Carbondale Reporter

City of Carbondale Preservation Commission met September 18.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

1. Roll Call: Mr. Sigler called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.

Members Present: Clark, Doherty, Ittner, Sigler, Van Awken, Benedict and Zurlinden

Members Absent: Wren

Staff Present: Lawrence and Brightharp

Guests: Bruce Ashby, Tom Grant, John Dungan, John Priester, and Cara Recine

2. Approval of Minutes: Ms. Ittner moved to, and was seconded by Mr. Clark, approve the minutes of June 19, 2017.

The motion to approve the minutes passed with a unanimous voice vote.

3. Communication and Reports:

Mr. Sigler asked for a motion to move the Certificate of Appropriateness hearings to the beginning of the meeting. Mr. Clark motioned for the COA’s to be heard first, seconded by Ms. Ittner.

The motion to move the Certificate of Appropriateness hearings passed with a unanimous voice vote.

a) Certificate of Appropriateness Committee

1. COA 18-02 Varsity Center for the Arts Marquee Lighting: The Varsity has submitted a request for approval of the occasional use of color lettering and/or imagery on the marquee.

Cara Recine, Executive Director for the Varsity Center for the Arts (VCA), came forward to request the use of color lettering and imagery on the Varsity Center marquee. Ms. Recine stated that there are no plans to use the marquee for over-the-top graphics but rather to draw more attention to the facility and let people know what is happening at the VCA. Ms. Recine stated that they might like to use color and images occasionally for holidays or city events and provided the Commission with examples.

Mr. Van Awken asked Ms. Recine if they would make it as flashy as other digital signs within the City and Ms. Recine stated that would not be the case at the Varsity; they plan to use only tasteful imagery and nothing overly distracting.

Mr. Sigler stated that when the marquee was first put up that there were concerns about the intensity of the lettering and images and the possibility of distracting downtown drivers. Mr. Sigler wanted to make sure that there was a plan to control the brightness of the sign to keep it from being a distraction at night. Ms. Recine stated that they would control not only what was shown on the marquee but also the brightness by not using the chasers on the marquee. She also explained that she would be sure to test the sign in the evening to make sure it is not too distracting and she invited the Commission to drive by and judge the use of images and color lettering for themselves.

Ms. Lawrence stated that the original plans for the Varsity restoration were changed when it came before the Zoning Board of Appeals to request more signage and larger signage. This request was approved at the time with a provision stating that additional sign allotment would also need approval from by the Preservation Commission Certificate of Appropriateness Committee. Ms. Lawrence stated that if limiting the use of imagery and color on the board to specific dates / times is something that the Commission wants to consider that these restrictions need to be included in the Certificate of Appropriateness COA) as well as any limitations on intensity or animation. She also noted that it could be difficult to enforce these kinds of provisions.

John Dungan, from T. Ham Sign Inc. stated that he had installed the sign at the Varsity and could provide information about the specific sign for the Commission. Mr. Dungan stated that IDOT’s safety standards for that specific type of sign and the Varsity’s proximity to the roadway allows for a ten second hold time without animation. He also stated that the software can be programed for the intensity of the signs to change throughout the day based on the daylight and street lights. There was then a discussion about how the images would appear on the screen and how they would change from image to image as well as what would be used at the Varsity specifically. Also discussed was the image hold time for the City versus IDOT.

Mr. Sigler stated that the Commission really needs to carefully consider what they decide with the regulations because of how this may impact other businesses’ use of images. Ms. Lawrence stated that they Varsity is held to different standards because of the historic designation of the VCA versus other businesses in the downtown area. Mr. Zurlinden then asked if other historic buildings in the downtown area would be required to request a COA in order to use this type of sign as well. The process of reviewing all kinds of COAs on a case by case basis was then discussed.

Ms. Benedict asked if the Varsity had a committee that would determine what images and colors would be used and Ms. Recine stated that they VCA Board has given her that responsibility and she would be making the choices personally.

