McHenry Times

City of McHenry Landmark Commission met June 3

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1. Call to Order/Roll Call

meeting was called to order at 5:30PM.

a. Present: Chairman Thomas Hillier, Donna Storm, Mark Healy, Zelinda Paluch, Beth Staley, Celeste Heidemann, Kathryn Fray, Kirk Donald (5:37PM)

b. Absent: Laura Welter

2. Public Comments

No public comment.

3. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes: May 6, 2025

Minutes amended to indicate they are minutes. Motion to approve amended minutes by Commissioner Healy and 2nd by Commissioner Storm. Motion passed.

(Ayes: Chairman Thomas Hillier, Donna Storm, Mark Healy, Zelinda Paluch, Beth Staley, Celeste Heidemann, Kathryn Fray; Nays: None; Absent: Laura Welter, Kirk Donald)

4. New Business

a. Motion to authorize up to $500.00 reimbursement for Middle School Workshop.

The commission discussed the reimbursement of middle school teachers to put on a training seminar/workshop for the local teachers. Motion to approve by Commissioner Storm, 2nd by Commissioner Donald. Motion passed. (Ayes: Chairman Thomas Hillier, Donna Storm, Mark Healy, Zelinda Paluch, Beth Staley, Celeste Heidemann, Kathryn Fray, Kirk Donald; Nays: None; Absent: Laura Welter)

b. Motion to authorize up to $200.00 donation to McHenry County Historical Society and Museum.

The Commission discussed the $200.00 donation. The main point raised by City Planner Sheriff was the appearance of donating tax payers dollars and it may be more appropriate to fund raise. Chairman Hillier asked for a motion. There was no motion and therefore was denied.

c. Post Workshop Assessment, Review of Draft Vision and Mission Statement, and discuss next step.

City Planner Sheriff discussed with the Commission the outcome of the planning workshop. The Commission liked the Mission and Vision Statement. The Commission briefly discussed some ideas for goals that would be discussed at the next meeting.

5. Discussion Items

a. Cemetery Tour

Chairman Hillier gave an update on the Cemetery Tour and is coordinating with the High School theater students. The Commission will reach out to the Cemetery Board to confirm availability. 

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.

b. Landmark National Register

Chairman Hillier did not have any new updates but will have an update next meeting.

c. Petersen Farm

City Planner Sheriff gave an update on the farm saying it was in very good condition after some remediation work. City is looking at improving air circulation in the historic home.

d. Fox River Movie

Thomas gave an update on the movie and that they are working on interview selections. The plan is to have the movie completed in August of this year 2025.

e. Fiesta Days Booth

City Planner Sheriff gave an update that the Commission was approved for the July 19th Art in the Park for a free booth. The Commission discussed general logistics for operating the booth.

f. Open Discussion

The commission discussed getting a card for Greg Lofgren who is in the hospital.

Chairman Hillier gave an update that Landmark School Tour would be June 4, 2025 from 8AM to 2:30PM.

6. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Heidemann, 2nd Commissioner Paluch at 6:50pm. Motion Passed. (Ayes: Chairman Thomas Hillier, Donna Storm, Mark Healy, Zelinda Paluch, Beth Staley, Celeste Heidemann, Kathryn Fray, Kirk Donald; Nays: None; Absent: Laura Welter)

https://cms8.revize.com/revize/mchenryil/Document_Center/Department/Community%20Development/Landmark/Packets/Landmark%20Agenda%20Packet%207.1.25.pdf