McLean County Times

Town of Normal Historic Preservation Commission met May 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Members Present:

Nancy Armstrong, Anne Matter, Chris Niebur, Justin Vickers, Robert Porter

Members Absent:

Kathy Burgess, Larry Schumacher

Others Present:

Mercy Davison, Town Planner; Tessa Ferraro, Associate Planner; Kevin Sheahan, Assistant Corporation Counsel

Call to Order:

Ms. Matter called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m.

Minutes:

Mr. Porter moved to approve the minutes of the April 19, 2023, regular meeting as written. Mr. Niebur seconded. The commission voted unanimously to approve.

CA-23-05-15: Restoration of 2 brick walls along porch stairs, 28 Clinton Place

Ms. Matter summarized the project to rebuild the brick wing walls adjacent to the steps. The applicants plan to use bricks that match the chimney, and they will not paint them. Ms. Matter noted that this is a very supportable project.

Ms. Armstrong moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness as requested. Mr. Niebur seconded. The commission voted unanimously to approve.

BG-23-05-05: Restoration of 2 brick walls along porch stairs, 28 Clinton Place

Ms. Armstrong moved to approve the grant, and Mr. Porter seconded. Discussion followed.

Ms. Matter reviewed the estimates from Maloku and Raven Renovations, noting that the commission could only approve half the amount of the lower estimate.

Ms. Armstrong moved to amend her motion to clarify the grant amount at $2,480. Mr. Vickers seconded. The commission voted unanimously to approve.

Ms. Matter then explained how the grant program works on a reimbursement basis. Ms. Ferraro said she would send a letter with all the details.

CA-23-05-16: Restoration of soffits, fascia, wood trim and stucco on home, 412 W Virginia Mr. Porter moved to approve the project as proposed. Ms. Armstrong seconded. Discussion followed.

Property owner Aaron Nash presented a summary of his project, which includes soffit and fascia board repair and stucco repair. He also has gaps near the eaves where animals are getting into the attic. He has put up temporary flashing to deter them. Mr. Nash moved to the house just over two years ago and has been focused on interior remodeling.

Mr. Nash circulated a new version of the RMS cost estimate, which better breaks out the painting so that it can be excluded from the work eligible for a grant.

The commissioners had a lengthy discussion about stucco repair as proposed by the two contractors. They agreed that stucco is specialty work and that errantly applied caulk could be inappropriate at best, damaging at worst. Mr. Niebur noted that there are caulks designed specifically for stucco repair, although he said he is concerned that a painting contractor may not know the difference. Mr. Nash said the contractors who provided work summaries may subcontract the stucco work. The commissioners encouraged Mr. Nash to get clarification on the specific type of caulk to be used.

The commissioners also voiced concern about the proposed cost estimates, as they don’t seem high enough to cover the stucco work. Mr. Nash pointed out that the work is focused on repairing hairline cracks rather than replacing large areas of stucco.

The commissioners told Mr. Nash that more than one stucco project has come through the commission in recent history, although at least one of the projects included much more substantial stucco repair and replacement. Ms. Ferraro will send Mr. Nash a list of contractors who have been used for cost estimates recently.

The commissioners discussed how to move forward with a motion, as there was concern with the stucco component of the proposal. Ultimately, Mr. Porter moved to amend his motion to condition approval on the applicant furnishing Town staff with evidence that the contractor will use an appropriate caulking material for the stucco repair. Ms. Armstrong seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

BG-23-05-06: Restoration of soffits, fascia, wood trim and stucco on home, 412 W Virginia

Mr. Porter moved to approve a grant in the amount of $1,841 with the condition that the applicant furnishing Town staff with evidence that the contractor will use an appropriate caulking material for the stucco repair. Mr. Niebur seconded.

Ms. Matter asked if Mr. Nash may return to the commission with a new cost estimate after investigating other contractors. Ms. Davison suggested that if Mr. Nash finds a contractor with a more extensive background in stucco work and the cost estimate is higher, he could return to the commission with a request to approve a new grant amount.

Following the discussion, the commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the grant with the condition set forth above.

Ms. Ferraro told Mr. Nash that she would send a letter confirming all details and a list of additional contractors. Mr. Vickers said he would contribute a recommendation to that list.

Other Business:

Ms. Ferraro mentioned the need to order tickets for the HistoryMakers Gala. The commissioners need to let her know their attendance plans.

Ms. Davison noted that she had earlier sent an email about the Town’s Master Public Art Plan survey, which the Town hopes the commissioners will complete.

Adjournment:

Mr. Niebur made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Porter seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4665