HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 9/7/2004 - Landmark Commission The City of McHenry Landmark Commission Meeting Minutes
September 7, 2004
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 pm by Pat Schafer at Dawn Johnson's home. The
commission will be unable to utilize the Petersen Farm until further notice due to water damage
from a leaking pipe.
Members present: Greg Lofgren, Dawn Johnson, Gerhard Rosenberg, Gretchen Thomas, Marie
Wilt, Marya Dixon, Pat Schafer, Merle Janssen, and Judy Franks.
Members absent: Sue Hendrickson
August 2004 Meeting Minutes: Gretchen Thomas moved to approve, Marie Wilt seconded no
discussion and the motion carried.
August 2004 Treasurer's Report: Dawn Johnson moved to approve, Marya Dixon seconded
no discussion and the motion carried.
August 2004 Façade Grant Report: Gretchen Thomas moved to approve, Judy Franks
seconded no discussion and the motion carried.
Business:
Demolition Requests: None
Expenses: Dawn Johnson requested new motions for 2 billings from Minuteman Press.
Gretchen Thomas moved to approve the billing from Minuteman for$278.50 for the printing of
150 copies of the new 2004 Cemetery Walk keepsake brochure;Judy Franks seconded no
discussions and the motion carried.
Gretchen Thomas moved to approve the billing from Minuteman in the amount of$159.50 for
the printing of 100 copies of the 2003 Cemetery Walk Brochure. Merle Janssen seconded no
discussion and the motion carried.
Marya Dixon moved to approve the expenses incurred by Dawn Johnson in the amount of$59.75
for the cemetery walk and office supplies. Merle Janssen seconded no discussion and the motion
carried.
Commission Goals for 2004/2005: The commission was able to review the plan booklet that
Doug Martin designed. It was approved of, however it was noted that on the back of the booklet
it should be printed on the back..."Printed: October 2004". Dawn Johnson will be in contact
with Doug regarding this plan and its next step.
2004 Cemetery Walk: Miscellaneous discussion regarding the success of the walk. It was
noted that the revenue for this years walk totaled $441.00 with approximately 80 people in
attendance. It was suggested that the timetable for the walks be shortened from 1-3 p.m. instead
of 1-4 p.m. It was also suggested that the commission takes a break from this next year and
1
' focus on the Historic District implementation among other pending items instead. Overall this
year's walk was a great success. Thank you cards have been sent to those that assisted and
members hope that this walk can now be handed off to the proposed McHenry Historic Society.
Barbian Honorary Plaque Renovation: Dawn Johnson presented the newly painted sign for
the commission's approval. It was painted by a friend of Dawns,with outdoor paint and then
covered with a clear finish that will help to combat the outside elements. Dawn will take it to the
Barbian house for the new owners to replace the old sign.
Residential Design Guidelines: The November 2004 meeting will be held exclusively for the
creation of the new McHenry Residential Design Guidelines. The meeting time will be the
same, however the date will change to November 9th due to the 2nd being election night. City
Planner Doug Martin and former Commissioner Shelly Trost will be invited to participate.
Logo Redesign: Marya Dixon reported that Colin Schultheis will be forwarding the new design
to Dawn Johnson as soon as possible. Due to his family moving his computer has been
temporarily disabled.
Commission Walking Tour Structures: The commission decided to begin working on the
structure on Green Street first. It will be evaluated by Commissioner Rosenberg to determine
what supplies are necessary to clean up and fix this element of the Landmark Commission.
Work dates will be scheduled at the October meeting.
Maintenance of the Petersen Farm House: Based on the water damage that the commission
members found at the Petersen Farm before tonight's meeting was held is exactly the type of
neglect that we are attempting to avoid. It was noted that because of the water damage the entire
structure of the house will need to be scrutinized. Ambrose and Tom from the Parks Department
were on hand to assist with the problems when the alarms went off The reviewed some of the
damage and will report to Director Merkel. Until the house is in a condition to be utilized, the
commission will be meeting at the municipal center.
It was also noted that the security alarm is still not hooked up to the police or fire department;
there is no working telephone lines; the tuck pointing that is necessary has still not been done
and Pat Schafer also noted that a motion light is necessary above the garage door so that it may
be easily opened by members at night. A secure deadbolt will also be required for the side door
of the home due to the fact that with a little jiggling anyone can gain entrance to the home.
Greg Lofgren noted that the Parks and Recreation Board will be devoting their September 16th
meeting to the Petersen Farm. Commission members are hoping for an invitation so that we may
be involved in any necessary changes to the farm.
Commission Attendance: Miscellaneous discussion regarding the amount of time that each
member of the commission is able to commit to. It was noted that a number of commission
members have continually missed meetings, have persistently not participated in events that the
commission holds. Do not actively assist with any ongoing items that the commission has. This
problem has put the burden of all projects on the members that are very active. Dawn Johnson
requested that all members evaluate their commitment to this commission, and if after that
2
evaluation they find that they are unable to actively participate to ensure that all members are
working toward the common goal, that they resign their commission.
Gretchen Thomas noted that there are a number of residents that would be wonderfully active
additions to the commission. Nancy Fike made a number of suggestions to her, and Dawn
Johnson also remarked that since Shelly Trost is now home after her stay in South Africa that she
might again be interested in being on the commission.
Pat Schafer moved to adjourn at 8:53 p.m.; Gerhard Rosenberg seconded no discussion and the
motion carried.
3