McLean County Times

Town of Normal Historic Preservation Commission met June 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Members Present:

Justin Vickers, Robert Porter, Larry Schumacher, Kathy Burgess, Anne Matter

Members Absent:

Nancy Armstrong, Chris Niebur

Others Present:

Mercy Davison, Town Planner; Tessa Ferraro, Associate Planner; Katie Lieb, Engineering Office Associate; Kevin Sheahan, Assistant Corporation Counsel; Katie Stephey, 316 Highland Ave; Patty Pignotti, 807 Normal Ave; Sam Heer, Renewal by Anderson

Call to Order:

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

Minutes:

Mr. Schumacher motioned to accept the minutes of the May 9, 2023, regular meeting as written. Mr. Porter seconded. All in favor.

BG-23-06-07: Bone Grant request for emergency tile roof restoration, 23 Broadway Place

Mr. Glascock’s southeast corner of his roof was leaking after a rain event in May. Ms. Matter stated that she had expedited approval of the roof due to it being an emergency and that a Bone Grant for the tile roof was something that would typically be approved to preserve to historic nature of the tile roof. She noted the amount from the quote was low.

Ms. Burgess made a motion to approve the Bone Grant as requested. Seconded by Mr. Vickers. All in favor.

CA-23-06-19: Certificate of Appropriateness for window replacement, 807 Normal Avenue

The homeowner proposed to replace 5 windows on the first floor of her home. Mr. Heer, representing the window contractor, demonstrated and explained how the windows would be installed and look.

These windows can offer an original look, while still providing energy efficiency and functionality to the home. He stated they use a wood composite material, which helps save the trim. When they custom replace the windows, they get a better fit and modern efficiency. He went over the look of the windows.

Renewal by Anderson also does the installation, and the windows are easy to maintain.

Ms. Matter asked if they would not need the storm windows. Mr. Heer said they would not and that storm windows are terrible for the long-term integrity of the windows. Storm windows are made for a single pane glass. With the dual pain, it will derail from the longevity of it and would damage the external portion of the window. He stated storm windows also take away from the look of the house.

This helps with optical clarity.

Mr. Schumacher stated that in the other estimate they had aluminum coil. Mr. Heer responded. You must transition the new window into the opening. He stated yes, they would use a coil, but depending on the situation, it would be a minimum amount.

Mr. Heer explained that they try to balance modern features with energy efficiency. They have it designed the lock to be in the center like historic windows, and the weatherization would be hidden in the window. They make the window, install it and service it.

Ms. Burgess asked if there is any reason that they might request that old windows be given to the old house society. Mr. Heer responded that the windows are original to the house, however the glass in not historic.

Mr. Schumacher made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness as requested. Mr. Vickers seconded. All in favor.

BG-23-06-08: Bone Grant application for window replacement, 807 Normal Avenue

Ms. Matter asked when this house was built. Ms. Ferraro responded 1949 and that it is listed as a contributing property in the designation ordinance.

Ms. Pignotti asked if she wanted, could she add some of the second story windows to the project scope?

Or would she need to come back to the commission for that. Ms. Matter responded if she decides to do the second floor, they could do an expedited review. Ms. Ferraro responded that she would need to fill out a new Certificate of Appropriateness. Ms. Matter also stated that she would not receive more grant

funding for the second story if she added the additional windows under this Bone Grant application and within this fiscal year.

Mr. Porter made a motion to approve the Bone Grant as requested. Mr. Vickers seconded. All in favor.

Other Business:

Ms. Stephey (3 years in historic district) attended the meeting to ask questions regarding some repairs at her home at 316 Highland Avenue. She would like to replace steel siding on her home to be either vinyl, or with something more historical.

Ms. Matter asked if it was a contributing house. Ms. Ferraro stated that it is not listed as a contributing property in the designation ordinance. Ms. Matter stated that since it is not contributing, then it would be eligible for Bone Grant funding.

Ms. Matter stated this could be expedited if Ms. Stephey replaced the siding with steel siding, but she is hesitant to give her a definitive answer if she were to replace the steel siding with vinyl siding. She stated they will work with Ms. Stephey and give her feedback after doing more research.

Ms. Burgess stated that Staff needs to reach out to new homeowners when we see homes being sold and communicate about the Historic District guidelines.

Adjournment:

Mr. Schumacher made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Vickers. The meeting was adjourned at 1:10 p.m.