HomeMy Public PortalAbout06-27-2005 Joint Meeting
Joint Meeting of the President and the Board of Trustees, the Historic Preservation
Commission, the Economic Development Commission, and the Plan Commission
Held on Monday, June 27, 2005 in Community Room A
Mayor Waldorf called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present for the Board were: Trustee Fay,
Trustee Racich, Trustee Dement, Trustee Manning. Trustee Collins was absent. Present for the
Historic Preservation were: Commissioner Carlman, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Wright,
and Chairman Lambert. Absent were: Commissioner Bortel, Commissioner Olsen. Present for the
EDC were: Commissioner Schinderele, Commissioner Strader, Commission Bates (arrived at 7:10
p.m.), Commissioner Caton, and Chairman Judd. Absent were: Commissioner Mohr, Commissioner
Jones, Commissioner Wheeler, Commissioner Baker. Present for the Plan Commission:
Commissioner Kachel, Commission Gehrke, Commissioner Schinderle, Commissioner Henry, and
Commissioner Sobkoviak. Also present were Michelle Gibas, Deputy Clerk; T.L. Burghard,
Administrator; Jim Harvey, Attorney; Michael Garrigan, Village Planner; John Kersh, Planner.
There were approximately 20 persons in the audience.
#1 HISTORIC PRESERVATION DISCUSSION
Trustee Fay prepared a presentation that demonstrated architecture, repurposing, incorporation of
historic material, and restoration. Trustee Fay reviewed several properties in the Geneva area
representing historic preservation. This slide presentation demonstrated, in part, the economic
advantages of historic preservation in other communities.
Ms. Catherine O’Conner, Manager of Local Government Services for the Illinois Historic
Preservation Agency, gave a presentation outlining the history of Historic Preservation, Certified
Local Governments and grant applications, tax credit programs, heritage tourism (things unique to
Plainfield), property owner benefits, as well as some community benefits to help encourage rehab.
Ms. O’Conner pointed out that the ILHA gives Certified Local Governments an educational grant
that is offered 1 time per year. It is a federally funded grant and usually every community that
applies is awarded the grant. Ms. O’Conner distributed several informational brochures.
Diane Rousonelous, resident, question whether or not Historic Preservation would be exempt for the
new ruling on eminent domain. Ms. O’Conner explained that Historic Preservation does not
completely take a person’s property.
There was some general discussion on preservation of homes/structures that are outside of the
historic district and that are not designated as landmarks. Ms. O’Conner suggested creating a
Conservation District and that can be done by Ordinance. Ms. O’Conner also pointed out that the
City of Chicago passed a demolition delay ordinance and that may be something that the Village may
want to explore.
#2 SETTING PRIORITIES
Trustee Fay stated that traffic seems to be high on everybody’s mind. The majority of the streets that
seem be have the most back ups are the state routes. Trustee Fay stated that the Village should take
Joint Meeting Minutes
June 27, 2005
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the initiative to meet with Springfield representatives, and that there needs to be regional funding for
transportation, it is not just the responsibility of Plainfield. Administrator Burghard pointed out that
it is a policy question for the Mayor and the Board to use local funds to improve state routes and then
ask the state to be reimbursed. Administrator Burghard cautioned that there are numerous competing
interests for local funds. There was some further general discussion regarding traffic issues.
Trustee Manning stated that the Village needs to have a road plan before it makes contact with IDOT.
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Mayor Waldorf pointed out that the Village Board has scheduled a Workshop for July 11 to discuss
transportation and concept plans.
There was some further general discussion what other priorities should be. Some of the suggested
priorities include economic development and the tax base, jobs, intergovernmental relations with the
School District, controlling residential growth and establishing a Comprehensive Plan, having bike
trails and sidewalks that interconnect, and public transportation.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Mrs. Diane Rousonelous inquired about the qualifications of the persons on the interview committee
for the Plan Commission. Mayor Waldorf stated that the members of the committee are members of
the greater community, and are open-minded individuals. The interviews will be held in closed
sessions.
Trustee Fay moved to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of personnel, not to reconvene.
Seconded by Trustee Racich. Vote by roll call Fay, yes; Racich, yes; Collins, absent; Dement, yes;
Manning, yes. 4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.