HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 4/4/1995 - Landmark Commission The City of McHenry Landmark Commission Meeting
April 4, 1995
The April meeting of the McHenry Landmark Commission was called to
order at 7:25 by Chariman Barb Gilpin. Roll call was taken and the
following member was absent: Donnabelle Glosson. All other members
were present. No guests were present. The minutes were approved as
sent on a motion by Lori Wilhelm and second by Barb Byron.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Treasurer Debbie Lane reported that no money had been expended since
the last meeting leaving a total of $3,580.67. in the budget. Tom
Bolger moved to accept the Treasurer's report and Adele Froelich
seconded. Motion carried.
CHAIRMAN REPORTS
Involvement with library project: Chairman Gilpin reported attending
the open house for the new Library. While there she noted signage
indicating the need for donor donations for the library. After
talking with the city administrator, she learned that the Landmark
Commission had accumulated $12,355.32 in our account and that there
would be no objections from the City using some of that money for a
library donation; perhaps something for the Genealogy Room. Chairman
Gilpin will supply the Commission with a list of library needs. Carol
Jean suggested a donation in memory of deceased Commission member
Jesse Freund. A discussion resulted concerning the mission of the
Commission and whether it was appropriate to donate funds toward
genealogical materials when the Commission was a historic preservation
group formulated to encourage historic preservation. Perhaps most
available funds needed to go towards funding preservation projects.
Resolutions for former members: Resolutions of appreciation from the
City for service on the Landmark Commission will be presented to Carl
Frederickson and Ruth Fenwick at the April 5, 1995 city council
meeting. Commission members were encouraged to attend.
City Administrator's suggestions on Facade projects: Chairman Gilpin
talked with Administrator Peterson who suggested the Commission work
with representatives of the commercial districts and encourage a
design plan that business owners would support for the 3 different
downtown areas. Included in the program might be low interest loans
from the banks plus design suggestions. Several years earlier
architect Dennis Wonderlick drew up such plans but there was not
general support from the businesses. Commission discussion centered
on trying to bring the business people from all 3 districts together
at the same time and present a slide program like the National Trust's
Main Street video. Chairman Gilpin will look into acquiring the tape
and will also check past records to see what was done in the past to
involve the businesses with unified planning for the downtown
districts. Tam Bolger will work with Chairman Gilpin.
In further reports from the Chairman, Barb noted she was receiving
minutes from both the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.
She reviewed those minutes with the Commission. None of their
material seemed to involve issues the Commission would need to get
involved with. Chairman Gilpin also noted that if we wanted a joint
meeting with those Boards and the Environmental Commission we would
have to have an agenda prepared ahead of time. Some discussion was
then held on the status of the Corner Tap located on the SW corner of
Main and Front streets. Member Barb Byron had information on the
building history. Carol Jean suggested we send them a form for
plaguing. That was met with general support.
CCD BUSINESS: No action was taken on the Historic Preservation
Ordinance. As for the Jesse Freund memorial, Chairman Gilpin will
supply the Commission with a list of library needs.
Adele Froelich reported that in reference to an earlier meeting
request for information on the Klontz barn/garage fronting on Main
Street, she had talked to owner Bruce Klontz who told her the
structure was built by Patsy Clary in 1926 or 27 as a 2 story affair
for horses and car. Mr. Klontz wants to move the barn but the city
will not permit the relocation. He has no plans to destroy the
building but its condition continues to deteriorate. This brought on
discussion of other McHenry buildings. Lori Wilhelm inquired about
the all cement block 4-square home on Broad Street. She was also
interested in the cement statuary located throughout the yard and felt
it was worthy of preservation. Nancy Fike will provide the Commission
with a copy of an article on cememt block homes in the Old House
Journal.
As a result of the above topics Chairman Gilpin set up a committee to
look into the themes of building contractors and materials in McHenry.
Such themes as contractors, bungalows, cement block buildings will
serve as a start to the research for possible public education
programs. Barb Byron and Larry Huck will do preliminary work on
gathering information. Member Jenny Lange reported that her World
Studies Teacher Mr. Johnson felt historic surveys of local buildings
would be a good project for his 47 students. The Commission would
need to send a description of the project to Mr. Johnson in writing, a
date for training and for taking the surveys would need to be set
up--all before the end of the school year. Barb Byron will work with
instruction on Sanborn Map reading with the students and Nancy Fike
will provide architectural guide sheets for the survey takers. Routes
would need to be established.
In other old business it was decided not to participate in the State
"Heritage & Preservation Days" program in Chicago. The Commission
will, however, participate in the county-wide preservation program to
be held on May 17th. Carol Jean will head that committee after
getting additional information from the McHenry County Historical
Society Historic Sites Chairman Grace Moline.
NEW BUSINESS: Oops! the invitation for the State Preservation Days
occurred under new business. A motion to approve payment of $45.00
for the plaque for the Zion Luthern Church plaque #17 was made by
Marya Dixon and seconded by Carol Jean Smith. Motion passed. The
Commission was reminded to attend the city council meeting April 5,
1995 where the city would present plaque #17. It was also suggested
that Carol Jean inquire if the Church of God would hold their plaque
ceremony on the Sunday after Easter. Commission members would attend.
By the next meeting the Commission will submit to the City its
objectives for the 1995-96 year and an attendance record from the past
year. At 9:43 Adele Froelich did her duty and moved for adjournment.
Yes! The Commission adjourned and stayed to repackage the series of
1965 black and white photos of McHenry structures.
Respectfully submitted,