HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2/2/1988 - Landmark Commission MINUTES OF THE CITY OF MCHENRY LANDMARK COMMISSION
2 February 1988
The regular monthly meeting of the City of McHenry Landmark Commission
was called to order at 7 : 32 P.M. The January meeting had been canceled
due to extremely cold weather. Members present were : Nancy Fike,
Adele Froelich, Frank Gans , Tom Hopkins , Don Howard, Jesse Freund,
Mary Vycital , Mary Lou Schaeffer, Loretta Wilhelm, and Elizabeth
Serritella. Absent were: Dick Rabbitt, Dorothy Uttich, and Marva
Weber.
Minutes of the December meeting were unanimously approved.
Financial Report: Previous expenditures of $1 , 935 . 87
Photo Forum (processing) : 9 . 85
$1 , 945 . 72
Payments received for plaques : ( 45 . 00 )
$ 1 , 900 . 72
Plaque no. 9 for the Cavanaugh House ( Samantha Button House) was
completed and will be presented at the February 10 City Council meeting.
The City has provided 100 copies of the letters to potential plaque
sites . The letters will be hand dilivered by members of the Landmark
Commission during the month of February.
McHenry Sand & Gravel has applied to the City of McHenry for annexation
of additional property adjacent to the existing operation. Nancy Fike
had been contacted by McHenry Building & Zoning officer John Zabor
about the annexation because of the existence of 2 older house on the
property that may qualify for plaguing and to solicit the Commission ' s
opinion as to the preservation possibilities for the houses . Nancy met
with John Zabor and Alan Miller of Mchenry Sand & Gravel to discuss
the situation. Because the annexation hearing was to take place before
a meeting of the Landmark Commission could be held, Nancy wrote a letter
to Mayor Busse and the City Council recommending that every effort he
made to preserve the structures , and offering the assistance of the
Landmark Commission. One of the house, a Greek Revival style , is
especially worth preserving; the other house will require more research
before a final recommendation can be made. Mr . Miller had expressed
his desire to cooperate in the preservation, although moving one or
both of the houses would be a definite possibility. It is expected
that the City will include a provisions for maintaining and preserving
the houses in its annexation agreement.
Tom Hopkins reported on his and Nancy Fike ' s meetings with represent-
atives from the Economic Development Commission and the possibility
of exchanging a member. The City has stated that since both of the
organizations are part of and supported by the City, that to have a
member • serving on both organizations would not be necessary, and that
the two organizations should cooperate in advising each other and the
City on matters pertaining to preservation and economic development.
• The Economic Development Commission is currently developing a plan for
the revitalization of the downtown areas . Nancy & Tom will continue
to meet with the EDC as required to remain familiar with the development
of the plan and to offer assistance as needed.
City of McHenry Landmark Commission, 2 February 1988 page 2
Nancy has received a letter from Alderman Bill Bolger concerning
discussion by the Public Library to relocate. Nancy suggested that
'amo, the library be contacted and that the situation be monitored.
Nancy has completed the report to the City on the Historic Sites
Survey and distributed copies . The report includes an outline of the
procedures used in the surveys by volunteers , preparation, problems and
general results and findings , including the major styles found in
McHenry and where they are concentrated. The report also includes
( 5 ) recommendations : 1 ) That a historic preservation plan be incorpor-
ated in the long range land use plan of McHenry; 2 ) That the Zoning
Ordinance reflect the encouragement of historic preservation; 3 ) That
the City investigate the possibility of establishing an ordinance to
protect locally designated landmarks and/or historic districts;
4 ) That the lines of communication between the City Council , ZBA, Plan
Commission, Landmark Commission, Economic Development Commission, and
Beautification Committe be kept open on issues that pertain to the older
districts , both residential and commercial ; and 5 ) That the City do all
in its power to encourage the private restoration of historic properties .
Mary Lou Schaeffer made a motion, seconded by Adele Froelich, that the
recommendations be adopted and sent to Mayor Busse and the City Council .
The motion was unanimously adopted.
Progress is continuing on determining the histories of buildings in the
business districts with the intention of having plaques or signs made
for each business . Since the City intends to begin work on Green Street
in its plan to beutify the downtown districts , the Landmark Commission
will also begin with that area. Members of the Commission were assigned
specific buildings to begin gathering information. The information
asked for at this time is : date of the existing structure, previous
buildings or structures on that site, and previous uses of the existing
building. Members will report to the Commision at the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8 : 28 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
#31-4L)
vim`
Tom Hopkins
Secretary