HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 5/4/2004 - Landmark Commission The City of McHenry Landmark Commission Meeting Minutes
May 4, 2004
The meeting was called to order at 7:15 pm by Greg Lofgren at the Petersen Farm.
Members present: Greg Lofgren, Pat Schafer, Dawn Johnson, Gretchen Thomas, Ilene
Wiedemann,Marya Dixon,Merle Janssen, Gerhard Rosenberg and Judy Franks.
Members absent: Sue Hendrickson, Colin Schultheis
Guest present: Judy Schmidt
April 2004 Meeting Minutes: Gretchen moved to approve, Pat Schafer seconded no discussion
and the motion carried.
Treasurer's Report: Pat Schafer moved to approve, Gerhard Rosenberg seconded no
discussion and the motion carried.
Façade Grant Report: Dawn Johnson moved to approve,Marya Dixon seconded no discussion
and the motion carried.
Business:
The following motions were made:
Pat Schafer moved to have the following bills paid, Marya Dixon seconded no discussion and the
motion carried:
To Greg Lofgren: $27.86 for Petersen Farm office supplies
To Dawn Johnson: $31.43 for items required for the trivia contest
To Minuteman Press: $16.80 for printing invoice for additional trivia contest questions flyers.
Demolition Request:
Gerhard Rosenberg reported that no demolition requests have come in. Gretchen Thomas
reported that she noticed activity at the Knox barn/house with the fire department. She requested
that we have access to those buildings for salvage purposes. A request will be put to Doug
Martin to schedule this.
2004 Commission Goals:
Greg Lofgren reported that Doug Martin is continuing to work on the goals; more will be
reported at the June meeting.
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Historic District:
It was noted that the Residential Guidelines are required prior to the implementation of the
district. At this time the commissioner's agreed that a date of February 2005 be the goal for the
official open house to present this to the residents that would be affected.
2004 Coloring Books:
Pat Schafer noted that about 125 colored submissions by the District 15 third grade students
came in for National Preservation Week. This is approximately 50 less submissions than last
year. A number of commissioners hung the pictures at city hall on Saturday May 1st. It was also
noted that the city has recognized Colin Schultheis' artistic contribution with a certificate of
appreciation by the Mayor. Dawn Johnson will purchase a certificate frame and the certificate
will be presented at Memorabilia Night at the library on May 5, 2004. Our thanks again to Colin
for his talent and dedication to McHenry history.
2004 Cemetery Walk:
Gretchen Thomas noted that the deadline of March 15 has passed and she still has not received
the information that is required to produce the Cemetery Walk keepsake brochure. Misc
discussion followed which included a request by Gretchen for a short version of each families
"family tree".
Walking Tour Brochures:
The Gagetown brochure is complete and currently at the printers, a price of$365.11 for a
quantity of 2500 was quoted and accepted via a phone tree motion.
Pat Schafer moved to accept the quote by Minuteman Press in the amount of$365.11 for the
printing of the Gagetown Walking Tour Brochure, Gretchen Thomas seconded, a phone tree
survey of all commissioners was conducted- there was no further discussion, the motion carried.
We should be receiving approximately 100 in time for Memorabilia Night on May 5th and the
balance of 2400 will be picked up upon completion.
Memorabilia Night:
Greg Lofgren suggested a small token of appreciation should be given to the speakers that will
be showcased at Memorabilia Night.
Pat Schafer moved to approve the purchase of(2) coupons from Panera Bread in the amount of
$20.00 each to be given to the speakers that will be giving their time at Memorabilia Night,
Merle Janssen seconded no discussion and the motion carried.
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Trivia Contest: It was noted that only 6 people submitted their answers for the trivia contest,
however the contest did generate a great deal of interest. The gift baskets were completed and
will be given at Memorabilia Night on May 5th. The winners are: First place: Cathy Schultheis;
Second place: John Miller; Third place: Sharon Colberg. The answers will be published in the
city newsletter that Gretchen Thomas will complete as soon as possible. Thank you notes will be
done for all of the companies that made donations for the gift baskets and for allowing us to
utilize their facilities to promote this contest.
Barbian House:
Pat Schafer will be in contact with the new owners of the house to inquire if they would like to
have the plaque sign repainted. If so, then Pat will contact Signs by Fry for a quote.
Ned Newman:
The commission was unable to schedule a convenient time to meet with Ned regarding his
detailed description of his vision for the Riverwalk. Members were encouraged to contact Ned
directly to set up appointments.
County Historic Brochure:
The brochure was printed and distributed to various locations throughout McHenry's business
districts.
PR:
Pat Schafer will get a list of contacts that Shelly Trost had in her files prior to her departure.
This will be a beginning to cultivate a permanent listing of needed press contacts to elevate our
events in the press.
The formal request to recognize Miller Monument as the oldest family-owned business still
operating in McHenry was a success. Mayor Low made a formal proclamation that May 5, 2004
be declared Miller Monument Company Day. The City Council at it's meeting on May 3rd
recognized John Miller and his family,thanking them for their dedication to the city. It was also
noted that the Northwest Herald will be writing an article about Miller Monument. The company
was established in 1868.
Residential Design Guidelines:
Dawn Johnson reserved the alderman's conference room at city hall for June 22 at 6:00 pm for a
meeting on this issue. All commissioners are required to be there and be ready to put our own
guidelines together. Guidelines from Algonquin and St. Charles will also be copied and
distributed for the commissioner's review.
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New Business:
Placemats:
Gretchen Thomas noted that towns in McHenry County are beginning putting together a
"placemat"with their local history on it. This would be easy to put together, Gretchen along
with Dawn Johnson will create these mats, obtain a quote on printing and distribute to multiple
restaurants throughout McHenry.
China Light:
It was noted that the work now seems to be continuing on the building, it was noted that there
seemed to be no progress with the renovation of the building.
Zoning on Waukegan:
Gerhard Rosenberg reported that the lot next to the Count's House currently has a zoning change
sign on it. He will be in contact with building and zoning to obtain further information. He will
report at the June meeting.
Conferences:
Greg Lofgren reported that he received information on the following conferences and invited
commissioners to attend if they had the opportunity:
ISPC on 6/17 through 6/19.
Living History Farm and Agricultural Museum in Michigan from 6/20 through 6/24. He will
forward this information to Pete Merkel at the Parks Department and see if there is interest for
city staff to attend.
Owen Property Site:
Ilene Wiedemann suggested that the commission for the Riverwalk be contacted regarding this
property. Due to the fact that there are fewer people that actually know where this property is, it
should be highlighted with a formal historic plaque. Dawn Johnson will bring this to the
attention of Doug Martin to determine the next step that will make this happen. Further
information on this subject will be reported at the June meeting.
Dawn Johnson moved to adjourn at 8:26 pm, Ilene Wiedemann seconded no discussion and the
motion carried.
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