HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 6/6/1995 - Landmark Commission THE CITY OF MCHENRY LANDMARK MEETING, June 6, 1995
The June meeting of the McHenry Landmark Commission meeting was called
to order at 7:17p.m. by Vice Chairman Marya Dixon. Roll call was
taken and the following members were absent: Donnabelle Glosson and
Carol Jean Smith. Those present: Tom Bolger, Barb Byron, Marya
Dixon, Nancy Fike, Adele Froelich, Barb Gilpin came late, Larry Huck,
Debbie Lane, Lori Wilhelm and Jenny Lange.The minutes were presented
at the meeting with one correction. The last sentence of Committee
Reports A. the word, "when" was changed to read "until". With that
change a motion to approve was made by Lori Wilhelm and seconded by
Barb Byron. Motion passed.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Treasurer Debbie Lane reported that the Commission had a balance of
$1,778.82 in its budget. A total in the Facade Improvement Fund was
shown as $3,599.85.
At this point Chairman Barb Gilpin arrived and announced to the
Commission that she had received a notice of demolition letter from
the city for structures located at 1705 and 1715 N. Richmond Road.
The letter was sent May 19th and the City requested comments from the
Commission by June 8th. After discussion, the Commission offered no
objections of a historical nature to the proposed demolition. Mrs.
Gilpin will send our response to the Building Dept.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
'fHE Downtown Streetscape Committee reports were discussed. The
Commission had been sent in packets a 1988 survey of downtown
businesses and problems concerning that area that was reported to the
City. According to the reports most were concerned about a lack of
parking in the historic downtown districts. There was discussion of
how the Commission could take a leadership role in developing a
coordinated redevelopment program. Mrs. Gilpin suggested devoting the
August meeting to develop an agenda that would be presented to
business owners/renters from all 3 downtown districts. It was felt
that the enthusiasm generated at a general meeting would determine
which of the 3 districts we might "tackle" first. There was same
discussion of holding "backroom historicl tours" of some of the older
businesses in the district selected as well as using the National
Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street Program. In line with
this, Tom Bolger noted that the video on redevelopment that he
reviewed for the Commission had little to do with downtown
revitalization and more to do with E.D.C. objectives.
Under the Historic Preservation Ordinance Committee, Nancy Fike sent
around a proposed letter addressed to the Mayor and Council explaining
that an ordinance was being developed and asking for input from the
City as well as from other City Commissions and Committees. Included
in the letter was a list of possible sites and structures that might
qualify for landmark status and some means of protection. After
discussion Mrs. Gilpin will retype and send the letter.
NEW BUSINESS
Regarding Commission involvement in Fiesta Days activities. Nancy
Fike will contact Algonquin businessman Larry Ruschke about driving
`- his antique car in the Fiesta Day parade July 23rd for the Commission.
Barbara Gilpin will check with Bernie Matchen for same. Lori Wilhelm
brought up our participation with a booth in Art in the Park on Sat.
July 22nd. Decided: Lori and Larry to make arrangements for tent,
Barb Gilpin to secure a location (hopefully for free), Carol Jean and
Marya to chair by arranging for staffing of the tent. Members signed
up for 2 hour stints during the meeting. Each person will provide own
chair.
`'' The July meeting which will fall on July 4th was to be skipped.
Adele Froelich thanked the Commission for flowers sent for death of
her close friend, John.
Finally, the Commission congratulated Commission member Jenny Lange on
her recent graduation and for being the first runner up in the Miss
McHenry contest. Nice going, Jenny!
At 8:33 Adele did her duty and moved for adjournment. Debbie seconded
and we all went home.
REMEMBER THERE WILL BE NO COMMISSION MEETING IN JULY
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy J. Fike
Secretary