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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 12/7/1999 - Landmark Commission LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1999 The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Greg Lofgren, at 7:31 p.m. at the McHenry Municipal Building. Members present were: Nancy Fike, Dawn Johnson, Hank Nell, Patricia Schafer, and Lori Wilhelm. Members absent: Merle Janssen, Richard Kratochvil, Robert Novak, Gretchen Thomas, and Shelly Trost MINUTE APPROVAL Motion by Nell, seconded by Wilhelm to approve the November 2, 1999 meeting minutes with the following corrections; under New Business on page five, the McHenry County Joint Council of Historic Groups was Marianne Taranowski, not Marion Turowski and on page six under Demolition Notice the name is Bisbee not Busbeys, the name Daugherty should be Doherty and the address should be 3820 Miller not 3802. Voting Aye: Fike, Johnson, Lofgren, Nell, Schafer and Wilhelm Voting Nay: None Absent: Janssen, Kraochvil, Novak, Thomas and Trost Motion carried. TREASURER'S REPORT The Treasurer's Report was presented and reviewed. Chairperson Lofgren noted the report reflected no expense for the $8.00 Algonquin calendar purchase. Total balance through October 31, 1999 is $9,409.56. Commission Member Fike noted Mr. Nelson's name was Ron, not Ken as yet depicted on the Treasurer's Report. Motion by Fike, seconded by Wilhelm to place the Treasurer's Report on record. Voting Aye: Fike, Johnson, Lofgren, Nell, Schaefer, and Wilhelm Voting Nay: None Absent: Janssen, Kratochvil, Novak, Thomas, and Trost Motion carried. Landmark Commission Minutes November 2, 1999 Page Two EPPEL PROPERTY UPDATE Chairperson Lofgren noted the dismantling of the Eppel property was initiated today with the assistance of many of the Landmark Commission members. Commission member Nell and Mr. Dysart worked on the roof, removing all the sheeting. Most of the rafters and studs have also been removed. Ron Nelson was in attendance providing valuable information regarding construction style, dismantling instruction, material identification (round-head nails, wood shingle roof) and identifying the structure's construction timeframe. Mr. Nelson opined, based on the construction materials used the structure's north side was completed in 1905 with the other side completed in 1930. Some discussion followed regarding Mr. Nelson's analysis and the possible location of the original fireplace and hearth. The commission noted three doors and some hardware were also salvaged. ARCHITECTURAL SURVEY Chairperson Lofgren noted Commission Member Trost was unable to attend this evening's meeting, however she did drop off the developed panoramic pictures of the following areas: West McHenry Business District Waukegan Street from Green Street west to Front Street Green Street from Waukegan south to John Street John Street from Green Street west to Front Street All cross streets within these designated areas. Chairperson Lofgren noted he would be supplying additional blank survey forms to Commission members Nell, Wilhelm and Fike. He also noted the Commission should either schedule an additional meeting or devote one regularly scheduled commission meeting to the review of these surveys. KENNEBECK PROPERTY UPDATE Chairperson Lofgren informed the commission these properties were toured and inspected on Saturday, November 6th. Chairperson Lofgren noted the structures were in excellent condition. A historical site and structure documentation via video tape as well as digital camera photos �-- was conducted. He also noted both the structures contained basement • Landmark Commission Minutes December 7, 1999 Page Three cisterns made of cement to collect stormwater. They appear to be original to the structures. Commission Member Nell explained years ago kitchen sinks had hand pumps which were connected to the cisterns. The stormwater was then used for washing, cleaning, etc. Well water was used for drinking purposes only. The Commission noted the homes were used by the McHenry Township Fire Protection District for training purposes and were subsequently burnt down. NEW BUSINESS DEMOLITION NOTICE/AMLINGS FLOWERLAND, 3820 Miller Road— Chairperson Lofgren noted this demolition request had been discussed at the November 2nd meeting and the Commission had formally agreed not to deny the demolition permit. A history of the property has been completed. A letter noting the Landmark Commission's action will be submitted to Community Development Director Napolitano for the record. Chairperson Lofgren also noted he and Director Naplitano had not yet met to discuss the development of a demolition procedure. He cited scheduling conflicts. Chairperson Lofgren enumerated the Commissions recommendations including -auctioning off the property with the proceeds benefiting the Landmark Commission -a six month waiting period -private donation of land and potential relocation of the structure in question. He also noted he would attempt to locate literature from the state or Historical Preservation Society regarding the rehabilitation of properties slated for demolition. Chairperson Lofgren also clarified this process would only be applicable to properties that don't fall under the City's Historical Preservation Ordinance. A brief discussion followed. Other municipalities will be consulted for comparison purposes. McHENRY TOWNSHIP FIRE PROTECTION STRUCTURE/3610 Freund Avenue— Chairperson Lofgren noted a demolition request