HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10/3/1995 - Landmark Commission THE CITY OF MC HENRY LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING, OCT. 3, 1995
The October meeting was called to order at 7:20 by Chairmen Barb
Gilpin. Roll call was taken and those present were: Tan Bolger,
Marya Dixon, Nancy Fike, Adele Froelich, Barb Gilpin, Do nabelle
Glosson, Larry Huck, Debbie Lane, Greg Lofgren, Carol Jean Smith and
Lori Wilhelm. Those absent were: Barb Byron and Stacy Bjorkman.
The minutes were approved following a spelling correction of Mancy to
Nancy. Motion made by Marya Dixon and seconded by Donnabelle
Glosson.Chairman Gilpin introduced two guests, Bob and Chris Novak
fram Petals and Stems Floral on Riverside Drive. Mrs. Gilpin reported
to the Commission that members Lofgren, Gilpin, Fike and Wilhelm had
attended a meeting Wednesday, Sept. 27th of the Riverside Merchants
Association. She noted that we presented possible ways for the
Landmark Commission to became involved in downtown revitalization on
Riverside Drive including possible facade improvement grant money
going towards uniform awnings. Those attending the meeting seemed to
favor such involvement. She also mentioned a discussion on community
reinvestment funding. Bob Novak noted there was interest on behalf of
the local merchants to do something to improve Riverside Drive. He
felt the river was our greatest asset and that not enough had been
done to pursue encorporating the river as a major area feature.
Discussion followed about the need for a plan to possibly present to
the city for their assistance. Chris Novak will check with McHenry
County College for possible student involvement in developing a design
plan for the street.
TREASURER'S REPORT-The report was presented by Chairman Gilpin. There
was no change in the budget since last north leaving a total of
$2,920.00. The treasurer's report was approved on a motion by Larry
Huck and a second by Nancy Fike.
COMMITTEE REPORTS-Adele Froelich reported she had contacted the
Northwest Herald about our providing a weekly old photo and outline.
They were receptive but could not promise it would be used each week.
It was suggested to try writing an occasional "old business" in
Mdlenry article for the Business Journal but the Commission seemed to
favor submitting photos to the Herald as our first effort. Adele will
follow through. Carol Jean will look for pictures as will Barb
Gilpin. Under DOWNTOWN CONTACTS, Chairman Gilpin had also contacted
Chris Cardimane on Green Street and Chris Wirtz on Main Street to see
if they wanted the Commission to meet with their street merchants.
They will contact her. The BACKHAUS PROJECT was also reported on by
Chairman Gilpin. According to her contacts, the developers of the old
Whiting Farm on the Crystal Lake Blacktop were not ready to turn over
ownership of the farm house to the Commission. They felt it would be
at least 2 years. The Commission expressed concern that at that time
we would be required to act quickly and that we better develop a plan
for the building long before the two years came about. Tam Bolger
will get the building measurements and Nancy Fike will contact a house
mover in Wheaton for same moving cost estimates. Marya Dixon pointed
out that the Old House Support Group newsletter had info. about the
house in its last edition.
PRESERVATION ORDINANCE-Nancy Fike inquired if an earlier letter
notifying the city of work being dome an the ordinance had been sent.
It had not. Tam Bolger suggested revising the letter stressing the
positive result of passing an ordinance. His suggestion was approved
and once that is done, Mrs. Gilpin will send the letter to the Mayor
and City Council and the Chairmen of the Planning Commission and
Zoning Board of Appeals. After discussion an Commission priorities,
Greg Lofgren and Larry Huck volunteered to be on the ordinance
committee with Nancy Fike. The Commission felt that completion of the
ordinance was its top priority. Discussion on Article II of the
proposed ordinance was left to a future meeting except Carol Jean did
ask questions concerning the ordinance that created the original
Commission and that too many features of operation were left out of
that one.
PROJECT PRIORITIES-After asking whether the Commission was trying to
do too many things without accomplishing enough, discussion focused an
the need for two main areas of concentration and a long range third
project. First, was completion of a preservation ordinance for the
city. Committee members were mentioned above. Second, Downtown
Revitalization headed by Barb Gilpin with Debbie Lane and Barb Byron.
Of a longer range nature was to publish same sort of history or
historic structure book an McHenry. Lori Wilhelm will begin
collecting material and Do nabelle Glossal who will straighten
Commission files and Adele Froelich will also work an this. Carol
ti... Jean will work an acquiring pictures for publication. Greg Lofgren
will work an providing new pictures for the landmark signs in the
three downtown districts.
OLD BUSINESS-Carol Jean passed around copy of her remarks at the
plaguing ceremony for the old Lutheran church on John St. A nice
article and picture followed the presentation in the Herald. She also
talked to the Diedrich's and the Joyce's about certificates for
improvements they have made to their hares. She will continue to
follow up with certificates.
NEW BUSINESS-none.
Final notes: Lori Wilhelm expressed concern about the unkept
condition of the old Unti building an the NE corner of Green and Elm.
The windows which were expecially dirty were inviting problems. The
owner will be contacted for cleaning. Debbie Lane also was concerned
about the increasingly rundown condition of the plagued David Dunlap
have on Main Street. An unsolved discussion took place as to what
could be done about plagued properties left to run down.
At 8:49 Adele Froelich moved for adjournment and Debbie Lane
secanded.Good night!
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy J. Fike, Secretary