FACADE Committee Minutes 2000 02-29-00YORKVILLE FACADE COMMITTEE
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 29, 2000
The first meeting of the Facade Committee convened at 7:00 P.M.
Committee members present were John Cordigan, Thomas Smith, Joyce Barrett,
Johanna Byram, Richard Scheffrahn, and Ex officio members, Bob Ament, and
Carol Kaiser-Fredrick.
Also in attendance was Mayor, Art Prochaska, and Bill Dettmer, City Building
Inspector.
DISCUSSION OF PROCEDURES
Mr. Dettmer stated he has worked with Rockford & Wheaton who have facade
programs. They worked through the Building Department and then went to
committee. Some also had special tax programs, and applicants had to meet special
criteria.
Mr. Cordigan stated the authority must take care in setting parameters, perhaps
early 20th century. Prioritize work, renovations should be minimal, rather removing
added facades to reveal what was once there.
Mayor Prochaska stated that this ordinance is pretty generic and doesn't establish
what period the facade should follow, but staff can gather pictures and information
on this.
Mr. Dettmer stated that he agreed with this, adding we should ask for before and
after pictures. We can go out and take pictures of what we would like to see and
add it to the application package, and for the committee to work with also. He also
will gather other information from other communities he works with.
Mayor Prochaska suggested we look at the History of Yorkville book for pictures of
what was once here for examples. We would like a look like "that Geneva look" .
Next we need to establish how the system should work. Bill and Sandy will
develop an application packet. We are not telling businesses what to do, but rather
what we will support with funds. They can do what they choose, but to have
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funding from the Facade Program, they must meet our guidelines. We can apply a
deadline, 2nd Monday of February and committee convenes 3rd Monday. If no
applications are filed the money would roll over into the next year, with decisions
made in March or April. $10,000. per year. In February of each year the committee
would look at applications, review in March, and then meet to decide. For instance
this particular applicant has outlined 4 colors of paint, we suggest maximum of three
colors. The committee decides. If all applicants meet the criteria committee could
award a specific dollar amount to each applicant. Priorities are 1. Most in need of
repair. 2. High visibility. 3. Beautification. 4. Maintenance. The City is not
opposed to increasing funding in the future. This program can apply to both fronts
and backs of buildings, due to parking behind. The process is an applicant makes
application, and comes before the committee and presents his plan. The application
should include some photo copies of photographs of what kind of look is desired.
We can give these applicants some suggestions and ask them to come in to the next
meeting and present their plan. The committee needs to establish procedures.
Mr. Dettmer stated he and Sandy would put together a packet for the committee.
Mayor Prochaska stated in the beginning the Council would have like to do this for
the entire city, but due to limited funds they have limited this to a small historical
area as a pilot. This is directed at commercial property, it is the highest priority, but
could include residential that is zoned commercial. Remember you can award a
percentage up to 50%, it doesn't have to be 50%.
Mayor Prochaska spoke briefly about the downtown area, improvements and future
plans, citing the parking area that has been developed behind the buildings on the
east side of route #47 between Hydraulic and Van Emmon. It is hoped that this will
be paved and striped this year.
Mr. Cordigan stated the committee will have to learn to be consistent in its review.
Mr. Dethner stated packets will be mailed to the committee for each to review prior
to meeting and the applicants presentations.
Mayor Prochaska stated again that the applicants must meet the specified criteria.
Based on requests and the criteria the committee will make a recommendation.
Mr. Dettmer asked about the reasoning behind the time frame that has been
established of the committee to meet, review and determine an award or denial.
Mayor Prochaska stated this was based on the building season and the City's fiscal
year.
Mayor Prochaska asked that the committee select a chairman, and recommended
Richard Scheffrahn, as he had worked on this program.
The committee agreed unanimously to select Mr. Scheffrahn as Committee
Chairman. Mr. Scheffrahn accepted the appointment stating he appreciated it.
Committee will meet again on Wednesday, March 22, 00, followed by Wednesday,
April 5, 00 and Wednesday, April 19, 00 all at 7:00 PM.
Adjourned 8:20 PM.
Minutes by Sandy Marker
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
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FACADE PROGRAM REVIEW COMMITTEE
February 29, 2000
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