HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 5/2/2000 - Landmark Commission LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
May 2, 2000
Chairperson Lofgren called the regular meeting of the Landmark
Commission to order at 7:20 p.m. Members present were: Dawn
Johnson, Merle Janssen, Hank Nell, Patricia Schaefer, Gretchen Thomas,
and Lori Wilhelm.
Members absent: Richard Kratochvil, Shelly Trost
MINUTE APPROVAL
Motion by Nell, seconded by Janssen to approve the April 4, 2000
meeting minutes as presented.
Voting Aye: Janssen, Johnson, Lofgren, Nell, Schafer, Thomas,
and Wilhelm
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Kraochvil and Trost
Motion carried.
TREASURER'S REPORT
The Treasurer's Report was presented and reviewed. Chairperson
Lofgren noted a balance of$8,717.61. April 2000 expenditures include
$75.00 for use of the high school to host the historical slide show on
Sunday, April 30th and $26.73 for invitation printing.
Motion by Nell, seconded by Thomas to place the Treasurer's Report on
record.
Voting Aye: Janssen, Johnson, Lofgren, Nell, Schafer, Thomas and
Wilhelm
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Kratochvil and Trost
Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
SURVEY PROGRESS- Chairperson Lofgren, noting the architectural
survey would be an on-going project, reported commission members and
volunteers would be meeting every third Saturday at 8:00 a.m. This
Saturday the group will meet behind the Green Street Cafe. Once the
information is compiled the Commission will determine specific
Landmark Commission Minutes
May 2, 2000
Page Two
designation status; whether as an individual structure or perhaps as an
entire area. Chairperson Lofgren noted the Corner Tap and
Christopher's Men's Wear, both located on Main Street have been sold.
The Main Street area between Crystal Lake Road and Green Street has
long been designated, by the Commission, as a historic area and needs to
receive such designation formally to ensure it's long-term existence and
preservation.
Some discussion followed regarding business vs. residential areas and
area prioritization.
DEMOLITION NOTIFICATION/3607 Waukegan Rd - Chairperson Lofgren
„• noted the Commission had received formal notification of a demogtion
request for the barn/garage structure located at 3607 Waukegan, He
noted the barn/garage structure is accessed via Main Street.
Chairperson Lofgren noted the structure appeared to be in poor
condition. Some discussion followed regarding the structure's history.
Further information needs to be compiled regarding the structure's
original owner and use. It was the consensus of the commission to
conduct an inspection of both the structures'interior and exterior on
Saturday, May 20th at 7:30 a.m. Chairperson Lofgren will make the
necessary arrangements with property owner, Bruce Klontz.
Motion by Wilhelm, seconded by Janssen to conduct an inspection of
the barn/garage structure located at 3607 Waukegan Road in an effort to
determine the structure's historic architectural value.
Voting Aye: Janssen, Johnson, Lofgren, Nell, Schafer, Thomas and
Wilhelm
Voting Nay: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
ZONING NOTIFICATION- Chairperson Lofgren noted he had received a
Zoning Notification for the property located at Barreville Road and Beach
Drive. The property is currently zoned A-1 Agriculture in the county and
is requesting residential zoning, RS-2, from the City of McHenry upon
annexation. Some discussion followed. No action was taken.
DEMOLITION NOTIFICATION/2212 Richmond Road and 2207 Richmond
Road- Chairman Lofgren reported he had received formal notification
Landmark Commission Minutes
May 2, 2000
Page Three
from the City of McHenry of the potential demolition of structures located
on the property at 2212 North Richmond Road and 2207 North
Richmond Road. The 2212 Richmond Road property is currently a
landscaping business and the 2207 property is the Leisure Links
miniature golf and driving range facility. Some discussion followed.
Chairperson Lofgren noted these structures needed to be inspected and,
if applicable develop, a written history. It was the consensus of the
Commission to view the structures and take formal action at the next
regularly scheduled Commission meeting, June 6, 2000.
DEMOLITION PROCEDURE PROPOSAL- Chairperson Lofgren noted as
per the Commission's direction at the April 4th meeting a letter was
submitted to Community Development Director Napolitano requesting
the demolition process allow a minimum timeframe of two regular
monthly meetings of the Commission as opposed to the current 45 day
period. In addition, the Commission discussed the desirability of
providing information and educational materials regarding the
importance and advantages to owning a historic property to these
property owners including tax benefits and available loan/grant
programs.
LETTERHEAD- The original letterhead designs by Commission Member
Wilhelm were inadvertently misplaced by the City Clerk's office. City
Clerk Althoff and Commission Member Wilhelm will address this issue
furthur.
