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FACADE Committee Minutes 2002 08-28-021 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE R 0 VEDFACADECOMMITTEEMEETING1pWEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28,2002 4 7:00 P.M. 1:1..3o•45a In attendance: Richard Scheffrahn Johaima Byram Tom Smith Bob Ament Alderwoman Valerie Burd Bill Dettmer Guests: Sharon Roscher-Yorkville Kitchen,Bath and Flooring,Inc. Robert Dearborn-Bridge Street Cafe EXPAND PROGRAM TERRITORY Chairman Scheffrahn stated that this was discussed at the last meeting. He turned the floor over to Alderwoman Burd for an update. She stated that she brought the Facade Committee's expansion ideas to the Economic Development Committee(EDC)and Committee of the Whole. Originally,the Council did not want to expand the program but after her presentation,they took the idea favorably and the ordinance will be re-written. When the revision is completed, she stated that she would present it to the EDC for input. The Council seems satisfied with the suggestion from the Facade Committee to create three zones for the program and limit it to pre- 1940 construction. Alderwoman Burd also noted that the Kendall County Board discussed Yorkville's interest in the old County jail with the City Council. There is interest on both sides to transfer ownership and a suggestion was made to convert the building into a visitor center. PROMOTE 02/03 BUDGET MONEY Chairman Scheffrahn stated that the budget for this fiscal year was$20,000.00. He asked if anyone had any ideas for promoting the program. Alderwoman Burd suggested sending postcards to businesses to make them aware that the program is not limited to the front facade of the buildings. Chairman Scheffrahn asked Bob Dearborn,owner of Bridge Street Café,if he would have a meeting with fellow business owners in the downtown to discuss the program. Chairman Scheffrahn and Bill Dettiner stated that they would attend the meeting. The group discussed having the meeting after the Northern Illinois University Downtown Study was finished. Mr.Dearborn agreed to this and Sharon Roscher,owner of Yorkville Kitchen&Bath, offered to help. FACADE REOUESTS Yorkville Kitchen,Bath&Flooring Sharon Roscher stated that the building in question is 202,204 and 206 South Bridge Street. She explained that she would like to install awnings and shutters to the front facade,shutters to the rear of the building and shutters and a sign to the north side.They will also be adding window boxes. She explained that she and her partner would be doing the labor themselves and are only asking for funds for the materials. She presented drawings of the front,north side and rear of the building. Johanna Byram asked about the columns indicated in the drawings. Ms. Roscher explained that there are two concrete columns that hold up a support in the back of the building that they would like to replace with decorative columns. Pane 1 of 4 2 The awnings were discussed. They will be navy blue and rounded but they are open to making the awning straight. The awning company recommended a convex awning. Chairman Scheffrahn stated that the one concern with the building is that it is post-World War II construction and the existing ordinance was written toward a mid-1800's vision of the downtown area. The revised ordinance is looking at limiting the program to pre-World War II buildings. He stated that even though this building does not fall into the criteria,the improvements proposed will enhance the downtown area He asked the Committee what their thoughts were on this. Alderwoman Burd stated that the current ordinance does not specify pre-1940 buildings but was meant to bring the downtown buildings into a mid-1800's look. She stated that if the Committee decided the shutters and awning fit the criteria,the building would qualify. Tom Smith asked what type of shutters were going to be used. Ms. Roscher showed the Committee a brochure from the shutter company. She stated that there were two types of shutters, one with louvers and a plank style. She stated that they were open for suggestions as to which style to use. Mr. Smith noted that either style was acceptable for the mid-1800's era. The plank style was more traditional whereas the louver style was considered more costly. Ms. Roscher stated that their choice of shutter color was navy blue. Mr. Smith suggested hiding the overhang in the back where the air conditioners are located. Ms. Roscher stated that they have been thinking of concealing the area with lattice. The blue color scheme was discussed and the Committee agreed with the choice. Chairman Scheffrahn stated that the cost for the improvements noted by Ms. Roscher is approximately$6,400.00 and the Facade Committee is in the position to fund up to one half the cost of improvements. He asked the Committee for their opinions. Mr. Smith was in favor of the reimbursement. Ms.Byram was in favor of the reimbursement but she was concerned with the roundness of the awning. The Committee went over the drawing of the awning supplied with the request. Ms.Byram made a motion to provide half of the$6,400.00 for the project; seconded by Mr. Smith. Motion approved by a roll call vote. Aye-3 Nay-0 Byram-aye, Smith-aye, Scheffrahn-aye Mr. Scheffrahn asked Ms.Roscher what her timetable for the improvements was and she stated that this should be done in one to two months. Montessori School Mr. Dearborn stated that his request was for 211 South Bridge Street and the cost of the improvements was estimated at$16,388.00. He explained that the top cornice and dental molding on the front façade are rotted out and will be replaced in a similar style. The three windows on the second floor will be replaced and the arch of each window, which is currently boarded up will be returned to its original state with glass. Sometime in the past,the building received a new brick front and there is an 8x8 block of wood that runs between the two different floors, which he covered with cedar planks. He stated that the building will also be tuckpointed, painted and a new canopy will be installed. He showed a picture of the proposed canopy,which will cover the cedar planks. The canopy will be straight in design and blue in color. The name of the Montessori