HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 6/6/2000 - Landmark Commission LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
June 6, 2000
Chairperson Lofgren called the regular meeting of the Landmark
Commission to order at 7:20 p.m. Members present were: Merle
Janssen, Patricia Schaefer, Gretchen Thomas, and Lori Wilhelm.
Commission Member Nell arrived at 7:49p.m.
Members absent: Dawn Johnson, Shelly Trost
Chairperson Lofgren introduced guests Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Popovich
who were in attendance to address the demolition of the residence
located at 3416 W. Elm Street. Chairperson Lofgren noted no
architectural significance, however attempts to obtain historical
information have been unsuccessful to date. Group conjecture opined
the residence was constructed in the 1920's. Chairperson Lofgren then
explained the demolition procedure to Mr. and Mrs. Popovich. Further
discussion followed regarding the current structural condition of the
subject property. Mr. and Mrs. Popovich were excused at 7:35 p.m.
MINUTE APPROVAL
Motion by Wilhelm, seconded by Janssen to approve the May 2, 2000
meeting minutes as presented.
Voting Aye: Janssen, Lofgren, Schafer, Thomas, and Wilhelm
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Johnson, Nell, and Trost
Motion carried.
TREASURER'S REPORT
The Treasurer's Report was presented and reviewed. Chairperson
Lofgren noted a balance of$8,693.37. May 2000 expenditures include
$23.74 for refreshments served during the historical slide show on
Sunday, April 30th.
Motion by Wilhelm, seconded by Janssen to place the Treasurer's Report
on record.
Voting Aye: Janssen, Lofgren, Schafer, Thomas and Wilhelm
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Johnson, Nell, and Trost
Motion carried.
Landmark Commission Minutes
June 6, 2000
Page Two
Chairperson Lofgren referenced the revised membership list requesting
any changes be noted and reported to the City Clerk's Office for
correction.
OLD BUSINESS
SURVEY PROGRESS—Chairperson Lofgren reported Commission
Members surveyed all of Riverside Drive on Saturday, May 20th. The
August meeting will be devoted to completing the histories for the
individual properties located in this area. Former Commission Member
Fike is completing the histories for the Main Street properties. When all
the histories have been completed, a recommendation for historic
designation will be presented to council for consideration.
Chairperson Lofgren also noted the next survey outing is scheduled for
Saturday, June 17th. Everyone is to meet at Commission Member
Thomas' home at 3616 Main Street at 8:00 a.m.
DEMOLITION REQUEST/3607 Waukegan Rd - Chairperson Lofgren
noted this demolition request pertained to the barn/garage structure
located at 3607 Waukegan facing Main Street. Chairperson Lofgren took
videotape of the structure and conducted a video-interview with Bruce
Klontz. He stated the structure existed when he moved into the area in
1923. He believes it originally was a two-story structure, utilized as a
barn and was owned by a gentleman named Clay. The second story was
removed at a later date.
Chairperson Lofgren suggested the current owner consider moving this
structure to another location on the property. The structure should be
renovated as well. The property owner would like to demolish the
existing structure and construct a new two-car garage for the residence
located to the east. City of McHenry staff will not approve the
disconnection of this parcel from the lot to the north.
Commission Member Nell arrived at 7:49 p.m.
Some discussion followed. Chairperson Lofgren suggested the
Commission direct Community Development Director Napolitano contact
the current owner and discern his willingness to move and restore the
existing garage/barn structure. He noted if the structure remains in it's
current location, repair may be cost prohibitive. Commission Members
also noted the existing structure, if not renovated or maintained, remains
an eyesore and is aesthetically unappealing to the neighborhood.
Landmark Commission Minutes
June 6, 2000
Page Three
It was the consensus of the Commission to direct Community
Development Director Napolitano to talk to Mr. Klontz and discern his
interest in moving and renovating the structure. If Mr. Klontz is
unwilling to make these concessions, the Commission will not deny his
request for demolition. Chairperson Lofgren also noted Mr. Klontz
verbally offered the structure to the Landmark Commission.
Further discussion followed on potential uses for this structure.
DEMOLITION REQUEST FOR 2107 RICHMOND ROAD/LEISURE LINKS
and 2212 RICHMOND ROAD/NURSERY
Chairperson Lofgren referenced the demolition requests for the Route 31
properties, Leisure Links and the Nursery. He informed the commission
he had visited both properties and found neither significant architectural
features nor historical value. Some discussion followed regarding the
proposed future use of this property.
Motion by Nell, seconded by Thomas, to not deny the demolition requests
of both the 2107 and 2212 Richmond Road properties.
Voting Aye: Janssen, Lofgren, Nell, Schafer, Thomas and Wilhelm
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Johnson and Trost
Motion carried.
POPOVICH DEMOLITION REQUEST for 3416 ELM STREET—Noting
Commision Member Nell's presence, Chairperson Lofgren requested
Commission approval to readdress the Popovich property. Commission
Members concurred.
In response to Commission Member Nell's inquiry, Chairperson Lofgren
noted once the demolition is completed, the property owners intend to
construct a new office building on the site.
