HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10/1/2002 - Landmark Commission The City of McHenry Landmark Commission Meeting Minutes
October 1, 2002
The meeting was called to order at 7:26 PM by Pat Schafer at the McHenry Municipal Center.
Members present: Marya Dixon, Judy Franks,Merle Janssen, Shelly Trost, Ilene Wiedemann,
Pat Schafer,Karen James, and Sue Hendrickson. Members absent: Lori Wilhelm, Dawn
Johnson, Gretchen Thomas. Guest Present: Greg Lofgren.
September 3, 2002 Meeting Minutes: Shelly Trost moved to approve the minutes of the
September 3, 2002 meeting. Karen James seconded, no discussions noted and the motion
carried.
Treasurer's Report: The balance in the general fund now stands at $19,312.07. Ilene
Wiedemann moved to accept the budget report, Marya Dixon seconded, no discussion noted and
the motion carried.
Facade Grant Report: The balance in the façade grant fund stands at $12,800.00. Ilene
Wiedemann moved to accept the façade grant report, Marya Dixon seconded, no discussion
noted and the motion carried.
Business:
Welcome New Members: Sue Hendrickson and Marya Dixon were officially welcomed to the
Landmark Commission.
Petersen Barn and Silos: The grant was submitted, and the awards will not be announced until
the end of October. Monies were set aside in the general fund budget for surveys for
maintenance and repairs for the property. R&B Enterprises was contacted and submitted a
proposal which includes repair estimates, continued maintenance for preservation of the barn and
silos. Part I of the survey was done, with a payment of$500.00 paid to R&B. Part II was
submitted with an estimate of$850.00 which included a property history. There was discussion
for a revised estimate to be completed removing the property history, since the Landmark
Commission is in possession of one for that property. Dawn Johnson contacted R&B for a
revised estimate, which will be forthcoming. The historic structures report is a requirement for
the property for any grants. Discussion regarding a structures report for the Knox property and
of the grant requirements followed.
Historic Survey Sample: The commission reviewed a copy of the new McHenry historic
survey. The sample was reviewed with Mayor Althoff, city staff will handle the distribution of
the survey with return envelopes included. Karen James motioned to send out to the McHenry
Main Street district the historical survey on or before November 1, with a request for return on or
before December 1. Shelly Trost seconded no discussion and the motion carried.
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The Justen House: Pat Schafer reported that the property had been sold to Jim Justen's son.
His intention is to preserve the structure. Video was taken of the property.
The Pries' House: The property was purchased by Barry Backhaut and Jill Clark Backhaut nal
(847) 566-4951 x 11, with the intention of converting part of the home into a ist
commercial/residential property. Doug Martin directed the new owners to the Landmark ;ue!
Commission due to the age of the structure. The owners are interested in plaguing the building. o s
Shelly Trost met with both owners for a tour and review of architectural detailing. It is possible )lic
that the owners might re-zone and convert the structure into a single family home. Shelly Trost sis
will write a report on the building, including information about the passageway in the cellar that ►st
leads to the brewery(Whale's Tail) across the street. Some discussion followed. Video was ca
taken of the property. mn
Expenses: Shelly Trost moved to approve expenses for the LPCI tour in Chicago. Ilene
Wiedemann seconded, no discussion, the motion carried. Pat will submit all expenses to the city
for payment.
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Annual Report to the Mayor and City Council: Greg Lofgren will compile and prepare the �2(
annual report for submission. it t
Just for Fun Roller Rink: There was discussion regarding the outcome of the new paint job on
the building. No receipts or estimates have been submitted by the owners for a façade grant from
the commission, and there has been no formal façade grant approval. It was the opinion of the
commission that the owners did not abide by the recommendations they requested from us. frc
Therefore it was agreed upon to confer with Mayor Althoff in regards to drafting a letter to the ue.5
owners of the roller rink, if the Mayor deems it necessary. tg
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Resident Interview Forms: Gretchen Thomas was unavailable. tti;
Greg Lofgren: Greg reported on the Historic Preservation Council Meeting that was held in
Crystal Lake. The topic was downtowns and main streets. Catherine O'Conner was the speaker. f S
Greg handed out a pamphlet,and reported that the State of Illinois included a page for all the al
main streets in Illinois on their website. Discussion followed regarding the Raue Center
renovations. Pat reported speaking with Sarosh Saher of the Elgin Illinois Heritage Commission;
he offered his assistance to the commission by speaking about preservation efforts and grant
opportunities. He has offered to speak with the commission, tour the Elgin riverfront and give
ideas regarding façade grants to commercial and residential properties.
McHenry Sunday Series Walking Tour: Greg Lofgren will do walking tour on Sunday
October 6th for Main Street. Discussion of the Green Street walk was positive; Karen James did
a wonderful job. It was noted that the commission is still struggling with correct and timely
press coverage for the walks. Submissions to the Northwest Herald are being done in a correct
manner; however they seem to be ignored or printed incorrectly by the Herald. This will be
discussed further with Mayor Althoff.
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Printing Costs for the Commission:
Shelly Trost reported that the walking tour packets printing cost from the city was $35.00. Pat
Schafer will investigate alternative printing options.
Misc:
Discussion followed regarding commissioners refreshing our knowledge of the landmark
ordinances, facade grant information, plaguing requirements, etc.
Marya Dixon reported that her Grandson, Colin Schultheis would be interested in doing line
drawings of historic homes in McHenry for a children's coloring book. This idea was based on
the preservation week in the month of May for children and families to get involved in
McHenry's history. This would be sponsored by the Landmark Commission.
Pat Schafer reported that one of the "Friends of the Landmark" suggested an addition to our
annual walking tours. Marie Wilt offered to conduct a cemetery tour. The commission would be
required to assemble the program and she would head the volunteers that would present a
theatrical history of our former citizens.
Marya Dixon moved to adjourn at 9:50 pm, Pat Schafer seconded, no discussion and the motion
carried.
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