HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 3/7/1995 - Landmark Commission (2) THE CITY OF MCHENRY LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING
OF
March 7, 1995
The March meeting of the McHenry Landmark Commission was called to
order at 7:20 by Vice Chairman Marya Dixon. Roll call was taken and
the following members were absent: Adele Froelich, Barb Gilpin, Larry
Huck. All other members were present. No guests were present. The
minutes were approved on a motion by Lori Wilhelm and a second by
Donnabelle Glosson.
TREASURERS REPORT: Treasurer Debbie Lane presented copies of the
monthly treasurer's report noting a total of $3,571.76 in the budget.
This figure has not changed from last month.
OLD BUSINESS: The order for old business was changed bringing about a
discussion of the plaguing for the Church of God on John St. Member
Carol Jean checked wording on previous plaques and supplied the
Commission with a suggested wording for the plaque as follows:
ZION LU1H)RAN CHURCH
Congregation formed in 1876 under the direction of Pastor Henry
Schmidt, Jr.
Built in 1891
City of McHenry Landmark Plaque # 17 1995
Discussion followed concerning naming the original church on the
plaque. At the March 15, 1995 City Council meeting member Carol Jean
Smith will let the Council know that the plaque is being prepared and
that a presentation at a City Council meeting would be appropriate.
As corresponding secretary she will also send a letter to the Church
of God letting them know of the plaque wording and make them
officially aware that the plaque will be presented at a City Council
meeting with an additional opportunity for a ceremony at the church on
a Sunday . On a suggestion by Tom Bolger, Carol Jean will also
forward a copy of the previous letter to the Church of God (the one
informing them of plaque approval) to Zion Lutheran Church. Marya
will make arrangements for the plaque to be painted.
In other old business, the letters to District 15 and the Library
commending them for adaptively reusing existing structures was
approved by the Commission and signed by Vice Chairman Marya Dixon.
In addition, Carol Jean will send a combined version of the two
letters to the newspaper.
Discussion on the proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance continued
and centered on completing lists of landmarks as well as looking more
closely at how the 3 older commercial districts might be viewed in
terms as qualifying as historic districts. Nancy Fike will continue
to collect comments and lists of structures and sites for listing as
landmarks as well as begin the text proposal for In ordinance. The
overall feeling of the Commission was that other Iity committees need
to be brought into the planning process for such an ordinance. Nancy
Fike will talk with Chairman Barb Gilpin about arranging a joint
meeting with the Planning Commission, Environmental Committee and the
Zoning Board of Appeals through City Manager Gerald Peterson.
NEW BUSINESS
Under new business discussion was held on setting up a committee to
update the original 1985 survey of older buildings in the city.
Member Jenny Lange requested information about the survey as a
possible way to involve local high school students who would like to
do community service projects that might also earn credit in classes.
A zoning map showing city boundaries will be supplied to Jenny as will
a copy of the survey sheet. Before surveying would be undertaken a
training session that prepares survey takers for identifying various
bulding elements would have to be set up. As a result of the
discussion concerning Landmark Commission survey sheets and other
records of the Commission members felt that the easy public access to
the meeting room where records are stored has the potential for loss
of those materials. It was moved by Nancy Fike and seconded by Lori
Wilhelm that a request be made to the City to store Landmark Records
in a locked and secured area of the government center. Motion
approved. Nancy Fike will make that request.
Under the next order of new business, Marya read a letter of
resignation from Ruth Fenwick . The Commission members wished Ruth
their best wishes. Next, Marya read a letter from the McHenry County
Historical Society Historic Sites Chairperson Grace Moline. The
letter requests our participation in a public historic preservation
program with other interested preservation groups at the college in
May (date not decided yet). Each group would present a short
selection of plagued sites/structures with the owners making the
comments during the slide presentation. Lori Wilhelm moved the
Commission participate and Carol Jean seconded. Motion approved.
Additional new business concerned placing survey photos in archival
quality plastic sleeves. Carol Jean had samples and prices from one
company and Nancy Fike would check prices with another company and get
back to Carol Jean for ordering.
`, Finally, Nancy Fike reported making an initial contact with Habitat
for Humanity over the possibility of using donated older structures
received by the Commission for Habitat homes. No word back from the
Director but they will contact us. Nancy Fike also contacted Alan
Miller from Meyer Materials about the Eugene Eppel house. According
to an arrangement made about 6 or 7 years ago, when the Eppel house
became available through the death of Eugene, the Gravel Company would
allow the Commission some 3 years to have the house moved . The home
is a classic small Greek Revival home original to the Andrew Thomas
family. In taking with Mr. Miller, there did not seem to be a sense
of urgency about doing something with the house as there were no plans
to mine gravel up to Route 120. The only problem that might arise
would be vandalism that could force the company to have an unsafe
structure removed. The Commission will pursue options for moving.
At 8:55 Tom Bolger moved for adjournrment. Debbie Lane seconded.
Respectfully submitted,
`)
Nancy J. Fike
Commission Secretary