding, but that the vinyl framing around the first floor windows should be removed. Ms. Kerestes noted that after reviewing the costs estimates provided by the applicant for the window replacement it would be cheaper for the applicant to proposing replacing windows on all three sides and apply for Bone Grant funding as opposed to only replacing the front windows at their own expense.
Ms. Matter listed the differences between 20 Broadway Place, the property in Old North Normal and any other property that has been reviewed by the Commission. She explained that each case is reviewed separately. Most notably the differences for 20 Broadway Place are that the process was not followed and that Bone Grant funding is possible for new wood windows if the commission approves the final Certificate of Appropriateness and determines that the proposed work is eligible for funding.
Ms. Matter asked Mr. Warloe about vinyl framing and why he thought the contractor would not give a cost estimate for replacing the framing. Mr. Warloe said that it simply is a matter of the contractor not knowing what is behind the vinyl framing, i.e. old wood, damaged brick, nothing, etc. Mr. Warloe said that he supported staff opinion.
Ms. Armstrong asked what the original orientation of the front, first floor living room window was. Ms. Kerestes said that the original window was twelve over one. She added that the contractor quote was not clear and would need to be clarified pertaining to that replacement window.
Ms. Kerestes shared the proposed window samples.
Mr. Warloe asked if the muntins were included in the price quote. Mr. Wilcox said that they were included.
Mr. Wilcox added that Ms. Sumrall also planned on replacing the original wood window nearest the garage; however wanted to keep the review of that replacement window separate since it is the only window not replaced in December 2005.
Ms. Kerestes clarified the case number for the Certificate of Appropriateness in question. She said that the applicant had typed “CA-06-01-03”; however the correct number for the first and supplement applications was “CA-07-08-23”.
Ms. Burgess moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness CA-07-08-23 for the replacement of the front windows at 20 Broadway Place with true wood windows with exterior muntins, but not for the of the windows on the north and south sides. Ms. Armstrong seconded.
Ayes: None
Nays: Ms. Armstrong, Ms. Burgess, Mr. Felumlee, Ms. Allen, Mr.
Warloe, Ms. Matter
Motion declared was denied, 6-0.
Ms. Matter reiterated that the Commission would like to see the replacement of the vinyl windows on all three sides of the house visible from the public right-of-way with true wood windows with exterior muntins. She said that the Commission was amenable to leaving the vinyl trim around the second story windows, but not the first floor windows. She also indicated that the Commission would likely be supportive of appropriating Bone Grant funds for the restoration. She reminded the applicant that two bids would be needed for a Bone Grant.
Ms. Sumrall expressed concern about getting two bids, having difficultly getting a contractor to respond.
Ms. Kerestes said she would work with Ms. Sumrall and Mr. Wilcox to get another bid and that she would also giving them a meeting schedule.
Other Business:
Ms. Kerestes mentioned that due to a recent increase in applications for asphalt re-roofs in the historic districts she and Chairperson Matter had agreed that staff could sign off on asphalt roof replacements, as long as they were like with like.
Ms. Kerestes asked the commission if there was interest in hosting a second Cedar Crest walking tour like the one done in May 2007. At this time, there was not.
Other Business
- That which may arise
- APPROVED (Expedited Review):
CA-07-07-20E 1310 S. Fell Reroof, asphalt with asphalt Approved CA-07-07-21E 606 N. School Reroof, asphalt with asphalt Approved CA-07-07-22E 306 Gregory Reroof, asphalt with asphalt Approved
Adjournment
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at approximately 12:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lauren Kerestes
Associate Planner