Rockford Sun

City of Rockford Historic Preservation Commission met Oct. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

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

Staff: Rudy Moreno, Scott Capovilla, John Wuich

Other: Brandon Kruse, Thalia Barrios, Thomas Kaufman, Caroline Kaufman, Justin Fern

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

Roll Call and Determination of Quorum:

Four members present and two absent – Quorum

Public Hearing:

None

Approval of Minutes

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Olafson to APPROVE the August 20, 2024 meeting minutes. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner St. Angel and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0

Unfinished Business:

Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – Doug Nehrkorn – 748 Joslyn Street – Replacement of existing windows and gutters.

Applicant was not present.

Commissioners agreed to deny the COA request considering the applicant has missed two previous meetings and the proposed replacement windows are vinyl.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Olafson to DENY the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 920 Garfield Avenue. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Becker and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0

New Business:

Request for Certificate of Appropriateness –Thalia Barrios – 920 Garfield Avenue – replacement of seven non-street-facing windows with vinyl windows due to their poor condition and deterioration. Brandon Kruse, City Residential Properties Inspector, explained existing property conditions and window replacement locations.

Commissioner Spencer asked for clarification on the original window materials and style. Thalia Barrios, on behalf of the property owner, clarified the original windows wood. Ms. Barrios also clarified the windows were replaced due to poor condition and they are willing to replace the vinyl with wood in needed. Ms. Barrios added that they have no intention to replace the front windows.

Mr. Kruse explained window replacements alone do not require a permit for residential, which is why this was not caught by the City.

Commissioner Olafson explained to Ms. Barrios that the HPC generally encourages residents to preserve existing windows or have them replaced with matching materials and style.

Mr. Kruse asked if dividers can be installed on the new windows in lieu of replacements to allow them to match the character of the original windows. The commissioners agreed with the request considering most of the replacements were not visible from the right-of-way.

Commissioner Olafson motioned to amend the COA application to include the installment of dividers on the new windows.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Olafson to APPROVE the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 748 Joslyn Street. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Becker and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0

Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – Thomas Kaufman – 404 South First Street – landscaping alterations as described on the submitted application.

Thomas Kaufman, homeowner, described the proposed landscaping. Caroline Kaufman, homeowner, explained they would like to restore the landscaping with more time appropriate plants.

Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman also described some tuck pointing and masonry repairs to the structure and chimney.

Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman mentioned some future repairs to an existing HVAC vent, and fence and window replacements but clarified they are only requesting the landscaping and masonry repairs at this time.

Commissioner Olafson motioned to amend the COA application to include tuck pointing and masonry repairs to the main residential structure and chimney.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Olafson to APPROVE the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 404 South First Street. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner St. Angel and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0

Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – Justin Fern – 939 North Second Street – construction of a new two-story cabana northeast of the existing pool.

Justin Fern, homeowner, described his proposed cabana plan and provided specific details regarding materials and other unique architectural features.

Mr. Fern emphasized this cabana is not visible but materials and style will still match the existing house. The Commissioner and Mr. Fern discussed drawings and construction timeline.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner St. Angel to APPROVE the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 939 North Second Street. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Olafson and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0.

Communication and staff report:

Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, and the commissioners discussed the replacement of the late HPC commissioner Kathleen Kline.

Mr. Capovilla and the commissioner also discussed some potential new historical landmark sites.

John Wuich, Assistant City Attorney, provided heating updates on the Former Elk’s Club and the Midway Theater properties.

Adjournment:

With no other business Commissioner Olafson made a MOTION to ADJOURN. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Becker and CARRIED by a vote of 4-0

The meeting was adjourned at 6:16 pm

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