Roll Call and Determination of Quorum:
Approval of Minutes
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Kirschmann to APPROVE the January 13, 2026 meeting minutes. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Hoeft and CARRIED by a vote of 5-0-1 with Commissioner Olafson abstaining
Unfinished Business
Request for Opinion – 300 Block of North Main Street
Streetscape improvements along the 300 Block of North Main Street. This was laid over two years ago.
New Business
Certificate of Appropriateness – Marcia L. Mueller – 1515 Greenmount Street – fire damage repairs that include 1) the replacement of damaged windows with wooden metal clad windows, 2) the replacement of wooden shutters, 3) the replacement of the front entry door with a matching 6 panel wooden door, 4) the removal and reinstallation of bricks on the rear exterior wall to allow framing repairs, and 5) the replacement of sliding glass doors.
Communication and Staff Report
Adjournment
THE CITY OF ROCKFORD INTENDS TO COMPLY WITH THE INTENT AND SPIRIT OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. IF A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER, PERSONAL P.A. SYSTEM, OR OTHER SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE NEEDED, PLEASE CALL THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AT (779) 348-7391 AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE, SO WE CAN BE PREPARED TO ASSIST YOU.
Present:
Valerie Olafson
Amanda Becker
Maureen Kirschmann
Frank St. Angel
James Hoeft
Brad Benedict
Absent:
Alderman Mark Bonne
Staff:
Rudy Moreno, Scott Capovilla
Other:
Marcia L. Mueller, Jim Duncan
Meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Chairperson Amanda Becker
Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, explained the reason for the layover of this request for opinion (RFO) and suggestions from the Friends of The Coronado regarding the planter locations. Mr. Capovilla then went over the proposed scope of work.
Commissioner Kirschmann mentioned previous concerns regarding pedestrian traffic and the location of the planters and trees.
Commissioner Becker for an estimate on how long this project take to completion. Mr. Capovilla estimated two to three months.
Commissioner Benedict asked what the HPC’s role is in this project. Mr. Capovilla clarified this RFO is to inform the HPC of the proposed changes and to allow them to make suggestions.
Commissioner Benedict confirmed this is a city project and the contractor is HR Green.
Commissioner Hoeft suggested the plants should be incorporated in this project because they add a barrier between pedestrians and vehicular traffic which creates a sense of safety.
Commissioner Becker inquired on the type of planters. Mr. Capovilla verified they would be permanent, lower profile planters.
Commissioner Hoeft motioned to request book entries on the opposite side of the street from the Coronado to allow the Coronado to have more open space or to allow the mobile planters as part of the proposed streetscape.
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Hoeft to ENDORSE the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 300 Block of North Main Street. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Olafson and CARRIED by a vote of 6-0.
Ms. Mueller, homeowner, explained the scope of work and existing conditions.
Ms. Mueller explained the fire originated in the rear portion of the home. Commissioner Benedict asked if the cause of the fire is known. Ms. Mueller indicated the fire cause is undetermined.
Mr. Duncan, contractor, described some additional work needed to make structural repairs.
Commissioner Olafson and Mr. Duncan discussed the requirements and location of the replacement windows.
Mr. Duncan and Ms. Mueller inquired on the requirements for sliding glass door replacement. Commissioner St. Angel suggested french doors would be more fitting, but was willing to accept sliding glass doors as well
HPC members discussed the visibility of the rear sliding glass doors and all agreed french doors or sliding glass doors with mullions would be preferable.
HPC reviewer photos of the fire damage provided by Mr. Duncan. HPC further discussed the locations of window and brick replacements.
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Olafson to APPROVE the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 1515 Greenmount Street. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Benedict and CARRIED by a vote of 6-0.
Mr. Capovilla discussed a fire at the old St. Thomas Catholic High School at 921 West State Street. Mr. Capovilla the building is still structurally sound but the fire took longer for firefighters to extinguish due to materials being stored in the building.
With no other business Commissioner Olafson made a MOTION to ADJOURN. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Kirschmann and CARRIED by a vote of 6-0
The meeting was adjourned at 6:03 pm