McLean County Times

Town of Normal Historic Preservation Commission met Dec. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Members Present:

Robert Porter, Kathy Burgess, Quentin Rabideau, Nancy Armstrong, Larry Schumacher Members Absent:

Chris Niebur, Justin Vickers

Others Present:

Associate Planner Tessa Ferraro, Office Associate Hannah Neal, Corporation Counsel Jason Querciagrossa, Steven Simmons Assistant Corporation Counsel

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order at 12:30 PM by Ms. Burgess.

Approval of Minutes:

Mr. Schumacher moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting on October 8, 2024. Mr. Porter seconded.

Public Hearing:

a. BG-24-09-09, Request for Grant Adjustment, 6 Clinton Place

Mr. Porter moved to approve the Bone Grant and Ms. Burgess seconded

Ms. Ferraro reviewed the proposal. In September 2024, the Historic Preservation Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness and a Bone Grant to install limestone slabs on the stairs at 6 Clinton place. It has since been completed. At the time the Commission approved the lower of the two estimates, which is procedure. The approved amount at the time was $3000. While the project was happening, the contractor discovered that the stairs were built incorrectly and would need to be rebuilt before installing the limestone slabs. Maloku was the contractor that the homeowner selected and had the higher of the two estimates presented during the initial review. Due to the unexpected increase in cost the homeowner would like the grant adjustment to compensate for unexpected expense, and they would also like the grant to be applied to the higher of the two estimates instead of the lower.

Staff finds the estimates to be comparable, and agrees that the grant should be adjusted, but it should be prorated to still be based off of the lower of the two estimates. Ms. Ferraro said that she figured that since the actual cost increased by 33%, that the lower estimate could be increased by 33% to compensate, which would be a new total of $3990.

At this time, the homeowner added that the contractor that had provided the lower of the two estimates was difficult to communicate with and felt that the assessment of the project was not accurate. He referenced the photos that were submitted and expressed that you could see that the stairs were uneven prior to construction.

Ms. Armstrong acknowledged that it can sometimes be difficult for homeowners to obtain everything needed for the quotes that the Bone Grant requires and felt that there have been instances in the past where the bids come in unrealistically low.

Ms. Burgess understands how Staff came up with the estimate for the adjustment, but wasn’t sure if that would compensate for “half” of the estimate that the homeowner was being reimbursed on.

Mr. Schumacher said that he understood the predicament that the extra work caused, but it is required of the Commission to review estimates and approve grant funding prior to the work being completed.

Ms. Ferraro said that they were technically able to do a grant adjustment post construction due to unforeseen construction costs. If the Commission finds that the two estimates are not comparable, they could apply the grant to the higher estimate.

Mr. Rabideau said that he found the estimates to be comparable and empathizes with the homeowners struggle to get an accurate estimate without both contractors looking at them both in person.

Ms. Burgess noted that Maloku generally tends to quote projects on the higher side, looking at previous projects.

The applicant clarified that the estimates provided also included an option for cement, which came in lower, and that he ended up replacing with limestone.

Ms. Burgess said that she was also sympathetic to the estimate process.

Ms. Armstrong said that she would defer to expertise of Mr. Rabideau in regard to how comparable the estimates are.

Mr. Rabideau made a motion to approve the grant adjustment at the staff recommended amount of $990 above the previous approval. Mr. Porter seconded.

All in favor: 5

Opposed: 0

The amended motion is approved.

At this time Mr. Querciagrossa asked that a vote be called on the original motion that was made back in September.

All in favor: 5

Opposed: 0

b. CA-24-12-31: Installation of light fixtures, 18 Broadway Pl

Ms. Burgess moved to approve, and Mr. Schumacher seconded.

Ms. Ferraro reviewed the proposal. 18 Broadway Place was built in 1925. It is listed as “prairie style” in the designated ordinance. The homeowner is requesting to replace a few of the exterior lights. They would like to install a hanging pendant light on the porch, a light on the side door along the driveway, and two on either side of the garage. The lights would look similar to a lantern.

Ms. Burgess said that initially it did not appear the hanging pendant light was short enough for the front entrance, but upon review she approves the style.

Ms. Burgess asked if there were any comments from the Commission.

With no comments, she called for a vote.

All in favor: 5

Opposed: 0

Other Business:

Ms. Ferraro introduced the new Assistant Corporation Counsel, Steven Simmons. He will be acting as legal representation for the Historic Preservation Commission moving forward.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:49 PM.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5161