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City of Galena Historic Preservation Commission met June 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

25HPC-024- CALL TO ORDER

Brown called the meeting of the Galena Historic Preservation Commission to order at 6:30 PM on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

25HPC-025- ROLL CALL

Upon roll call, the following members were present: Larry Wiedenheft, Craig Brown, Steve Monahan, Jeremey White, Emily Doyle

Absent: Chuck Horton, Matt Carroll

25HPC-026 - ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

A quorum was declared.

25HPC-027 - PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

25HPC-028 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF May 1,2025.

Motion: Doyle moved, seconded by White, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of May 1, 2025.

Discussion: None

The motion is carried by voice vote.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

25HPC-029 - DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A PROPOSAL BY DEANNA WHALEN, OWNER, OF 109 N. BENCH ST. TO CONSTRUCT A DETACHED SINGLE CAR GARAGE BEHIND THE HOME ACCESSED BY THE ALLEY BETWEEN MAIN ST AND BENCH ST.

The committee discussed a proposal to build a garage at 109 North Bench Street, in the alley between Bench and Main. The location already has similar nearby structures. The proposed garage will include a retaining wall and use LP wood-style siding with an appropriate garage

door. Since the applicant was not present, the committee agreed to approve the project on the condition that all materials be approved by Jonathan.

Motion: – Monahan motioned, seconded by Doyle, to approve the construction of a detached single car garage

Ayes: Wiedenheft, Brown, Monahan, White, Doyle

Nays: None

Absent: Horton, Carroll

The motion carried.

25HPC-030 - DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO VOTE ON A WINNER FOR THE 2025 HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD AND EXCELLENCE IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD. THE NOMINEES ARE 101 S. WEST ST., 404 PARK AVE., AND 227 S. BENCH ST.

During the meeting, the committee discussed the selection of this year’s Historic Preservation Award recipient and Excellence in Historic Preservation. The initial nominee, a property on Park Avenue, was ultimately removed from consideration due to a lack of historical documentation. Jonathan had searched through city archives but was unable to find any useful photographs showing the home in sufficient detail, and committee members confirmed that very few photos of that area exist. Additionally, the work done on the house was viewed as limited—mainly porch repairs—while the house itself had modern vinyl siding and a noticeable second-story addition. Given these factors, the group agreed not to move forward with Park Avenue as a candidate this year.

Attention then turned to 101 S. West Street, which received strong support from committee members. The property was praised for its faithful and thorough restoration. Highlights included the restoration of the front porch, where the posts for the second level balcony are already installed, the functional reinstallation of original shutters, and preservation of the two existing outbuildings. Members also noted that any potential future construction, such as a garage, would be positioned at the rear of the lot on Hill Street to preserve the property’s historic appearance. The restoration was described as one of the cleanest and most accurate the committee had seen in recent years. The work is being handled by contractor Terry Cole, further adding to the confidence in its quality.

While 101 S. West Street was the clear choice for the main award, several members expressed appreciation for the work done on the steps of St. Michael’s Church on Bench Street. Though not a historic restoration in the strictest sense, the new stair design was thoughtfully done to reflect the original look while meeting modern safety standards. The committee acknowledged the effort and care taken with the project and decided to award it the Excellence in Historic Preservation.

Motion: – Monahan motioned, seconded by Doyle, to award on a winner for the 2025 Historic Preservation Award to 101 S. West St. and the Excellence in Historic Preservation Award to 227 S. Bench St.

Ayes: Wiedenheft, Brown, Monahan, White, Doyle

Nays: None

Absent: Horton, Carroll

NEW BUSINESS

25HPC-031 - DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A PROPOSAL BY DON HOCKER, OWNER OF 213 ADAMS ST. TO RE-SIDE THE SINGLE-FAMILY HOME WITH VINYL SIDING.

A homeowner appeared before the Historic Preservation Commission to request approval for replacing existing vinyl siding with new vinyl, citing financial hardship as the reason for not using historically appropriate materials like LP Smart Siding, which are significantly more expensive. The Commission acknowledged the presence of vinyl siding on other homes but emphasized that such materials are not allowed under current historic district guidelines. Members explained the importance of maintaining Galena’s historic character for the benefit of the entire community and expressed concern about setting a precedent. While they were understanding of the homeowner’s situation, they ultimately denied the request and advised him to appeal to the City Council, which has very occasionally granted exceptions based on hardship.

No motion was made.

25HPC-032 - DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A PROPOSAL BY ROGER BARTELL, OWNER, AND RILEY CHAPMAN, APPLICANT, TO RE-SIDE THE SINGLE-FAMILY HOME WITH VINYL SIDING AT 421 CLAUDE ST.

In the final item of new business, Roger Bartell, with applicant Riley Chapman speaking on his behalf, requested approval to reside a single-family home located at 421 Buzz Street using vinyl siding. Chapman explained that the house had been damaged and that the work was being handled through an insurance claim. Since the home has had vinyl siding for over 30 years, and insurance companies typically only reimburse for "like-for like" materials, the applicant stated that the policy would not cover higher-cost alternatives like lap or fiber cement siding.

The Historic Preservation Commission responded by reaffirming their consistent position that vinyl siding is not allowed in the historic district due to its non-historic appearance and incompatibility with preservation goals. A commissioner acknowledged that the request stemmed from a difficult situation and spared the applicant a detailed restatement of the earlier discussion on vinyl, referencing a previous similar request in the same meeting. They encouraged the applicant to explore historically appropriate alternatives like LP Smart Siding, which, though more expensive and labor-intensive, would better align with the town’s preservation standards.

The Commission expressed understanding of the financial hardships such standards can impose on long-term residents, particularly those on fixed incomes, and acknowledged the lack of available financial assistance programs. They emphasized that their role is to

uphold the historical integrity of the town, which is foundational to its appeal and economy. They suggested that the applicant could file an appeal with the City Council, which has the authority to grant exceptions on the basis of hardship—a process that has only resulted in approval twice in the past 17 years. The Commission advised that any appeal focus solely on hardship, as the Council is not permitted to override the Commission’s findings on historic appropriateness. The discussion concluded with the applicant acknowledging the advice and expressing an intent to possibly pursue an appeal.

No motion was made.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

NONE

OTHER BUSINESS

NONE

25HPC-033: ADJOURMENT

Motion: – Monahan motioned, seconded by Wiedenheft, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned by voice vote at 6 :50pm

Respectfully submitted,

Cassie Folks

Recording Secretary

"These minutes are a summary of discussion on all matters proposed, deliberated, or decided, and a record of any motions made, and votes taken. The minutes are intended to convey the nature of discussions that ensued on each matter but are not a verbatim transcript.”

https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/HPC_6_CF29EEC4334DA.pdf