McHenry Times

The Huntley Historic Preservation Commission met April 19.

The village of Huntley Historic Preservation Commission is located at 10911 Main Street, Huntley.

Here are the minutes of the April 19 meeting as provided by Huntley:

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Donna Britton called to order the regularly scheduled meeting of the Village of Huntley Historic Preservation Commission for Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 6:00 pm in the Village Board Room, located at 10987 Main St.

2. ROLL CALL - ATTENDANCE

MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Geri Rizzo, Jake Marino, Deb Waters, Diana Carpenter, and Karen Langhenry, Vice Chair Lonni Oldham and Chairperson Donna Britton

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

ALSO PRESENT: Director of Development Services Charles Nordman and Planner James Williams

3. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments.

4. 2016 Pride in Preservation Awards

Chairperson Britton welcomed Mary and Phil Post, owners of the property at 11610 Main Street, and Michael Thackwray, owner of 11012 Myrtle Avenue, to the meeting, thanked them for accepting the Pride in Preservation award and commended them on the diligent maintenance of their respective homes.

A. Thackwray Residence – 11012 Myrtle Avenue

Commissioner Marino provided a brief history of the Thackwray residence noting the house was most likely constructed over a century ago and may have been relocated to its current location from outside the Village.

Commissioner Marino noted that the building’s CMU (concrete masonry unit) or cinderblock foundation may also be a clue that the house had been moved to this location. Commissioner Marino stated the house was previously owned by Herb and Marjorie Eggers and that Herb farmed in the Huntley-area, Plato Center, and around Richmond and later worked for Union Special. Additionally, Mr. Eggers served as school board president for five (5) years, and his wife Marge was a former teacher for school district 158. They owned the house until either 1995 or 1998, when they sold it and relocated to Sycamore to be closer to their family.

B. Post Residence – 11610 Main Street

Commissioner Marino reviewed the history of the subject property noting that house was constructed around 1900. The house was owned by John F. Weltzien and, in 1921, John purchased the Ford dealership business from his brother, and began selling Fords, as well as McCormick-Deering farm products. In 1922, the new block building was built on Main St. (Anchor Pool and Spa now). This was run by John and his son Walter. The house was eventually owned by Mary Moerke from the 1980s through the 1990s.

5. Approval of Minutes

A. A MOTION was made to approve the March 22, 2016 Historic Preservation Commission meeting minutes with the following changes:

Page 1, Line 43, replace “are” with “at”

Page 1, Line 48, remove “scheduling of a” and “held later this year”

MOVED: Commissioner Waters

SECONDED: Commissioner Marino

AYES: Commissioners Carpenter, Langhenry, Marino, Waters and Chairperson Britton

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Commissioner Rizzo and Vice-Chair Oldham

MOTION CARRIED 5:0:2

Chairperson Britton asked if there were any updates regarding two items Commissioner Carpenter was investigating. One, the privileges extended to the Historic Commissioners from the Village’s membership to the Illinois Association of Historic Preservation Commissions (IAHPC), and the other, whether the Chicago Art Institute may be a source for individuals willing to assist with the Village of Huntley’s comprehensive survey of historic significant properties.

Commissioner Carpenter stated that she does not have any updates this evening, but, will report any findings regarding these two issues as soon as possible.

6. Old Business

A. Second Street Historic District / Landmark Designations

Chairperson Britton recalled previous discussions about the autumn 2016 reception entailed inviting interested Second Street property owners to hear a program conducted by realtor and/or an appraiser touting the economic advantages of historic preservation.

Commissioner Langhenry stated that she would consider hosting the reception at her residence depending on what date is chosen to hold the reception.

Second Street Stroll

Possible themes for the proposed Second Street Stroll event were again discussed and Chairperson Britton noted that the Second Street Stroll event was discussed at the most recent Historic Alliance meeting (04/18/16) and many of those members expressed an interest in participating in the event.

Additionally, Chairperson Britton reiterated the suggestion made last month that the Huntley High School drama department as well as Del Webb Sun City drama club may be potential sources for individuals willing to perform roles as Second Street period residents.

After significant discussion it was decided to schedule the Second Street Stroll on Saturday, October 1st followed by a reception to review the process of historic landmarking and historic district designation held on Thursday evening, October 6th, 2016

B. May 2016 – Look at Local History Month

Chairperson Britton recalled the historic preservation program for the May 5, 2016 Village Board meeting includes the Proclamation commemorating May as Historic Preservation Month, Pride in Preservation-awarded properties over the last year (Post - 11610 Main, Thackwray - 11012 Myrtle, Hackett House - 11879 Main and Zimmerman - 11302 Grove).