Mr. Zurlinden asked what exactly the COA should state in order to ensure that the sign continues to be operated as mandated by the Preservation Commission in the event that there are changes within the Varsity’s organizational structure. Ms. Lawrence stated that her recommendation would be to make the COA specific and based upon IDOT’s. Ms. Recine agreed with being specific in the issuing of the COA. There was then more discussion about what the specifics would be and what types of images would be used. Ms. Lawrence suggested the possibility of regulating the amount of space that an image can take up on the screen, but noted that this might be difficult to monitor and enforce.

Ms. Lawrence discussed issuing a COA for a six month trial period in order to see how the signage looked and allow the Commission see the marquee with the proposed changes and make a decision for a longer COA in the future. Whether or not this was an appropriate course of action was then discussed.

Mr. Sigler asked if there were any more questions or concerns. There were none. Mr. Sigler stated that the Commission would now have to decide what limitations to place on the COA and to draft the letter letting the Varsity Center for the Arts know what was decided. Ms. Recine stated that if the Commission needs any more information or any concerns they could contact her while drafting the COA.

Mr. Sigler asked for the limitation that need to be set for the COA and a motion for the COA. Ms. Lawrence stated that she would look up any standards that IDOT might have so that they could be added into the limitations. The limitations that would be placed on light intensity and images were then discussed. Ms. Lawrence suggested letting the temporary COA run until the January Preservation Commission Meeting when the Commission could discuss a permanent COA.

Mr. Sigler asked for a motion to grant a ninety day temporary COA to the Varsity Center for the Arts in order to see how the signage would operate, the intensity that would be used at the different times of day, and the types of imagery that would be used. The Commission will be able to review the function of the marquee during this time and consider how to properly draft a permanent COA for the usage of color and images on the VCA sign. Mr. Clark motioned, seconded by Mr. Van Awken.

The motion to grant a temporary COA to the Varsity Center for the Arts passed with a unanimous voice vote.

2. COA 18-03 207 West Jackson Street Awning Replacement and Façade

Repairs: SIH has submitted a request for replacement of the awnings and additional building repairs.

John Priester, Systems Director of Facilities at Southern Illinois Healthcare, spoke about the property at 207 West Jackson Street and the awnings that are at that location. Mr. Priester stated that there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed including changing the awnings to to vinyl instead of fabric and repairing some of the masonry work on the side and front of the building. He stated that the color that they had chosen for the awnings would be SIH blue and that the repairs would be in keeping with the historical nature of the building.

Mr. Sigler asked if there were any questions or concerns. Mr. Grant suggested that rather than using modern materials for the repairs, they should use lime putting mortar which will preserve the historic brick. Mr. Priester stated that he would pass that information along to the company doing the work. Mr. Van Awken stated that he was concerned about using vinyl for the awnings. Mr. Dungan explained that it would last longer than fabric awnings because it would not mold after a couple of years of use. He also shared that there is an eight year color warranty on the vinyl awnings. There was then discussion about different types of awnings and what has been used at the property in the past.

Ms. Lawrence presented history on the property and what had been issued as far as loans and repairs. She also stated that she had taken pictures of other awnings in the Historic Town Square area for the Commission to compare. Ms. Lawrence also read the portion of the Architectural Preservation Guidelines that applies to awnings.

Whether or not the type of awnings that SIH proposed falls within the design standards for the Downtown area was then discussed. There was still concern about using vinyl and the way the color might look with the over time. Mr. Sigler then asked about what colors that would be used to repaint the storefront of the building. Mr. Priester stated they would be using the same color scheme that currently exists on the façade.

Ms. Lawrence stated that the COA would cover the replacement of the awnings, stair railings and signage with blue vinyl, the second point would be the repair on the brickwork throughout the façade, and finally repainting the storefront façade as necessary with the existing color scheme. Mr. Zurlinden motioned to pass the COA with the standards stated by Ms. Lawrence, seconded by Ms. Ittner.