Chairperson Lofgren recollected in 1972 the structure was a residence,
and in the early 1980's housed an office. Some discussion followed.
Commission Members noted the interior has been gutted.
Landmark Commission Minutes
June 6, 2000
Page Four
Motion by Nell, seconded by Wilhelm not to deny the demolition request
of Mr. and Mrs. Popovich for 3416 W. Elm Street.
Voting Aye: Janssen, Lofgren, Nell, Schafer, Thomas and Wilhelm
Voting Nay: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
DEMOLITION REQUEST/Brown residence located immediately West of
Montini on Washington Street—Commission Member Trost informed
Chairperson Lofgren this structure was moved from another location,
perhaps Route 120, in 1974 or 1975. The structure has no architectural
or aesthetic significance and no apparent historical value.
Motion by Nell, seconded by Wilhelm, not to deny the demolition request
for the brown residence located immediately west of Montini School on
Washington Street.
Voting Aye: Janssen, Lofgren, Nell, Schafer, Thomas and Wilhelm
Voting Nay: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
DEMOLITION PROCEDURE/CITY RESPONSE-Chairperson Lofgren
reported several conversations with Community Development Director
Napolitano indicated city staff is still working on the demolition process.
Community Development Director Napolitano suggested the Commission
continue working to complete the architectural surveys to obtain historic
designation.
FIESTA DAYS—Chairperson Lofgren finalized the historic walking tour
dates of Wednesday, July 19th and Saturday July 15th. Further
discussion followed regarding times, tour guides, tour information and
handouts.
PETERSEN PARK HOMESTEAD ROOF—Chairperson Lofgren visited the
site as per Commission direction at the May 2, 2000 meeting. He noted
the two rooflines do not, in fact, meet. City of McHenry Building
Commissioner Schwalenberg opined only the kitchen roof required
�.- replacement at this time. Therefore the original motion at the May 2,
2000 meeting should stand and the recommendation to the City Council
Landmark Commission Minutes
June 6, 2000
Page Five
would be to replace the lower roof of the Petersen Farm residence with
cedar shingles.
Chairperson Lofgren was also notified the roof over the garage portion of
the farm residence needed repair. This repair will be addressed at a later
time.
LETTERHEAD DESIGN—Several letterhead logo designs were distributed
to the Commission for comment and consideration. Some discussion
followed. It was the consensus of the Commission to select design
number three. Chairperson Lofgren's name will appear beneath the
City's address and phone number.
Commission Member Janssen left the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Chairperson Lofgren directed Commission Member Wilhelm to meet with
City Clerk Althoff and finalize the printing purchase for Landmark
stationary with the selected design.
NEW BUSINESS
NEW MEMBERS—Chairperson Lofgren reported Commission Member
Thomas stated Ilene Bassett Wiedemann was interested in becoming a
Landmark Commission Member. City Clerk Althoff will send Ms.
Wiedemann the application form. Chairperson Lofgren also noted Ms.
Kottke, owner of the 3916 Main Street property, plaque number 14 was
interested in seeking Commission membership. She too has been sent
an application form. A student member will be sought in September,
after the school year has begun.
Chairperson Lofgren also noted the annual membership dues for the
McHenry County Historical Society were now due, however as the
Commission authorized the payment of all membership renewals no
formal action was necessary.
FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT APPLICATION—Chairperson Lofgren
noted the Commission was in receipt of a facade grant improvement
application for awnings on the Old Bridge storefront located at 1334
Riverside Drive. Chairperson Lofgren noted awnings were replaced, with
facade grant improvement monies, for the balance of the building's
storefronts in 1996. At that time Old Bridge operators were not
interested in replacing the awnings.
Landmark Commission Minutes
June 6, 2000
Page Six
The awning framework is in place and the grant application is for the
purchase and installation of the canvas portion of the awnings. The cost
is estimated at $2,466.00 plus $254.00 for lettering. Chairperson
Lofgren opined the Commission had previously taken action not to
approve any type of lettering expenditures. Some discussion followed.
It was the consensus of the Commission to stipulate, as part of the grant
award, the awning color match those purchased and installed in 1996.
Motion by Nell, seconded by Thomas, to approve Mr. Robert Funk's
facade grant improvement application for replacement of awning fabric
for the storefront located at 1334 Riverside Drive in the amount of
$1,200.00, subject to the condition the awnings installed match the
existing adjacent building awnings in size, color, shape and material.
Voting Aye: Lofgren, Nell, Schafer, Thomas and Wilhelm
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Janssen, Johnson, and Trost
Motion carried.
Chairperson Lofgren noted a chair would be needed for the August
meeting as he will not be in attendance. The meeting will be devoted to
architectural historic survey completion. Former Commission Member
Fike will be invited to attend.
Motion by Schafer seconded by Wilhelm to adjourn at 8:40 p.m.
Voting Aye: Lofgren, Schafer, Thomas and Wilhelm
Voting Nay: Nell
Absent: Janssen, Johnson and Trost
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg Lofgren, Chairperson