McHenry Times

McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission met Feb. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Commission Members Present: Alfonso Casal, Steve Greeley, Melody Jacobson, Sarah Schadt and Susan Zeller.

Commission Members Absent: Derek Gablenz.

Also Present: Sean Foley, Staff Liaison, and Renee Hanlon, Planning Manager.

2. APPROVAL OF DRAFT MINUTES

Historic Preservation - Special Purpose Meeting - Dec 9, 2019 6:30 PM

Motion by Ms. Schadt, seconded by Ms. Jacobson to approve the minutes.

RESULT: ACCEPTED BY VOICE

Historic Preservation - Special Purpose Meeting - Dec 28, 2019 12:00 PM

Motion by Ms. Schadt, seconded by Ms. Jacobson to approve the minutes.

RESULT: ACCEPTED BY VOICE

Historic Preservation - Public Meeting - Jan 8, 2020 6:30 PM

Motion by Ms. Schadt, seconded by Ms. Jacobson to approve the minutes.

RESULT: ACCEPTED BY VOICE

3. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

Ryan and Michelle Chionis, owners of the Haligus School were present.

4. PUBLIC COMMENTS

5. MEMBER COMMENTS

6. OLD BUSINESS / ACTION ITEMS

A. Certificate of Appropriateness Review Regarding the Old Haligus School

Mr. Chionis stated they are looking for options for the chimney. He stated they want to turn the back room into a bedroom, and the chimney is in the way. The first idea was to remove the chimney or make a replica of the chimney, so when the chimney is removed, it can be made to look like a chimney.

Mr. Chionis mentioned in the bathroom, there is a small window that needs to be replaced. He stated someone used to smoke there and it still smells. He asked the Commission if there is something required to change the window. Mr. Greeley stated yes, but that can be taken care of when the permits are applied for.

After discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Casal, seconded by Ms. Schadt to approve the removal of the external chimney and the construction of a replica that should mimic the original brick masonry as closely as possible. Reuse of the existing bricks is encouraged, if possible.

All members voted aye, motion carried.

7. NEW BUSINESS / ACTION ITEMS

A. Elections

The Commission's consensus was to hold off on elections until the next meeting on March 4th.

B. Certificates of Appropriateness (Discussion/Training)

Mr. Foley stated he placed it on the agenda before the Haligus School application was received. This will be put on hold for now.

8. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Mr. Greeley reported that the Commission should soon be hearing from UIUC what the estimates are for the survey, of the southeastern townships.

Mr. Greeley will be presenting the annual report to the County Board on February 18 at 7:00 p.m. He invited Commission to attend.

9. STAFF REPORT

10. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Communications & Public Relations Committee

B. Municipal Liaisons

i. Joint Council

ii. Municipal Relations and Programs

C. Survey and Landmark

i. Landmark Nominations

ii. Special Programs

D. Budget

11. ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr. Foley introduced Ms. Rene Hanlon, the new Planning Manger for the Department of Planning and Development.

Ms. Schadt stated she will not be in attendance at the March meeting. She proposed that the HPC May meeting be held at her new residence in Harvard, which is historic, and she would like the Commission to see it.

Mr. Greeley will speak with Mr. Sandquist if this would be doable.

12. ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Ms. Schadt, seconded by Mr. Casal to adjourn. All members voted aye, motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

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