McHenry Times

McHenry County Historic Preservation Committee met Nov. 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Commission members present: Steve Greeley, Susan Zeller, Derek Gablenz, Melody Jacobson, Alphonso Casal, and Sarah Schadt (remote)

Commission members absent: Stuart Thiel

Also present: Renee Hanlon, Liaison-Department of Planning and Development.

2. APPROVAL OF DRAFT MINUTES

Historic Preservation - Public Meeting - Aug 19, 2021 6:30 PM

Motion by Ms. Zeller, seconded by Mr. Casal to approve the minutes.

RESULT: ACCEPTED BY VOICE

3. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

4. PUBLIC COMMENTS

5. MEMBER COMMENTS

6. OLD BUSINESS

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. 2022 Workplan Discussion and Development

Chairman Greeley explained some of the past activities the HPC. Some examples were: the desk calendar, the scenic roads brochure, and the landmark bus tour.

Ms. Hanlon stated the CLG Grant Program has been opened and next week is the deadline to complete the application. She reminded the commissioners that the grant money will be used to resurvey Burton, Coral, Dorr, and Richmond Townships. Ms. Hanlon stated that she received approval from the Planning, Environment, and Development Committee to apply for the grant; however, if the grant is awarded, the County Board must allocate the matching $15,000 before the grant may be accepted.

Sarah joined the meeting at 6:50.

B. Landmark Properties Desk Calendar

The Committee reviewed the 2022 draft desk calendar created by Chairman Greeley.

C. Updated Scenic Drives Brochure

Chairman Greeley directed everyone’s attention to the draft Scenic Drive Brochure. He stated that he did some research on cost for the brochure. He reminded the Commission this is the time to spend money before the end of November as the County fiscal years closes at the end of November.

The Commission discussed printing the brochures and getting plastic holders for the brochures. Given other proposed activities, the commissioners determined that printing the brochure should be their spending priority.

Motion by Ms. Zeller seconded by Mr. Gablenz to approve funding for the printing of the Historic Preservation Scenic Roads Brochure not to exceed $800.

All members voted aye on a roll call vote. Motion passed.

Motion by Mr. Zeller seconded by Mr. Casal to approve funding for fifty (50) brochure holders not to exceed $200. All members voted aye on a roll call vote. Motion passes.

D. Demolition 10703 Allendale Road

Commissioners discussed this demolition action and determined that the issued demolition permit is for a two-unit residential structure and not the main house on the property. The building most likely had no historic value.

Ms. Hanlon stated there is a new owner of the property. She explained that she met with him last week to discuss his plans to operate an agritourism business on the property. They were recently doing hay rides and other activities that require a Conditional Use Permit. Their intention is to have a flower farm on the property with you pick flowers and wreath making classes. The historic home on the property will be maintained.

E. Cary Village Hall Property 655 Village Hall Drive Cary

The Village of Cary recently moved out of the historic Hertz Mansion and into a new municipal complex. The County owns the building and they intend to use it for police training. Chairman Greeley explained that members of the public have reached out to the HPC for assistance in ensuring that the property be preserved. After discussion, the commissioners determined that the new use of the building does not endanger the property and, given that the Village of Cary has their own HPC, there does not seem to be a need for HPC intervention.

F. Fund Appropriation Action Items

i. Landmark Properties

ii. Scenic Drive Brochure

8. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

9. STAFF REPORT

A. 2022 CLG Matching Grant Application Open

10. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Communications & Public Relations Committee

B. Municipal Liaisons

C. Survey and Landmark

D. Budget

11. ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. Next Regular Meeting December 1, 2021 6:30 pm

Chairman Greeley told the Commission that in the past, the December meeting has been at a restaurant. After discussion, the Commission chose Da Baffone in Crystal Lake for the December 1 meeting.

12. ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Casal made a motion to adjourn which was seconded by Mr. Jacobsen

The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

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