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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 6/4/2002 - Landmark Commission The City of McHenry Landmark Commission Meeting Minutes June 4, 2002 The meeting was called to order at 7:17 PM by Pat Schafer at the McHenry Municipal Center. Members present included: Judy Franks, Karen James,Merle Janssen, Gretchen Thomas, Ilene Wiedemann, Lori Wilhelm,Dawn Johnson,and Pat Schafer. Members absent: Shelly Trost, Greg Lofgren, Sue Kotomski. Guests Present: Sue Hendrickson,Mary A. Dixon,and Holly Miller. May 2002 Meeting Minutes: Meeting minutes were not available for approval. Treasurer's Report: Pat Schafer reported no expenses. Noted were the budget award of$18,500.00 and a refund of$100.00 from Greg Lofgren from an overpayment for the display show boards. The balance in the general fund stands at $18,901.82,Karen James moved to accept the budget report. Lori Wilhelm seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Backhaus Salvage Report: Gretchen summarized who attended and what exactly was salvaged from the house to put in the Fiesta Days sidewalk sale on July 20t. Examples were: moldings, doors, windows, trim, hardware, etc. Lori Wilhelm will be painting a"view of the Backhaus house" on the panes of a salvaged kitchen window. The salvaged pieces were bundled and were transported to the Knox Farm storage facility by city employees. Salvage Sale: Ways to advertise Landmark's booth with the salvage items were discussed. Suggestions such as an article and/or classified ad in the Northwest Herald, flyers designed by Lori Wilhelm to be distributed to local merchants and the library for display. Shelly and Gretchen were selected to work with the media. The sales sight for the booth was reviewed, Lori Wilhelm with her vast experience suggested further investigation into Veteran's Park being the best location. Dawn Johnson volunteered to contact the Chamber of Commerce to find more info regarding"Art in the Park" requirements, and obtain an application. As a backup, the parking area of Napa Auto Parts on Park Street is still available. Pricing of the architectural pieces will be decided by Gretchen Thomas, Shelly Trost, and Greg Lofgren. Salvage Sale: Continued A sign up sheet was passed around for members to select a time that they were available to man the booth. Open slots are still available. A suggestion at this time was made to begin a volunteer group called"Friends of the Landmark." This would be a pool of concerned citizens that would like to assist with the historic preservation of McHenry,by assisting the Landmark Commission with our future projects. Pat Schafer offered to contact Mayor Altoff to suggest volunteers to assist us on July 20t. Facade Grants: The request for facade grants for awnings by Cinnamon Creek(1307 N. Riverside Dr.)and also the property located at 1326 N. Riverside Dr,both requests were declined. Gretchen Thomas moved that the Landmark Commission's financial assistance should be focused on structural needs and restoration of facades such as tuck pointing, windows,etc. These being permanent enhancements, as opposed to temporary cosmetic improvements such as awnings. Lori Wilhelm seconded,the motion passed unanimously. Field Trips: Field trips to historic districts in cities within Illinois were discussed. Pat Schafer and Greg Lofgren are to gather information on villages such as Geneva,Batavia, Galena and St. Charles. This would include special events, programs and tours for commission members. Other Business: The Barbian House Holly Miller asked the Landmark Commission for our assistance with her McHenry home—"The Barbian House"at the Northwest corner of Broad St. and Riverside Drive. Lori Wilhelm motioned to hold the July 2,2002 Landmark meeting at the Barbian House. Ilene Wiedemann seconded and the motion carried. The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm. Lori Wilhelm and Ilene Wiedemann are to call Nancy Fike and Hank Nell to introduce Ms. Miller to their expertise and what assistance they can offer for the preservation of the Barbian House. After a tour and discussion on the history of the Barbian's the Landmark Commission will retire to Veteran's Park to complete the meeting. Holly Miller requested a replacement of the official historic plaque. It was suggested that other plaques should be checked for damage and possible replacement. Lori Wilhelm also suggested that we continue our goal to plaque other historic homes within the community. Alderman Visits Pat Schafer suggested that the commission officially invite city aldermen to our meetings to coordinate our common interests and goals for the City of McHenry. Phone Tree: Gretchen handed out a"new communications device"to effectively contact other commission members. An additional copy will be included in your July agenda. This is in an effort to save time in contacting other members of the commission. Historic Resident Interview Form: A rough draft of an interview form to document responses from resident's knowledge of McHenry's history was distributed by Gretchen Thomas for review by the commission. Members are to review, add/change and return their input by the July 2002 meeting. Commission Sub-Committees: Ilene Wiedemann reported to the commission the formation of sub-committees for the purpose of disbursing responsibilities and to equalize the workload. Suggestions included resident interviews, field trips, demolitions, city council meeting attendance,PR,city tours and walks,etc. Ilene will continue her work to refine these sub-committees and would appreciate input from members, Other Business: Continued Backhaus Quilts: A thank you to Gretchen Thomas for her labor-intense work,with the Backhaus quilts which were found in the attic of the house during salvage week. Gretchen cleaned and presented a number of historic quilts that she was able to salvage some of which will be available at the sidewalk sale during Fiesta Days. Gretchen was able to estimate the dates of some of the hand-pieced quilted blankets and comforters to the 1920's and 30's. Gretchen handed out salvaged squares of a basket quilt that wasn't in saleable condition for Fiesta Days. Review of commission members responsibilities: A short discussion was held concerning Landmark Commissioners and their responsibilities. Highlighted in the discussion were commissioner's attendance of meetings and participation in programs and projects. With the enactment of sub-committees and the disbursement of overall responsibilities each and every commissioner is needed to actively serve. Dawn Johnson left the meeting at 8:45 PM Karen James moved for an adjournment at 9:50 PM, Merle Janssen seconded,the motion carried unanimously.