Rockford Sun

City of Rockford Historic Preservation Commission met March 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Present: Amanda Becker, Maureen Kirschmann, Jennifer Spencer, and Brad Benedict

Absent: Valerie Olafson, Frank St. Angel, Alderman Mark Bonne

Staff: Rudy Moreno, Scott Capovilla, John Wuich

Other: Brandon Kruse, Dorothy Redd

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

Roll Call and Determination of Quorum:

Four members present and three absent – Quorum

Public Hearing:

None

Approval of Minutes

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Kirschmann to APPROVE the January 14, 2025 meeting minutes. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Becker and CARRIED by a vote of 3-0 with Commissioner Benedict abstaining.

Unfinished Business:

None

New Business:

Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – Christine Manley – 1668 Ethel Avenue – Allow the following exterior alterations: Allow the following exterior alterations: 1) replacement of three (3) basement windows with glass block, 2) installment of new EPDM rubber roof on front porch overhang, 3) scrapping and painting of exterior wood trim and related wood components, 4) repairs to wood overhang support (scrape, caulk and paint to match), 5) replacement of defective and missing components including gutters, downspouts, leaders, drops, and components such as splash blocks with like materials, 6) removal and capping of chimney below roof surface, 7) addition of ventilation for new water heater and furnace out the rear of the house, and 8) chimney removal, existing opening to be framed in and shingled with like materials as described on the submitted application.

Brandon Kruse, Residential Properties Inspector with the City, explained the scope of work and existing conditions.

Mr. Kruse explained he would like to remove the chimney due to cost and the fact that the new appliances would not use it.

Commissioner Spencer mentioned the chimney is not very visible from the road or an important characteristic.

Commissioner Kirschmann clarified they chimney needs to be preserved if it is original to the property per the Rockford Design Guidelines for Historic Properties.

The HPC motioned to approve with an amendment to item 6 requiring the preservation or rebuild of the existing chimney.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Kirschmann to APPROVE the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 1668 Ethel Avenue. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Becker and CARRIED by a vote of 3-0 with Commissioner Benedict abstaining.

Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – Lesley Wallace – 422 South Second Street – stabilize and paint exterior window castings, siding, soffits and fascia, front porch columns, front porch ceiling, and box beam, and replace existing vinyl windows on the north side of the house.

Mr. Kruse, on behalf of the WCHD, explained these alterations are related to a lead paint abatement.

Commissioner Kirschmann and Rudy Moreno, HPC Secretary, shared an email from the applicant clarifying that the three windows the applicant would like to replace with vinyl windows are not currently vinyl windows.

Commissioner Becker agreed that the wood clad windows would have to be used to replace the existing windows.

Commissioner Becker motioned to approved the COA provided that the replacement windows are wood clad windows.

The HPC originally approved the motion 3-0 with Commissioner Benedict abstaining.

Mr. Kruse later informed the HPC that all other windows on the house were replaced with vinyl windows.

After new information was provided by Mr. Kruse. The motion was recalled by Commissioner Becker, and amended as submitted.

Commissioner Becker proposed approval of vinyl windows provided that the vinyl windows are 4 over 4 to match existing.

A MOTION was made by Becker to APPROVE the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 422 South Second Street. The MOTION was SECONDED by Spencer and CARRIED by a vote of 3-0 with Commissioner Benedict abstaining.

Communication and staff report:

Ms. Redd, on behalf of Mt Zion Baptist Church, explained she would like to designate 404 N Avon Street as a local landmark. Mr. Capovilla explained an application would need to be submitted and there would have to be a hearing. HPC and Redd discussed the benefits of designating a local landmark and the criteria. Ms. Redd asked if this would need city council approval. Mr. Capovilla affirmed they would.

Adjournment:

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

The meeting adjourned at 6:02 pm

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