Rockford Sun

City of Rockford Historic Preservation Commission met May 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Present: Valerie Olafson, Amanda Becker, Kathleen Kline, Maureen Kirschmann, Frank St. Angel, Jennifer Spencer and Alderman Mark Bonne

Absent: None

Staff: Rudy Moreno, Scott Capovilla, John Wuich

Other: Jeanne Ludeke, Rod Devine, Sarah Devine, Andres Ancelmo

Meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Chairperson Jennifer Spencer

Roll Call and Determination of Quorum:

Seven members present and none absent – Quorum.

Public Hearing:

None

Approval of Minutes

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Kirschmann to APPROVE the April 9, 2024 meeting minutes. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Olafson and CARRIED by a vote of 5-0. Commissioner St. Angel abstained from voting.

Unfinished Business:

None

New Business:

Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – Andres Ancelmo – 925 Ridgewood Road – replace the existing front door with an insulated metal door with a decorative window.

Commissioner Spencer inquired on the door location. Andres Ancelmo, homeowner, clarified the front door is located off the driveway.

The commission discussed the color and materials with Mr. Ancelmo.

Commissioners discussed the appropriateness of the proposed door on a midcentury style home and acknowledged that the entry door is not visible from the road.

Commissioner Olafson motioned to approve the COA with the condition that the door shall have a window design more appropriate for a midcentury style home.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Olafson to APPROVE the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 925 Ridgewood Road. The MOTION was SECONDED by Alderman Bonne and CARRIED by a vote of 7-0

Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – Joe Jones – 608 Oak Street – replace the existing front porch and repair wood siding.

Commissioner Spencer noted the applicant was not present.

The HPC stated questions regarding the scope of the porch replacement.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Olafson to LAYOVER the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 608 Oak Street. The MOTION was SECONDED by Alderman Bonne and CARRIED by a vote of 7-0.

Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – Jeanne & Chuck Ludeke – 322 South First Street – 1) replace sections of existing woven-wire fence, along the north property lines, with 5-foot picket-style cedar fencing, 2) replace front porch skirting, 3) replace plate glass window with two double hung wood sashes, and 4) replacement of wood siding were needed as described on the submitted application.

Jeanne Ludeke, homeowner, described existing conditions of the house and proposed alterations. Mrs. Ludeke proposed two window replacement options.

Commissioners agreed the proposed changes were consistent with the character of the house. Commissioner Spencer and Mr. Ludeke discussed options on purchasing or obtaining window sashes.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Olafson to APPROVE the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 322 South First Street. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Kirschmann and CARRIED by a vote of 7-0

Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – Rod & Sarah Devine – 1308 Brownwood Drive – allow the installment of a retaining wall and landscaping in the front yard along the sidewalk. Rod & Sarah Devine, homeowners, described the scope of work and potential landscaping options.

Commissioners inquired on the materials and layout.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Kirschmann to APPROVE the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 1308 Brownwood Drive. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Olafson and CARRIED by a vote of 7-0

Request for Certificate of Appropriateness Renewal – 1519 Oakes Avenue– demolish an unsafe structure and restore the site to an empty lot.

Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, explained the City of Rockford has tried to contact the owner and remedy the violations for years.

Commissioner Spencer asked how the fees are levied against the property. John Wuich, Assistant City Attorney, explained the fines will be liened towards the property.

Commissioner St. Angel and Mr. Capovilla discussed the landscaping options after the property is restored to a vacant lot.

Alderman Bonne asked if the house was vacant and if the taxes were paid. Mr. Capovilla and Mr. Wuich explained the property has been vacant for years, but the owner has been paying taxes every year.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Olafson to APPROVE the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness renewal for 1519 Oakes Avenue. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner St. Angel and CARRIED by a vote of 7-0

Communication and staff report:

Mr. Wuich informed the HPC that the City of Rockford received a judgment regarding the former Midway Theater property. Mr. Which explained the property owner was ordered to the City of Rockford $64,000.

Mr. Wuich added that he hopes to have an update on the former Elks Club property. The HPC further discussed options for the old Elks Club property once a final court ruling is made. The HPC and Wuich also discussed the property located at 710 N Church Street.

Adjournment:

With no other business Commissioner Olafson made a MOTION to ADJOURN. The MOTION was SECONDED by Alderman Bonne and CARRIED by a vote of 7-0

The meeting was adjourned at 6:19 pm

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