school will be placed on the windows. The location of the school between two liquor establishments was discussed. Bill Dettmer explained that before the school opened,he checked into the legality ofhaving a school in this Page 2 of 4 3 location. City Attorney Dan Kramer stated that as long as the school moved into a building between two established businesses that it was okay. If the school had been there first,a liquor establishment moving in next door would be against zoning. Mr.Dearborn explained the improvements to the rear of the building,which consists of replacing a window and adding a canopy. The school is using the rear as the main entrance. Mr. Dearborn noted that the rear window is on hold pending input from the Committee regarding the style. Mr. Smith commented that a window with the same size sashes on the top and bottom could be used. Alderwoman Burd stated that the ordinance discourages the use of windows with multiple panes of gjlass because they are more colonial. Window from the mid-1800's had plain cashes with wide trim. Mr.Dearborn asked if any particular paint colors were recommended by the ordinance and Alderwoman Burd stated that the ordinance encouraged the use of earth tones. He stated that the colors being used are light and dark gray,beige and taupe. Mr. Dearborn stated that there is a covered walkway between this building and the Bridge Street Café. It formally was a stairway to the second floor but is empty now. He stated that he did not include the repair of this space in the estimate. Mr. Smith suggested painting the door and dressing it up so it appears to be a traditional door going to somewhere. Bob Ament asked about the wood stairs to the door for the second story entrance to the Bridge Street Café building. Mr. Dearborn stated that he hasn't done anything with these stairs because he doesn't know how the Route 47 widening will affect the sidewalk space. Mr. Dettmer suggested the possibility of creating a door to the north were the covered walkway currently is. He offered to look at the stairway for Mr. Dearborn to determine if this was possible. Mr.Dearborn suggested that there be guidelines for garbage enclosures for the garbage dumpsters in the rear of the buildings. The Committee discussed the type of enclosures and cleaning up this area. Chainnan Scheffrahn suggested that property owners develop a solution to the garbage problem and present their ideas to the city. They discussed utility poles and the possibilities of relocating them in the future. Alderwoman Burd questioned the miscellaneous line item of$1000.00. Chainnan Scheffrahn explained that the program pays for half of what is actually spent.The bills are submitted to Mr. Dettmer after the work is completed. Mr. Smith made a motion to pay 50%of the$16,400.00 for the project; seconded by Ms.Byram. Motion approved by a roll call vote. Aye-3 Nay-0 Scheffrahn-aye, Smith-aye,Byram-aye Fox Flooring Chairman Scheffrahn stated that Fox Flooring came to the Committee in mid stream of their improvements. The Committee voted to that they were eligible but the reimbursement was pending more details from the owners, which they never received. Mr. Dettmer distributed copies of the minutes from April 25,2001 in which this project is discussed and copies of receipts and checks submitted by Mr. Beardsley. The Committee reviewed the documents. Alderwoman Burd commented that she was disappointed with the windows that were installed. Ms. Byram commented that the minutes from April 2001 discuss the ornate metal work. This was supposed to be left exposed and it was not. Pane 3 of 4 4 Mr. Dettmer stated that he spoke with Mrs. Beardsley about attending the meeting and she informed him that her husband is still ill. Mr. Dettmer went over the bills for the Committee. He stated that a permit was taking out for new facade windows,doors and siding. The cost indicated on the permit was$4,000.00,which covered labor and materials. Mr. Smith asked how much of a reimbursement were they looking for. Mr.Dettmer stated that the actual cost that Mr. Beardsley gave was$12,500.00 but he is looking at a total of$13,500.00. He explained that he and City Administrator Tony Graff went through the checks provided and could not substantiate what the checks were for. Mr. Dettmer clarified that Mr. Beardsley in the owner of the building and Mr. Hasselbring is his tenant and owner of Fox Flooring. The Committee discussed items that are not reimbursed such as the owners own labor,maintenance items and interior improvements. Mr. Dettmer commented that he had great difficulty in determining the amount of money they have coming to them. He felt he could justify$3,500.00 of the$13,500.00 was applied to the exterior of the building. Mr. Smith felt that the$13,500.00 was too high for the work that appears to be done. Chairman Scheffrahn concurred. Ms. Byram asked which budget this would fall under and Chairman Scheffran explained that funds were not allocated to this project. Mr. Smith stated that until Mr. Beardsley provides a better breakdown of the cost,the matter should not be considered. Mr. Scheffrahn reminded the Committee that they do not have to spend all the money that is provide to the program. He stated that if the Committee is uncomfortable with this request,they should not feel obligated to spend funds. He agreed with Mr. Smith that the Beardsleys should be asked to provide a clearly itemized list of the work done to the exterior of the building. Mr. Dettmer asked if the Committee wanted him to write a letter to the Beardsleys expressing the Committee's request and he was instructed to do so. He indicated he would copy in Chairman Scheffrahn and Mr. Graff ADDITIONAL BUSINESS Alderwoman Burd reported that Mayor Prochaska asked her to get the Committee's input regarding his appointing another member to it. This member would be a resident since Chairman Scheffrahn fills in the need for an engineer and a member of the Historical Society. The Committee had no objections to this and Alderwoman Burd stated that she would report back this back to the Mayor. There was no further discussion and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M. Minutes submitted by Jackie Milschewski, City Clerk Page 4 of 4 El 1i if fi It 111 1 s:"Z L., i