Chairperson Britton noted that last month’s discussion of the May 5th 50 Village Board meeting included the Certificates of Appreciation award program whereby businesses are acknowledged for their exemplary restored and maintained exteriors and interior décor celebrating Huntley’s history.

However, Director Nordman pointed out that Thursday evening, May 5th is scheduled for a “night-out” event in the downtown area that may otherwise engage those establishments receiving the certificate of appreciation awards.

Therefore, Director Nordman suggested considering holding this portion of the historic preservation program at a future meeting and/or at the Farmers Market event.

Chairperson Britton continued the review of the celebration of May as Local History Month noting historic placemats are to be distributed to four local restaurants (The Village Inn, Sammy’s, Sal’s’ Pizza and Papa G’s) in May and she suggested running 500 copies of the 11” x 17” placemats.

In regard to the Huntley Scavenger Hunt, Chairperson Britton noted that once it is finalized it should be posted on the Village of Huntley website and made available to the Huntley Park District and Huntley Area Public Library for posting on their websites.

In regard to the Huntley Historic Alliance booth at the Farmers Market on Saturday, May 28, 2016, Chairperson Britton reminded Staff to stock the historic preservation information hand-outs bin including:

- Historic District/Landmarking Brochure

- Historic Preservation Commission Brochure

- Historic District Application Form

- Historic Landmark Application Form

- Second Street Walking Tour Map/Data

- Huntley Historic District Map

Chairperson Britton also recalled that Vice Chair Oldham has produced labels for the various artifacts within the Town Square for use on May 28th.

Commissioner Carpenter suggested Staff provide the list of local history month program activities to the Village President and Trustees including copies of the 2016 Work Plan, IAHPC membership letter, scavenger hunt, historic placemats and any other pertinent information included in Huntley’s celebration of historic preservation in May.

D. Certification of Appreciation Properties

Chairperson Britton noted that the Certification of Appreciation program date is to be determined but wanted to finalize the nominated properties and after a brief discussion the following nominations were made:

Certificate of Appreciation – Restoration Award - to be awarded to:

i. DMB Properties LLC, building owner, home to Shampooch and Kitty (11806 Main) and Sal’s Pizza (11019 Woodstock) – A copy of the certificate given to owner and both proprietors.

ii. Strode’s Colonial Vermont Furniture (11707 Main)

Certificate of Appreciation – Historic Display – to be awarded to:

i. McDonald’s (12242 Route 47)

ii. Starbucks (12210 Princeton Dr.)

iii. Sal’s Pizza (11019 Woodstock)

Publicity of Historic Preservation Programs

Commissioner Langhenry agreed to continue to investigate the most efficient and appropriate manner to contact news outlets and outside agencies to promote Huntley’s local historic preservation initiatives, projects and programs.

C. Historic Preservation Ordinance Revisions

Discussion ensued regarding the preferred elements from the “Purpose Statements” and “Goals/Duties/Powers” excerpts of the various Illinois municipalities previously compiled.

Vice Chair Oldham agreed to draft a revised version of the Huntley Historic Preservation Ordinance Goals-section based on the preferences expressed during the discussion this evening.

7. New Business

Artifacts in Town Square

Vice Chair Oldham suggested installing information plaques briefly describing each of the historical items within the Town Square Park.

Historic Theme Mural

Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of a mural being painted on the west elevation of the building at the west edge of downtown (11810 Main Street).

Director Nordman recalled previous discussions he has had with the property owners of the subject building and that they have appeared to be in favor a mural, however, the type of artwork, cost and the Village’s participation in the funding of the project are all issues that remain “to-be-determined” at this time.

Street-Sign Toppers

Director Nordman noted that the Village’s Development Services Department is still in the process of getting bids for the signs and their installation and that the program includes two signs; one at the south end of Woodstock and one at the north end.

T. S. Huntley Gravesite Update

Vice Chair Oldham noted that the final touches to the restoration of the T. S. Huntley gravesite monument should occur later this spring.

8. Adjournment

At 8:41 p.m., A MOTION was made by Commissioner Waters to adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Commissioner Marino. Motion carried unanimously.