Peoria Standard

City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission met July 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

Chair Bus called the Historic Preservation Commission meeting to order at 5:00 pm. 2. ROLL CALL

Members Present: Chair Bus, Commissioners, Connelly, Koc and Saam

Members Absent: None

Also Present: Jeff Albertson, Building Commissioner; Peter Gerardi, Recording Secretary

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 24, 2024

MOTION: To recommend approval of the minutes from June 24, 2024

MAKER: Saam

SECOND: Connelly

VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.

4. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED

Commissioner Bus indicated he would like to combine the discussion for items #9 & #10 since they pertain to the same property but act on those items separately. There were no objections.

5. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC (NOT ON THE AGENDA)

None.

6. COA REVIEW: 142 West Wilson Street - HVAC Installation (BEI Commercial Real Estate, Applicant)

Wendy Franco of BEI Commercial Real Estate, 140 First Street, gave a brief explanation about the proposal to make HVAC improvements at the Riverside Pizza location. She noted the air conditioning is out and they as landlords are stepping in to assist. She noted that there is currently one 20-ton condenser on the roof and proposed 2 new condenser units. Franco showed photographs of the proposed location of the improvements. She noted the location will be behind the business and showed a picture of the existing 20-ton unit that will be removed and replaced with a 15-ton condenser. Another 15-ton unit will be placed on the flat part of the roof. Commissioner Bus noted that this is a non-contributing building. Building Commissioner Albertson noted that the mechanicals will be placed at the rear of the building. There seemed to be general acceptance of the proposal by the members.

MOTION: To recommend approval of the COA as submitted

MAKER: Connelly

SECOND: Saam

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE: Koc, Connelly, Saam, Bus

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

4-0 Vote; motion carried.

7. COA REVIEW: 119 South Batavia Avenue - Projecting Sign Installation (Aubrey Sign, Applicant)

Paul Bandur of Aubrey Sign Company gave a brief presentation on behalf of New Moon Vegan. He noted that the proposal is for a non-illuminated, double sided blade sign to be installed basically over the center of the door. Commissioner Bus noted that this is a significant building. Albertson agreed and noted that the proposal was reviewed and it does comply with all the specific zoning requirements. Commissioner Bus noted the Commission has been working hard on this block for quite some time and has made progress and noted it's important that we pay particular attention to this location. Commissioner Saam noted that she is a fan of blade signs especially when at an appropriate height and that it adds to the walkability of the block and is generally a great addition. Commissioner Connelly added that it respects the historical significance of the building. Albertson noted the sign is proposed to be attached to the mortar joints so it won’t damage the bricks.

MOTION: To recommend approval of the COA as submitted

MAKER: Saam

SECOND: Koc

VOICE VOTE: AYE: Koc, Connelly, Saam, Bus

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

4-0 Vote; motion carried.

8. COA REVIEW: 107 North Batavia Avenue—Trellis Installation (FJC Remodeling, Applicant)

Building Commissioner Albertson noted that the applicant was notified that they should have a representative present at the meeting but did not show. He added that the trellis was mostly installed without a permit at Taco Grill. Commissioner Bus noted that its been the practice of the Commission to encourage applicants to attend meetings. Albertson noted it is a non contributing structure. Commissioner Connelly asked how the permit process worked. Albertson indicated the City can’t issue a permit until they come through the Commission. He added that plans for the trellis have now been filed and review has started and there are no zoning issues.

MOTION: To recommend approval of the COA as submitted

MAKER: Koc

SECOND: Saam

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE: Koc, Connelly, Saam

NAY: Bus

ABSENT: None

3-1 Vote; motion carried.

9. COA REVIEW: 3 South Batavia Avenue - Wall Sign Installation (Jon With, Applicant)

Commissioner Bus reiterated that if there were no objection he proposed to review items #9 & #10 together but act on those items separately. There were no objections. Jon With of 2915 Kelly Drive in Elgin gave a brief presentation of the proposals. He wants to rebrand the business to Lucky Joe’s. He noted that they took the original sign down, repainted it and put it back up without a permit. He added that the landlord wants to also replace the 4 small signs above the main signs for the smaller shops but that the Gammon Coach sign would not be touched. Commissioner Bus noted for the record that this is a significant building. Albertson noted he was told that the installed sign was new. He added that if the same sign was repainted and put back up in the same location, a permit would not be required.

MOTION: To recommend approval of the COA as submitted

MAKER: Saam

SECOND: Connelly

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE: Koc, Connelly, Saam, Bus

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

4-0 Vote; motion carried.

10. COA REVIEW: 3 South Batavia Avenue—Outdoor Patio Fence (Jon With, Applicant)

Jon With mentioned that Covid allowed him to do certain things such as install a temporary paver patio along with a temporary cinder block and wood post fence. With showed a picture of a sample of the proposed enclosure materials which is six 6 inch wide cedar boards separated by an inch gap attached to 6 foot cedar posts. Albertson mentioned they were exploring different ways to anchor the fence posts since part of it is on the City right of way and also noted that whatever material is chosen it will have to surround the outdoor seating area because they serve alcohol. Commissioner Koc indicated concerns about the style of the fencing given the historical nature of the building, proximity to the street and blocking views of the the architecture.

With said there will be nothing on the outside of the fence. Commissioner Bus asked about how the material will weather. With thought the yellow color would lighten up over time into a gray or silver color. Commissioner Connelly shared the concern of the fence height blocking the building near the entrance to downtown but likes the style. He added that shortening the fence by two of the boards would be equivalent to what is existing and still look inviting and allow people to see the building. Commissioner Bus agreed there’s too much of a screen and agreed that a reduction in the height would be more favorable to protect the integrity of the structure in this prominent location. He suggested that perhaps this item should be tabled until the next meeting so Commissioners can go look at the fence more closely. With noted that he was okay taking off two boards so people could see the building better. Commissioner Koc suggested a black aluminum fence would look better and will match with other buildings in the area.

MOTION: To table this item until July 22, 2024

MAKER: Connelly

SECOND: Saam

VOICE VOTE: AYE: Koc, Connelly, Saam, Bus

NAY: None

11. UPDATES

None.

12. OTHER BUSINESS: Albertson noted there are not many items on the docket currently

13. ADJOURNMENT

There being no other business to discuss, Chair Bus asked for a motion to adjourn. There was a motion by Saam and a second by Connelly . By a voice vote, all were in favor and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 PM.

https://www.bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/20863?fileID=16076