Peoria Standard

City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission met July 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

Vice Chair Bus called the Historic Preservation Commission meeting to order at 5:00PM.

2. ROLL CALL

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

Members Absent: None

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

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 15, 2024

MOTION: To recommend approval of the minutes from July 15, 2024

MAKER: Connelly

SECOND: Saam

VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.

Vice Chair Bus indicated that the Historic Preservation Commission has a new member and invited Bill Mahler to introduce himself. Commissioner Mahler, a licensed architect, proceeded in giving his biography and background.

4. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED

None.

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

None.

6. COA REVIEW (Continued): 3 South Batavia Avenue - Outdoor Patio Fence (Jon With, Applicant)

Jeff Albertson noted that since the last meeting it was learned there is a zoning requirement that limits a fence height in this type of application. He added that the fence can be 4 feet high but must be 50% open and would be limited to 3 feet high if it was less than 50% open. Jon With of 2915 Kelly Drive in Elgin said that he modified the sample fencing once he was made aware of the requirement. He passed around a printout of a picture showing the modified sample. He said the top board is at 4 feet and the gaps between the boards and a 20” gap at the bottom of the fence add up to a 50% opening. Albertson noted that he would have to verify that and speak with the Zoning department for clarification.

Vice Chair Bus noted this is a significant structure. Commissioner Koc added concerns about the cedar material in terms of continuity and aesthetic considerations and prefers a metal fence in this application. With noted that the problem with installing a metal fence is the ease to remove it if necessary since it is partially on the City’s and Bethany Church property. Commissioner Mahler indicated a preference for the wood fence over a metal one because of the horizontal nature of both the fence and building.

MOTION: To recommend approval of the COA as amended with the submitted photo and the adjustment of the fence per the 50% open requirement

MAKER: Saam

SECOND: Connelly

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE: Connelly, Saam, Mahler

NAY: Koc, Bus

ABSENT: None

3-2 Vote; Motion carried.

7. UPDATES: None

8. OTHER BUSINESS:

Mayor Schielke spoke about historic buildings in town in general and how they have evolved over the years and thanked the Plan Commission for their service.

9. ADJOURNMENT:

There being no other business to discuss, Vice 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 5:33 PM.

https://www.bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/20930?fileID=16108