McHenry Times

City of McHenry Landmark Commission met Nov. 6

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1. Call to Order/Roll Call

The meeting was called to order at 7:02PM by Chairman Hillier.

A Roll Call vote was taken: Celeste Heidemann, Thomas Hillier, Katie MacDonald, Zelinda Paluch, and Mark Healy were present. Absent Michelle Smith. Also Present:

• Cody Sheriff, City Planner

• Chris Bassi, Alderwoman

2. Public Comments

Jeff Varda spoke about contacting Landmark Illinois and the Landmark School application for the National Register and reimbursing their representative for travel expenses related to their application.

3. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes

A vote was taken, motion by Commissioner Staley, Second by Commissioner MacDonald. Motion carried unanimous consent.

4. Finance Report

Chaiman Hillier gave an update regarding the finances of the Commission. He gave an update on the filming as it relates to finances.

5. Media

a. Video update

Chairman Hillier gave an update on the historic interviews/film the Commission is creating. Should be completed soon.

6. Historic Plaques

a. Letters Update

Commissioner Staley is sending out letters regarding the plaques of historic properties to see what plaques need replacement.

7. Old Business

a. School Field Trip - April 2025

Commissioner MacDonald received approval for May 1st for a school field trip and gave an update on scheduling for the whole day at Petersen Farm. Commissioner Paluch asked if the house would be ready to go into and City Planner Sheriff responded they do not know yet.

b. Landmark School Remembrance Talk - Feb/Mar 2025

Chairman Hillier gave an update on the remembrance talks. Commissioner Staley looked into booking a space, but their best bet might be the recreation center. The Commission then discussed other possible locations in McHenry for the event.

c. Ignite & Other Trips

The Commission discussed presentation at ignite and other trips but there was no update.

d. Thursday Night Concert

Chairman Hillier and the Commission discussed conducting historic preservation presentation just 1 night of the month for the concerts.

e. Landmark Ordinances

Chairman Hillier discussed the Landmark Ordinance but ultimately there was no update.

f. Historic Signs In Town (Riverside, Main St. & Green St.)

City Planner Sheriff stated that Commissioner Healy was able to give him a text document update of the language that was on the markers. Discussion about replacing the interior of the signs continued. This is something the Commission will continue to look into in the future. City Planner Sheriff stated the City is looking into more permanent and modern signage in the future.

8. New Business

a. Consideration of designation of a Nominated Landmark for the property located at 3614

Waukegan Road, commonly known as Landmark School, in accordance with the City of McHenry Historic Preservation Ordinance.

Chairman Hillier opened the continued public hearing for the Landmark School at 7:20pm. City Planner gave a presentation of his staff report regarding the draft report. He provided revised language and some suggestions.

Commissioner Healy agreed that staffs suggestions cleaned up and clarified some of the items in the report and is not opposed. He was also looking forward to hearing members of the public. The entire Commission agreed with Healy’s comments.

City Planner Sheriff asked to clarify the local materials. Commissioner Healy suggested that it’s the color and brick façade that the Commission wanted to include.

A member of the public was allowed to speak. Nancy Fike of 2913 Virginia Avenue. She said the building was a good example of Gothic Revival Architecture. She opined on the architectural features including the Joliet Limestone that is local. She said the exterior should be maintained.

Commissioner Healy commented saying he believed the report addresses Nancy’s concerns to basically preserve the exterior of the building and that’s how he saw it in the report. He asked if that’s how everyone interpreted the report. The Commission nodded in agreement. 

The City of McHenry is dedicated to providing the citizens, businesses and visitors of McHenry with the highest quality of programs and services in a customer-oriented, efficient and fiscally responsible manner.

City Planner Sheriff stated he wanted to distinguish between the principal building as being protected but the swing sets and mobile unit on site as not included.

Commissioner Healy asked for public comment and Chairman Hillier agreed. John Smith, President of the Riverwalk Foundation spoke. City Planner Sheriff shared images on the screen showing the interior of the building and exterior of the building as well as planned monuments for the Riverwalk. He spoke about the future pedestrian bridge and how the planning of the area took into account the architecture of Landmark School and incorporated it into various monuments. He also spoke about the desire to aim the bridge directly at the Landmark School in the future. Mr. Smith opined on the interior of the structure and timber that is hand-hewn. He opined that he believes everyone desires to preserve the building but with a realistic approach to conservation to allow it to economically be reused. He asked that connections be allowed to the building but that do not compromise the exterior architecture.

Mr. Smith was sworn in and agreed that the testimony he gave before the Landmark Commission was the truth.

Chairman Hillier agreed and responded stating the Commission desires to allow it to be usable for something else.

City Planner Sheriff stated that he agreed with Mr. Smith that the language leaves it open to allow different types of construction but would require review and approval by the Commission and City Council.

Mr. Healy opined on the old Historic Preservation Ordinance and how plaquing under the former ordinance was more of a recognition rather than preservation.

