NW Illinois News

City of Galena Historic Preservation Commission met Nov. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

23HPC-082- CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Craig Brown called the meeting of the Galena Historic Preservation Commission to order at 6:30 PM on Thursday, November 2, 2023.

23HPC-083- ROLL CALL

Upon roll call, the following members were present: Judy Jackson, Jack Dennerlien, Craig Brown, Craig Albaugh, Chuck Horton

Absent: Jeremey White, Matt Carroll

23HPC-084 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

A quorum was declared.

23HPC-085 - PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

23HPC-086 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 5, 2023

Discussion: Albaugh did not second the minutes from the September meeting, as stated in the minutes, he requested this to be changed.

Roll Call: Ayes: Dennerlien, Jackson, Brown, Horton, Albaugh Nays: None

Absent: White, Carroll

The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

23HPC-087 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON REQUEST BY THE JO DAVIESS COUNTY BOARD TO CONSTRUCT A DORMER ON THE ROOF OF THE COURTHOUSE AS PART OF THE EXPANSION PROJECT.

Bill Grove stated it isn’t currently being used as a county boardroom because of the ceiling and no windows for extra light. Adding the dormer will convert it into more offices and be used appropriately.

The lap siding will be constructed out of wood either painted or with a smooth finish.

Motion: Albaugh moved, seconded Horton, to approve the construction of a dormer on the roof of the courthouse as part of the expansion project.

Roll Call: AYES: Dennerlien, Brown, Jackson, Albaugh, Horton NAYS: None

ABSENT: White, Carroll

The motion carried.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

23HPC-088 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A REQUEST BY DINO RIGOPOLOUS TO DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURES AT 233 N. COMMERCE ST.

Motion to open - Chairperson Brown asked all in favor of opening the public hearing to say aye:

Ayes: Horton, Dennerline, Jackson, Brown, Albaugh

Nays: None

Absent: White, Carroll

Spoke in favor

Pat Ready, Origin Designs, was speaking on behalf of Dino Rigopoulos. Pat discussed the building has very little resemblance to its original building, therefore it has little protection of being a historic building. It is not believed to adversely affect the historic district because it is on the edge of town, and it only has a little history left standing. The roof has holes, and the trusses are deteriorating. The benefits of demolishing the building would provide added revenue and more city parking.

Spoke against -

Adam Johnson spoke against the demolition, stating this is part of Galena’s industrial side of history, there are very few historic buildings on that side of Commerce St. He would like to know why it is in such a state of disrepair because it’s always rented. He believes the building was purchased with the intent to tear down and not restore.

Brown asked, “at what point can demolishing a historic building be justified, there isn’t any justification for it.”

Motion to close: Chairperson Brown asked all in favor of closing public hearing to signify by saying aye:

Ayes: Horton, Dennerline, Jackson, Brown, Albaugh

Nays: None

Absent: White, Carroll

Motion carried by voice vote.

Committee Discussion –

Brown-Commerce Street has had too much demolition. Not many historic properties on that side of commerce. Not fully historic but still historic. Needs to be a landmarked structure.

Horton – It was purchased in that condition, and believes it was purchased with the concept of demolishing. Effort needs to be made to restore it.

Jackson – Can see it both ways, it’s an eyesore in the condition it is right now but with the history of it, it needs to stay.

Dennerline – Not any historic parking lots in Galena and believes the building is resurrect able.

Motion: Horton motioned, seconded by Albaugh to deny the request to demolish the structure at 233 N. Commerce St.

Motion carried by voice vote.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

NONE

22HPC-089: ADJOURMENT

Motion moved: Brown moved, seconded by Albaugh, to adjourn.

Roll Call:

Ayes: Horton, Dennerline, Jackson, Brown, Albaugh

Nays: None

Absent: White, Carroll

Meeting adjourned by voice vote at 7:01pm

https://www.cityofgalena.org/documents/filelibrary/side_tabs/agendas__minutes/hpc_agenda/2023/12723_HPC_Agenda_reduced_file_size_2C5DDF9F73260.pdf