Village of River Forest Historic Preservation Commission met May 25.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
A meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was held on May 25th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room at the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue.
I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Upon roll call, the following persons were:
Present: Chairman Franek, Commissioners Krusinski (Virtual), Graham-White, Saeger, Raino- Ogden (Virtual), Muhr
Absent: Commissioner Forehand
Also Present: Management Analyst/Deputy Clerk Luke Masella
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Saeger and SECONDED by Commissioner Graham-White to permit Commissioners Krusinski and Raino-Ogden to participate in the meeting virtually.
AYES: Chairman Franek, Commissioners Graham-White, Saeger, Muhr
NAYS: None.
II. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES - APRIL 27TH, 2023
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Graham-White and SECONDED by Commissioner Krusinski to approve the meeting minutes for the April 27th, 2023 meeting.
AYES: Chairman Franek, Commissioners Krusinski, Graham-White, Saeger, Raino-Ogden, Muhr
NAYS: None.
Motion Passes.
III. PUBLIC TESTIMONY
None.
IV. DISCUSSION OF CONTRIBUTING OR NOTEWORTHY PROPERTIES TO CONSIDER FOR SIGNIFICANT PROPERTY STATUS
The Commission continued discussion from the last meeting surrounding proposing additional properties to the Village Board for significant property status.
Chairmen Franek asked Deputy Clerk Masella if he has an idea on how the Commission should proceed in proposing these properties to the Village Board.
Mr. Masella reported that he had a conversation with Village Administrator Walsh and it was determined that the Commission should propose these properties in the same manner as previously done. Additionally, he stated that a company can be hired to complete a survey, using the same standards as the last survey, to help determine the significant nature of proposed properties.
Chairmen Franek asked if the Village Board would like to see a cost estimate for the survey of the properties.
Deputy Clerk Masella reported that a cost estimate would most likely be reviewed by himself and the Village Administrator.
Chairmen Franek suggested that he would contact the survey vendors for estimates and then supply Village administration with the estimates for review. He then gave background on how the previous survey was conducted and then implemented.
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Raino-Ogden and SECONDED by Commissioner Muhr to permit Chairmen Franek to contact survey vendors.
AYES: Chairmen Franek, Commissioners Krusinski, Graham-White, Saeger, Raino-Ogden, Muhr
NAYS: None.
Motion Passes.
V. DISCUSSION REGARDING PROMOTION OF RIVER FOREST ARCHITECTURE AND HISTORY
A) Continued discussion on Martin Braun and the Auvergne Neighborhood
Chairmen Franek asked Deputy Clerk Masella if he has discussed with Village Administrator Walsh on how to proceed regarding the potential creation of a historic district for this neighborhood.
Mr. Masella stated that Mr. Walsh pointed out, per the River Forest Historic District Brochure, that it appears the historic district includes the eastern side of Auvergne Place. Mr. Walsh noted that expanding the boundaries is a possibility that could be taken as well but is open to any idea.
The Commission discussed options surrounding the River Oaks-Auvergne neighborhood.
The Commission discussed the possibility of creating a River Forest Historic District. Commissioner Raino-Ogden stated that he would like to see some sort of protections for the homes.
Chairmen Franek asked that Deputy Clerk Masella determine if there are any recognized River Forest Historic Districts.
VI. DISCUSSION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS
The commission agreed to discuss awards after the July meeting.
VII. DISCUSSION REGARDING PROMOTION OF RIVER FOREST ARCHITECTURE AND HISTORY
Deputy Clerk Masella presented ideas surrounding promoting preservation on the Village social media accounts.
Chairmen Franek suggested that the map created by Commissioner Muhr be added as well to social. media posts.
Chairmen Franek asked that Deputy Clerk Masella prepare a draft social media post for commission review at the next meeting.
VIII. OTHER BUSINESS
The commission reviewed the Certificate of Appropriateness application for demolition at 553 Thatcher and determined the application was incomplete and additional information was needed.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Saeger and SECONDED by Commissioner Raino-Ogden to adjourn the May 25th, 2023 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission at 8:16 p.m.
AYES: Chairman Franek, Commissioners Krusinski, Saeger, Graham-White, and Raino- Ogden, Muhr
NAYS: None.
Motion Passes.
https://www.vrf.us/uploads/cms/documents/events/05-25-23_HPC_Minutes_Signed.pdf
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