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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1/14/1998 - Community Development Committee BUILDING AND ZONING COMMITTEE � MINUTES January 14 , 1998 Members PY�esent : Bill Bolger Other Present : City Planner Phil Maggio, City Administrator Lobaito, City Clerk Althoff, Landmark Commission Chairperson Nancy Fike, and the following Landmark Commission Board Members : Greg Lofgren, Hank Nell, Bob Novak, Carol Jean Smith, Lori Wilhelm The meetir_g was called to order at 6 : 24 p.m. by Committeeman Alderman Bolger. Alderman Bolger noted as quorem was not present, due in all liklihood, to the unexpected inclement weather, no official action could be taken. He recommended however, as many of the Landmark Commission members were present, a brief review and a sharing of his comments on the Historic Preservation ordinance . Alderman Bolger suggested more emphasis be placed on individual structures as oppose to designated "historic districts . " He also noted in discussions with the Mayor about the preservation ordinance concerns regarding usurping the rights of the property owner. In response to Alderman Bolger' s suggestion regarding quarterly meetings as oppose to monthly meetings, the Landmark Commission representatives stated their committment to monthly �- meetings . Chairman Fike also noted if the ordinance is approved a great deal of preparatory work must be initiated citing specifically a historic survey. Alderman Bolger also suggested the Preservation Commission elect their Chairman as oppose to a Mayoral appointment . He also noted with regard to Section 6, Paragraph E that although the Mayor makes board appointments, all appointments are approved by council . Chairman Fike noted the importance of "historic districts" as the area may represent a specific period of time in history. She cited specifically the Riverside Drive area noting it was the oldest section of the City and included the first county courthouse as well as a Civil War era hotel . A tool, the historic preservation ordinance, is needed to save these important historic landmark structures . She noted the Preservation Commission could assist property owners with grant applications for structure improvements as well as potential uses including commercial possibilities . Commission member, G. Lofgren, addressed the recent demolition requests submitted to the Commission for review noting some historic buildings can' t be saved or renovated. The ordinance will exist to assist facilitation to save some sites, not all, � and provide interested parties with a resource . Building d: Zoning Committee Minutes � January 19 , 1998 Page Two A lengthy discussion followed regarding the positive aspects of the preseY�vation ordinance . Landmark Commission members cited -a sense of community pride -tourism connection -financial assistance and resources Landmark Commission Chairperson, Nancy Fike, noted an appeal process existed within the proposed ordinance in the event a property owner wished to oppose any or all of the Preservation Commissior' s decisions regarding the landmark designation and/or property improvement restrictions . The appeal process states a specific timeframe for resolution as well . The next �tep, after the ordinance is passed, is to establish a commissior. and locate a willing participate for landmark status . Chairperson Fike stated the commission should attempt to include an architect as one of it' s board members . She also noted final control ar.d decision was solely in the hands of the city council . The Preser�vation Commission serves only as an advisory board to the McHenry City Council . City Planner Maggio also noted the ordinance could be revised and amended as needed by the McHenry City Council . � In response to Alderman Bolger' s inquiry Chairperson Fike stated the McHenry County Historic Preservation group is very active and is well respected by the County Board. The following steps, after ordinance passage, were discussed: -creating an inventory of potential landmark sites -establishing a Preservation Plan -define terms and establish nominating criteria -educating the public -commission appointments Chairman Fike also recommended the City obtain Certified Local Government status allowing for future grant monies . Landmark sites currently plaqued would also be required to nominate their property for landmark status under the new ordinance criteria. No grandfathering will be permitted. Some discussion followed regarding the current plaquing process . It was the suggestion of Alderman Bolger to schedule a meeting with City Administrator Lobaito, Mayor Cuda and Chairperson Fike to review any outstanding concerns with regard to this ordinance . City Administrator Lobaito stated he would seek council approval at this evening' s meeting to send the ordinance in it' s current form to the City Attorney for legal review and comment . � Building <ind Zoning Committee Minutes � January 1�6 , 1998 Page Three Chairperson Fike requested the City make an effort to save the old golf c:ourse shelters . The meeting was adjourned at 7 :20 p.m. Respectful.ly submitted, ----� ' \ , , � . ,, : ; ' _��fc��a�� ' �J � _ Pamela J. Al hoff �' ,- City Clerk c' `� �