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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 J 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 SIGN IN SHEET FACADE PROGRAM REVIEW COMMITTEE February 29, 2000 NAME (PLEASE PRINT!) ADDRESS PHONE/FAX # Sr7,77/ A( c) n d d n s/_ ,. . AW g,.