had been received on this property. Commission Member Fike opined the structure may have `-- been moved to this site. Chairperson Lofgren noted the notice had been Landmark Commission Minutes December 7, 1999 Page Four received October 25th and the 45-day review period have technically expired. Some discussion followed. It was the consensus of the commission the structure was not in sound condition and had no historical significance. Motion by Fike, seconded by Johnson to direct Chairperson Lofgren to draft and submit a letter to the McHenry City Council stating the Landmark Commission recommends the demolition permit for 3610 Freund Avenue from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District should not be denied based on architectural and/or historical significance. Voting Aye: Fike, Johnson, Lofgren, Nell, Schafer, and Wilhelm Voting Nay: None Absent: Janssen, Kratochvil, Novak, Thomas, and Trost Motion carried. OTHER BUSINESS—Commission Member Fike reported the archeological study on the Eppel property floor area has not yet been coordinated. Coordination efforts will continue. Commission Member Fike also noted Ron Nelson not only donated his services, he incurred traveling expenses for the 394-mile round trip. She requested the commission consider reimbursing Mr. Nelson for his gasoline expense based on the current $.33/mile standard totaling $126.72 Some discussion followed. Motion by Fike, seconded by Johnson to authorize the expenditure of Landmark Commission funds to defray the traveling expenses of architectural consultant Ron Nelson in the amount of$126.72 and send him a letter of thanks. Voting Aye: Fike, Johnson, Lofgren, Nell, Schafer and Wilhelm Voting Nay: None Absent: None Motion carried. Chairperson Lofgren also noted the inclusion of information items in the agenda packet for the Commission's review. He also noted his report on `.-- the Illinois Historic Preservation Conference in Quincy was provided the Commission for review and/or comment. Landmark Commission Minutes December 7, 1999 Page Five The annual report of the Landmark Commission was also distributed for the Commission's review and comment. Commission Member Fike requested on the last page the name Apollos Thomas be changed to Apollos Thompson. Chairperson Lofgren also noted the written history on the Busse Ford property located at the southwest corner of Route 120 and Route 31 was still under development. Some discussion followed regarding the written history on the 420 S. Front Street. Chairperson Lofgren noted he did not have a copy of this history in his files. Commission Member Fike will provide a copy for the permanent files. Commission Member Nell requested language be included regarding the development of the demolition procedure as per council direction. The Commission concurred. The annual report was approved with the spelling correction of Apollos Thompson name and the addition of language noting the demolition procedure was under development with City Staff. The report will be provided the full City Council. Some general discussion followed regarding the status of the Walgreen development on the Busse property on the southeast corner of State Route 120 and State Route 31. Chairperson Lofgren also distributed a copy of Commission Member Fike's letter objecting to the Walgreen development as well as his letter to the Mayor and City Council regarding the Landmark's recommendation to acquire, from the County, the Knox Farm property located directly across the street from the Municipal Building. He noted City Staff had been directed to initiate discussions with the County regarding this acquisition. Information on the Main Street Program was also distributed for the Commissions review and comment. It was noted the City of Crystal Lake and the City of Harvard are now Main Street participants. Further discussion occurred regarding obtaining a Certified Local Government designation. Commission Member Fike noted videotape of the program was available at the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce Office. Chairperson Lofgren suggested thank you notes be sent to the property owners of all the sites visited by the Commission over the summer and Landmark Commission Minutes December 7, 1999 Page Six fall. It was suggested the Landmark Commission logo be used as letterhead. Further discussion occurred regarding the brochure distribution. Commission Member Fike informed the Commission the Historical Society was recently in receipt of an artifact, specifically a heater manufactured by a Woodstock resident. In addition he had a three ring binder of written testimonials which included the property owners name, location and photos of the structures. Some McHenry addresses are included. In response to Commission Member Johnson's inquiry regarding the status of the property adjacent to Sullivan's Grocery store along State Route 120, Chairperson Lofgren entertained discussion. The Commission directed Chairperson Lofgren to contact Riverwalk Committee Chairperson Carstens and obtain additional information regarding the overall development of this area. A lengthy discussion followed regarding the commercial development of this property. Items salvaged from the Eppel property were then distributed and reviewed. Motion by Johnson, seconded by Schafer to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. Voting Aye: Fike, Johnson, Lofgren, Nell, Schafer, and Wilhelm Voting Nay: None Absent: None Motion carried. Greg Lofgren, Chairperson