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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 3/7/1995 - Landmark Commission The City of McHenry Landmark Comission Meeting March 7, 1995 ThelFebruary meetinfof the Landmark Commission was called to order at 7:1g by Chairman BA Gilpin. Roll call was taken and the following members were absent due to illness: Barb Byron, Larry Huck, Jenny Lange. All other members present. The minutes of the January meeting were approved as sent on a motion by Adele Froelich and a second by Lori Wilhelm. FINANCIAL REPORT The Treasurer's report was presented by Debbie Lane. She reported that the $91.00 bill questioned on earlier reports was correct and had not been paid twice. Barb Gilpin checked into the amount the Commission had in the Facade Improvement Grant fund but could not check with the City Manager over the possibility of unspent funds from past budgets accumulating to a possible $12,000.00 total. Mrs. Gilpin believed that city commission budgets that were not spent were returned to the city. A final determination of amount available for grants needs to be done. At present the financial statements show the Commission with a budget of $1,935.75. The Commission had not spent anything since October. With discussion ending Lori Wilhelm moved and Donnabelle Glosson seconded a motion to approve the financial report. CHAIRMAN REPORTSChairman Gilpin reported that the City Council had approved Landmark Status for the Church of God on John Street. On January 20th Corresponding Secretary Carol Jean Smith wrote the pastor of the Church of God notifying him of City Council approval. The Church will receive one of the remaining plywood painted plaques that Mrs. Gilpin found at City Hall. Five of the original plaques purchased from and made by Mike Cajthaml are still available. It was decided that Ruth Fenwick and Carol Jean Smith will work on the proposed wording for plaque #17 and Mrs. Fenwick will then contact Mike Cajthaml for finishing the plaque. In her discussion with Mr. Cajthaml, Mrs. Gilpin discussed other types of plaques and learned that a painted aluminum one with radial edges was recommended. Price would depend on quantity ordered. They will be looked into. In the meantime, the minister from the Church of God would be contacted about a possible plaque date. Some discussion followed about the Mayor awarding the plaque either at the church or at a City Council meeting. No decision reached. In further mew business, Chairman Gilpin has been receiving minutes from the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board. Nothing as of yet that would impact on the Landmark Commission. Chairman Gilpin also reported that more work would have to be done on the Facade Improvement Grants before we contact the press or Chamber for publicity. It was reported that Adele Froelich had placed a short article about the grant program in the city newsletter. At some point a committee will be appointed to determine the amount of money in the grant program and then proceed with publicity. Also, in talking with the Building Director Mrs. Gilpin reported that he would have no problem giving the Commission more time notice about demolition permits. Evidentally he has the authority to set the time table for demolition. A.P. Freund home near Sullivan's Food Store is ready for such action. `-' New Business continued with a report that Mrs. Byron had checked to see which plagued structures were displaying signs. Of those on display, all appeared to be in good shape. Those not on display included the Depot Hotel, Riverside Hotel, Walsh home. The Cooney building on the N.E. corner of Pearl and Riverside had its plaque on display inside in the lobby. CCD BUSINESS Nancy Fike lead discussion on the proposal of an Historic Preservation Ordinance for McHenry. Discussion questions passed out at the January meeting served as the basis for discussion. Points4a through d were discussed. Commission members felt that the goal of preservation included all of the points in 4a. It was felt that any proposals should be written in positive language instead of using negative words like "prevent". Next followed a listing of those sites and structures and areas that would qualify for landmark status. Members were asked to think of additional candidates. At the March meeting Mrs. Fike will bring in a combined list. Mrs. Fike will also approach Habitat for Humanity about working together to salvage older structures that might be moved and reused. Some discussion followed on zoning areas of the city and how preservation could be adapted to what already existed. The March meeting will include more discussion on the preparation for a preservation ordinance. NEW BUSINESS Under new business the Chairman suggested possible subcommittees within the Commission. Those proposed: One to examine the letter sent to member Carol Jean Smith from the City Manager; Another to work on the Facade Improvement Grant promotion; One to promote landmark plaque requests and public programs; and one to update the ten year old survey of older city structures. These are in addition to the historic preservation ordinance committee. No action taken on appointments. In other new business Mrs. Gilpin will follow through on having a L resolution of appreciation presented from the city to former Commission Chairman Carl Fredrickson, and an appropriate gift in memory of member Jesse Freund will be looked into for the library, perhaps something for the genealogy collection. Finally, Nancy Fike agreeded to write letters of appreciation to the Library Board and District #15 for their efforts in adaptively reusing existing structures in the city rather than building new. On that note, Adele Froelich moved and Carol Jean Smith seconded a motion to adjourn at 8:37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 174°, 9" */14-0 Nancy J. Fike, corresponding secretary