Nancy Fike spoke again. Nancy opined on the old historic preservation ordinance and believes there were protections in place but she couldn’t say for sure. Ms. Fike opined that all the bodies and committees talk to each other about what their ideas are. She opined on the history of the property that was designed by Gilbert Turnball from Elgin who was a prominent architect and designed many structures. She opined on her background with the County Planning Committee for several years and her experience with historic preservation and land use planning. She explained that the loss of this structure would be a major loss to the cultural history of McHenry and the Landmark School should be preserved. She opined on the Place Matters program stating this structure would likely be a building that is significant. She also spoke on  The City of McHenry is dedicated to providing the citizens, businesses and visitors of McHenry with the highest quality of programs and services in a customer-oriented, efficient and fiscally responsible manner. various uses that could occupy the space. Ms. Fike was sworn in and agreed that the testimony she gave before the Landmark Commission was the truth.

Jeff Varda of 3400 Biscayne Road spoke. He talked about potential grants for the building. He opinioned on the exterior of the building and the efforts made by the school district to preserve it. He said it is the last operating bell tower in the State of Illinois and has operated as a school since 1894. Mr. Varda opined on the loss of other buildings in McHenry with local made brick and how the City should make sure we preserve its history. Mr. Varda explained the exterior of the building is the desired preservation component while the interior has largely changed overtime to accommodate the school and its needs. He explained some thing in the interior may be worth preserving such as the hand-hewn wood. He opined on the brick again and that some of it has been painted over or lost. He explained that he was in the Huntley Historic Preservation District and the businesses that thrive around historic structures. He continued to speak about various towns and municipalities that have preserved structures for historic preservation that benefit economic development. Mr. Varda said the City has not made enough efforts to preserve historic structures. He opined on the original owners of the property and that we are losing structures. He opined again that the City doesn’t care enough about historic preservation. He spoke about various cultural backgrounds of the City including its agricultural history. Mr. Varda was sworn in and agreed that the testimony he gave before the Landmark Commission was the truth.

Chris Moore of 2135 Concord Drive spoke. He opined on the decision to close the school because of costs was deceptive to scare parents by the school district. He said the school board doesn’t care about the school. Mr. Moore opined on the history of the school including the children ringing the bell. Mr. Moore says the City needs to get involved in preserving the building. Mr. Moore was sworn in and agreed that the testimony he gave before the Landmark Commission was the truth.

Greg Lofgren of the McHenry County Historical Society spoke in favor of preservation of the Landmark School. Mr. Lofgren opined on the history of the structure and his family’s involvement in working at the school. Mr. Lofgren was sworn in and agreed that the testimony he gave before the Landmark Commission was the truth.

John Smith, President of the Riverwalk Foundation spoke again. He wanted to clarify that his testimony did not indicate a desire to preserve the use of the property as a school and that the school district costs to keep it a school were between 10 and 20 million USD to bring to life safety standards. He said other uses would be substantially less expensive. 

The City of McHenry is dedicated to providing the citizens, businesses and visitors of McHenry with the highest quality of programs and services in a customer-oriented, efficient and fiscally responsible manner.

Jeff Varda spoke again. He opined on the cost and agreed with Mr. Smith’s testimony but added it included other regular maintenance issues in addition to life safety issues.

Chris Moore spoke again. He said the cost included an addition to the building to keep it running as a school.

There were no further public comments.

City Planner Sheriff read the sample motion as amended and identified in the report.

Commissioner Staley asked for clarification regarding the local materials used from the Commission.

Commissioner Healy clarified that the look and color should be the same. City Planner Sheriff clarified that what was said was included in the report as amended.

Commissioner Healy opined that he believed what is proposed was supportive of promoting preservation but still allowing reuse of the property.

City Planner Sheriff showed the Commission the changes to the report which were shown as follows:

1. A description of the significant exterior architectural features of the nominated landmark that should be protected.

a. The bell tower, doorway arches.

b. The exterior brick façade and color shall be preserved to the greatest extent possible.

c. The appearance and design of the roof/roofline shall be preserved to the greatest extent possible.

2. A description of the types of construction, alterations, or demolitions that should be reviewed for appropriateness pursuant to this chapter.

a. Any exterior construction work to the principal structure including remodeling, alterations, additions, and demolition.

b. Any construction on the landmark property that would compromise the view of the principal structure.

The City of McHenry is dedicated to providing the citizens, businesses and visitors of McHenry with the highest quality of programs and services in a customer-oriented, efficient and fiscally responsible manner.

Motion was made by Commissioner Healy and seconded by Commissioner Staley. Roll Call vote (6-yes; 0-no; 0-abstain; absent Commissioner Smith)

Public hearing closed at 8:20 p.m.

b. Moving Landmark Records From Petersen House to City Hall City Planner Sheriff gave an update on removing some of the records from the Petersen House to City Hall. It was discussed that the Commission would begin cataloging the items to be preserved.

c. Historical Interviews

Chairman Hillier gave an update regarding historical interviews. The Commission couldn’t remember the name of an individual to interview that was recommended by someone.

d. Upcoming Events

i. Plaque Event (May)

Chairman Hillier said nothing has changed and they were good to go for the plaque event.

ii. Cemetery Tour (Fall 25)

Chairman Hillier said they were on track for a potential cemetery tour in the fall.

e. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn made by Commissioner Paluch, 2nd by Commissioner Staley. Unanimous consent was given for adjournment at 8:36pm.

https://cms8.revize.com/revize/mchenryil/Document_Center/Department/Community%20Development/Landmark/Packets/Landmark%20Agenda%20Packet%2012.3.24.pdf