SLIDE SHOW UPDATE- Chairperson Lofgren reported attendance wars
good. Former Commission Member and Chairperson Nancy Fike hosted
the program and did a great job. She has agreed to provide the
Commission with a written script for future programs. Some discussion
followed regarding the development of a video from the slide media.
Some discussion occurred about the development of two slide shows, one
showcasing the historic residential areas and one showcasing the
historic business districts.
Attendees Joe and Lorraine Gausden offered to provide the commission
with oral histories. Commission Member Thomas suggested the following
attendees be interviewed; Joan and Jim Althoff, Barb Gilpin, and Don
and Rosalie Doherty.
Landmark Commission Minutes
May 2, 2000
Page Four
NEW BUSINESS
FIESTA DAY HISTORIC TOURS- Chairperson Lofgren reported he would
be conducted the Historic Walking Tour on Main Street and Waukegan
Road at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 15th and former Commission
Member Fike will conduct the Riverside Drive and Green Street. On
Wednesday, July 19th at 6:00 p.m. Chairperson Lofgren will again
conduct the Waukegan and Main Street tour. Because of Commission
Member Wilhelm's recent injury a substitute tour guide for the Riverside
Drive and Green Street tour on Wednesday, may need to be appointed.
The Commission will address this subject again at the June 6th monthly
meeting. In the event of rain the tour will be cancelled.
CITY NEWSLETTER-Chairperson Lofgren noted the next City newsletter
would be published for a June distribution. Submission deadline is May
5th. The walking tour information will be provided as well as a recap of
the Historic Slide Show. It was the consensus of the commission to also
include information about the commission to solicit new members and a
plea for old photos.
SUMMER MEETING LOCATIONS-Chairperson Lofgren noted past
Commission practice was to conduct the summer monthly meetings for
June, July and August at City of McHenry historical locations. He
recommended this policy be maintained. He requested commission
members submit recommendations and/or suggestions.
NEW MEMBERS-The Commission is seeking two new members as well
as one student. Suggestions should be provided Chairperson Lofgren
and City Clerk Although. Applications will then be sent to the
candidates.
OTHER BUSINESS- Noting the July monthly meeting falls on the 4th of
July holiday it was the consensus of the commission to cancel the July
meeting. Chairperson Lofgren also noted he would be in Canada for the
August meeting and the Commission would have to elect a chairperson
pro tern.
Landmark Commission Minutes
May 2, 2000
Page Five
The 3805 Main Street (Grainger home) property owner, Dennis Young,
requested the City of McHenry permit the construction of a garage on his
property. The property owner was directed to submit plans for the
Landmark Commission's review as the property in question is in a
designated Landmark area.
LEGAL ISSUES FACING HISTORIC PRESERVATIONS Chairperson
Lofgren distributed the legal brief put together by the Illinois Historic
Preservation Agency regarding recent challenges to the legality of
demolition ordinances and the entities authorized to administer and
advise governmental agencies about these requests. He explained as
long as the ordinance was followed to the letter and the city's attgrney
advised and concurred with the Commission's designation the courts
would support the findings of the historic agencies.
PETERSEN FARMHOUSE ROOF REPAIR- Chairperson Lofgren reported
the Commission had received notification from the City that the Petersen •
farmhouse roof was in need of immediate repair due to leakage. The City
was seeking direction from the Landmark Commission as to the roof
repair and historic accuracy. The roof was originally constructed with
cedar shingles, however through the years the cedar has been replaced
with asphalt shingles. Some discussion followed regarding the scope of
roof repair.
Motion by Nell, seconded by Janssen to replace the Petersen farmhouse
roof with cedar shingles.
Voting Aye: Janssen, Johnson, Lofgren, Nell, Schafer, Thogias and
Wilhelm
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Kratochvil and Trost
Motion carried.
Further discussion followed regarding the scope of the roof repair.
Chairperson Lofgren suggested the Commission view the structure to
determine rooflines. Further recommendation will be discussed and
considered at the June meeting.
Landmark Commission Minutes
May 2, 2000
Page Six
801 MILL STREET DEMOLITION- Commission Member Schafer reported
the demolition of this structure appears to be postponed. Ms. Schafer
will continue to make an attempt to contact property owner, Mr. Jerome
Buch.
Motion by Janssen, seconded by Schafer to adjourn at 8:15 p.m.
Voting Aye: Janssen, Johnson, Lofgern, Schafer, Thomas and
Wilhelm
Voting Nay: Nell
Absent: Kratochvil and Trost
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg Lofgren, Chairperson
4