Carbondale Reporter

The city of Carbondale Preservation Commission met  Aug. 15 to discuss the history of the Varsity Theater.

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the city:

MINUTES Preservation Commission Monday, August 15, 2016 City Hall/Civic Center – 7:00 p.m. 1. Roll Call: Mr. Sigler called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. Members Present: Comparato, Benedict, Doherty, Ittner, Sigler, Van Awken, and Zurlinden Members Absent: Wren and Clark Staff Present: Price Guests: None 2. Approval of Minutes: Ms. Ittner moved to, seconded by Mr. Van Awken, to approve the minutes of June 20, 2016. The motion to approve the minutes passed with a unanimous voice vote. 3. Communication and Reports: a) Educational and Technical Assistance Committee Ms. Ittner spoke about the oral histories that are available in Carbondale. Ms. Ittner also spoke about the history of the Varsity Theater and the memories that people have sent in from Southern Illinois and other places. Ms. Ittner also spoke about a computer program that might help transcribe things that have been and will be sent in by community members. b) Nomination and Hardship Committee Nothing to report. c) Work Plan Committee Nothing to report. d) Certificate of Appropriateness Committee Nothing to report. 2 e) Historical Park Subcommittee Mr. Sigler stated that there was a meeting with Gary Williams, Carbondale City Manager, about the Historical Park. Mr. Sigler stated that during the meeting Mr. Williams said that the Carbondale Park District had approached that City with plans for a skate park on the site. There was also talk about possibly have a stage or band site build on the site. Mr. Van Awken introduced Maryland Geldman from the Garden Club and spoke about how a connection between the garden club and Southern Illinois. Mr. Van Awken stated how he felt a sign would be a great start to the park and tying in the garden club to help with the design would be a good collaboration. Ms. Geldman brought up the possibility of collaborating with the horticultural department at SIU and their students for the designs. It was stated that collaborations with SIU were also brought up during the meeting with Gary Williams. Ms. Ittner brought up working with the students more with getting a sign designed as soon as possible to get something out there in the park area. Mr. Sigler stated that the park dedication wouldn’t be any sooner than November 2017. Mr. Sigler also stated that he has been in contact with Carbondale Main Street for funds for the park and he also questioned the committee about what amount of funds they should try to reach. Mr. Van Awken spoke about trying to tie everything together at the park and trying to bring out the historical aspect to everything that is supposed to be located there. Mr. Van Awken questioned Mr. Price about the next steps the commission should take and Mr. Price stated the best thing for the commission to do is to form a plan of action and then move forward with talking to the City Council about putting the plan into action. Mr. Price suggested that the Commission get a visual plan in order to show City Council. Mr. Van Awken ask if the Commission should ask the City Council to go forward with funds to get the project up and running. Mr. Price suggested putting a board together showing different designs for what the Commission is proposing. This would show the Council what the park is going to look like based on the space that is being provided. Mr. Price suggested the Commission develop a budget and to make sure they follow the requirements that a public park must follow. Bruce Ashby spoke about the history of the location of the park area and its connection to SIU football. Mr. Ashby also spoke about trying to tie in the football history into the overall park design. 4. Old Business: a) Commissioner’s applications are being renewed and they are making sure that everyone has a new one filled out that needs to. 3 5. New Business: a) Snider Cemetery-Mr. Price stated Snider Cemetery is looking into during a historical marker. Ms. Ittner gave some more information from the church about what repairs the church is trying to do. b) Walnut Street Historical District Designation-Mr. Price stated that Jane Adams approached the Planning Department about local designation of a subdivision located off Poplar Street, Forest Street, Cherry Street and Walnut Street. This process is going to take time due to the certified letters that have to be sent out to all of the property owners in that area. Ms. Adams is also going to try to contact the National Walnut Street Historical District to get more help. 6. Comments by the Public, Commission Members or Staff: Mr. Price stated that the City has saved a rod iron sign holder at the old dentist office located at the new Hilton Hotel site and that Les from the Carbondale Chamber would like to repurpose the sign holder in front of the Old Train Depot to show what services are all available inside the Depot. 7. Adjournment: Mr. Sigler adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.