McHenry Times

McHenry County Historic Preservation Committee met Feb. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Commissioner present: Susan Zeller, Melody Jacobson, Derek Gablenz, Alphonso Casal, Sarah Schadt and Steve Greeley.

Commissioners absent: Stuart Thiel

Also present: Renee Hanlon, McHenry County Planning and Development.

2. APPROVAL OF DRAFT MINUTES - DECEMBER 7, 2021

November minutes will be voted on at the March meeting.

A. The HPC Commission met at Da Baffone in Crystal Lake. No business was discussed and no action was taken.

3. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

4. PUBLIC COMMENTS

5. MEMBER COMMENTS

6. OLD BUSINESS

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Scenic Drives Brochure

Ms. Hanlon reported the scenic drive brochures are printed and the brochure stands are in the office. Audrey Martin has grouped the brochures in bundles of 50.

Ms. Hanlon stated the Commission should discuss when to pick up the brochures and where they should be distributed.

i. Distribution Plan

The Commission discussed places the brochures can be distributed. Public libraries, McHenry County Visitor Bureau in Huntley, all of the local historic museums, the McHenry County Historical Society, the Historic Museum in Union, City Halls, Chambers of Commerce and local hotels.

After discussion, the Commission agreed to meet in person at the March meeting and divvy up the brochures between the members for distribution.

B. 2022 Workplan Discussion and Development

Mr. Greeley asked Ms. Hanlon if the Commission is going to have involvement in the 2050 Comprehensive Project Planning.

Everyone that submitted the proposals of qualifications has said they are working with an historic preservation consultant as part of their team. The consultant may want to speak to Mr. Greeley and the Commission.

Mr. Greeley asked the Commission for ideas on activities for the year. He mentioned maybe putting on a demonstration or program about the Commission.

After discussion, the Commission agreed it would be fun to do a mini series on the Commission's landmarks. Someone from the Commission could interview the homeowner, and maybe get a tour of the land marked structure. The interview would then be posted on the website.

Mr. Greeley will create a form letter to the landmarked property owners asking them if they would like to be involved.

8. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Mr. Greeley stated the owner of the Motorola property was willing to let people from the Historical Society to look at the Coventry house and barn. He and Ms. Jacobson visited the property.

The home has a gaping hole in the roof on the part of the structure that was an addition as opposed to the original larger brick part of the structure. The roof over the larger section seems to be intact. Mr. Greeley is hopeful the new owners will agree to shore it up.

Melody noted the barn is in impeccable shape, and it could possibly be converted into a reception hall..

9. STAFF REPORT

Ms. Hanlon stated the CLG Annual report will be filed tomorrow. She will send it to Mr. Greeley to review it before it is sent to Springfield.

Ms. Hanlon mentioned in the past, Mr. Greeley has presented to the County Board about what the Commission has been doing. He could present at the March meeting.

Ms. Zeller and Ms. Schadt stated they would go along with Mr. Greeley to the meeting and help him present.

Ms. Hanlon stated she has not heard from the CLG regarding the matching grant the Commission applied for. She will inquire as soon as the CLG Annual report is sent.

10. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Communications & Public Relations Committee

B. Municipal Liaisons

C. Survey and Landmark

D. Budget

11. ANNOUNCEMENTS

12. ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Ms. Schadt, seconded by Ms. Zeller to

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