The motion was passed with a unanimous voice vote.

b) Educational and Technical Assistance Committee

Nothing to report.

c) Nomination and Hardship Committee

Nothing to report.

d) Work Plan Committee

Nothing to report.

e) Annual Work Plan Monthly Review

1. September: Outreach for Preservation Recognition Program and Promotion via Communique - When the next edition is published and who would write the articles for the Preservation Commission was discussed. Mr. Zurlinden volunteered write the articles with help from other members for the submission of properties for the Preservation Awards that he will have ready at the October 6th meeting.

2. October: Mid-Year Review of Work Plan

3. November: Communique Article (Due Nov 10th for Dec/Jan edition)

4. December: No activities

f) Founders Park Subcommittee

Mr. Sigler stated that Mr. Comparato had resigned from the Commission and was no longer a member of the subcommittee. Ms. Lawrence stated that a new Commission member would be appointed at the next City Council meeting, her name is April McCreary. Ms. Lawrence gave some background on Ms. McCreary and what types of community members the Preservation Commission must have serving.

Mr. Grant presented a PowerPoint presentation to the Commission that the Historic Park Advisory Committee had put together for the City Council. The presentation gave a background on the Commission’s involvement with Founders Park from the beginning. There was information on how to move forward with Founders Park by using outlets at SIU and John A. Logan and drawing inspiration from the fencing at Woodlawn Cemetery. The possibility of using an information kiosk to give historical background for the park with local and national events was also discussed as well as the possibility of incorporating a circular flag site for flag raising ceremonies. The committee has reached out to different groups for help with materials, construction of the park, and programing of the kiosk.

Mr. Grant stated that the advisory committee is requesting that Council officially name the property Founders Park and permit the installation of a temporary placard identifying the site as “Founders Park - Under Development.” They also would like to look at displaying a funding sign to draw interest to the park and other ways to possibly raise funds for that site. Mr. Grant also highlighted the importance of the Commission maintaining an advisory role in the development of the site. There was more discussion about what the advisory committee is hoping for with the future of the park and getting the community involved with fund raising for the site, similar to what the Carbondale Park District did with the Splash Park. Utilizing the site for Performing Arts and drawing the community in with performances at the park was also discussed. The contents of the PowerPoint presentation was then discussed and Mr. Grant stated that if the Preservation Commission wanted to move forward with the presentation to City Council that it would be on the agenda for October 3rd.

Mr. Sigler asked if anyone had any questions for the advisory committee and for a motion to present the presentation to City Council. Mr. Van Awken motioned, seconded by Mr. Zurlinden.

The motion was passed with a unanimous voice vote.

g) Founders’ Day Subcommittee

Nothing to report.

4. Old Business:

a) Ms. Lawrence stated that she has not received any new information on the letter to Mr. Fronabarger. Mr. Sigler stated that he would resend the letter to Ms. Lawrence.

5. New Business:

Nothing to report.

6. Comments by the Public, Commission Members or Staff:

Ms. Lawrence stated that, prior to the eclipse, the City of Carbondale had cleaned and replaced several of the plexi-glass panels on the historical displays in the Downtown area.

Ms. Lawrence also stated that there are a few Commissioners who are up for renewal of their appointments on the Preservation Commission. Justin Zurlinden and Kathy Benedict need to submit a letter of interest to the mayor’s secretary, stating that they wish to renew membership.

Ms. Lawrence requested permission to share the Commissioner’s emails with the Illinois Association of Historic Preservation Commissions as part of the City’s recent renewal in the program.

Ms. Lawrence also introduced the new city planner, Megan Brightharp, who will be taking over as the Executive Secretary for the Preservation Commission.

7. Adjournment:

Mr. Sigler adjourned the meeting at 8:51 p.m.

http://explorecarbondale.com/sites/default/files/pdf/agenda/2017-agendas/121917/2017-12-19%20Regular%20City%20Council%20Meeting%20Boards%20%26%20Commissions.pdf