HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2/6/1996 - Landmark Commission THE CITY OF MC HENRY LANDMARK CCM4ISSION MEETING, FEB. 6, 1996
The February meeting of the Commission was called to order
at7:17 p.m. by Chairman Gilpin. Bob Novak of Petals and Stems,
Riverside Drive was introduced as a guest. Roll call was taken . All
members present except for: Stacy Bjorkman, Tam Bolger, Debbie Lane,
and Carol Jean Smith.
At this point the order of business was altered to allow Mr.
Novak to report on Riverside Drive's efforts at downtown
revitalization. Mr. Novak had meet with the City Building Enforcement
Officer who noted that the city had money available for improvements.
Action should be taken as a result. Novak talked with other merchants
to determine how to interpret the street. Several expressed concern
that to out-of-towners, the street appeared rundown. The owner of the
Ark was considering closing because of burglary and other harassment
received. The general consensus was to try and provide uniform
signage and lighting. Mr. Novak mentioned a nautical and colonial
look. He came to the Landmark meeting to ask for the Commission's
input on what to do. A great deal of discussion. Chairman Gilpin
noted that a Downtown Revitalization Committee was being formed with
incentives for work such as low interest loans, $50,000.00 funding
fran the City for each district. Each district needed to develop its
awn concept. As for the Commission's role, building histories
beginning with those an Riverside Drive would be made available
(Donnabelle Glosson to work an this). This info. would be available
for the February 15th Chamber meeting an the downtown. During
discussion it appears that the City is looking to leadership an the
part of the Commission for downtown revitalization. Several members
of the Commission will attend that 15th meeting. Mrs. Gilpin and Mr.
Novak will try and arrange a meeting with Mayor Coda to determine his
expectations for work. Sometime in April the Commission will decide
whether to continue working with the Chamber an revitalization or "go
it alone".
The original order of the business meeting now continued. On
a motion by Barb Byron and second by Adele Froelich, the minutes from
the December 5, 1995 meeting were approved. In the absence of
Treasurer Debbie Lane, Chairman Gilpin presented the financial report.
The only change in the Commission account is the added interest
bringing the budget total to $15,274.70. Nancy Fike requested payment
of $10.00 be made to Josephine Oakley of Marengo for vol. I of the
Marengo House History Book acquired by the Commission. A check will
be sent. The treasurer's report was approved an a motion by
Donnabelle Glossop and a second by Lori Wilhelm.
Under Committee Reports, there was no action taken an the
Backhaus Project, Northwest Herald Column, Files Reorganization and
Landmark Sign Pictures. Under this last committee,however, members
Greg Lofgren and Marya Dixon will begin work in March.
The Preservation Ordinance proposal was discussed. Article
III was gone over with corrections being made under part 2,a; part
3c;part 6. It was noted that only Articles IV (alteration,
Construction, demolition and maintenance and V enforcement and
penalties remained to be worked out and presented by the subcommittee.
After that the entire ordinance would be combined and looked over
before being sent to the city attorney for review. Much work would be
needed in educating the council and public about what a preservation
ordinance can and cannot do. The Ordinance Committee will meet
February 22 at 7:00p.m and member Nancy Fike's.
Under new business, Mrs. Gilpin reported that the Vic Freund
\.. home on the sw corner of McCullcm Lake Road and Route 31 would be
demolished for a possible Jiffy Lube if the new owner's plans are
accepted. Under other business a request for membership in the
Presevation Action and National Alliance of Preservations Commissions
to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Federal Preservation Statute
was turned down by the Commission. The meeting was adjourned at 9:02
by chief adjourner Adele Froelich and seconded by Donnabelle Glosson.
\.- Respectfully submitted,
7 7 a/xcy- /io&
Nancy J. Fie, Secretary