McHenry Times

McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission met Sept. 3

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Members Present: Stuart Thiel, Kirk Donald, Peter Gussie, Rachell Horbenko, Dawn Milarski, Sarah Taylor

Members Absent: Anthony Alfaro, Sarah Metivier-Schadt

1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL

Meeting called to order at: 6:10PM by Chairman Gussie

2. APPROVAL OF DRAFT MINUTES

Mover: Rachell Horbenko

Seconder: Dawn Milarski

Approve previous minutes

Approved by Voice

3. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

None.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

5. MEMBERS' COMMENTS

None.

6. OLD BUSINESS

Chairman Gussie said he received good feedback after the Network Meeting with presenters Quinn Adamowski and Ms. May. He asked the Commission for suggestions for future topics, speakers and what other groups to invite for the next Network Meeting.

Mr. Stuart Thiel came in at 6:21pm.

No update was given on the Outreach to Owners of Potential Landmark Properties as Ms. Metivier Schadt was not present.

Ms. Jacobson showed examples of the materials used for plaques from Don's Country Woodshop. She also showed images of plaques the shop created for the City of McHenry's Historic Preservation Commission. She is hoping to receive samples from the shop to bring in to the next meeting.

7. NEW BUSINESS

Ms. Jacobson said she has been in contact with Ms. Anne Sullivan. They are looking at dates to schedule a tour of the barn.

Chairman Gussie inquired about a property in Cary that Ms. Kim Scharlow said had expressed interest in landmarking. Ms. Jacobson said she would have to reach out to Ms. Scharlow and get an update.

It was announced McHenry County Historical Society is doing their Victory Dance on September 13th at 6:00pm at the McHenry VFW. They are also holding their School House Tour on September 6th.

Ms. Sarah Taylor announced she has been working with the McHenry County Land Conservancy and other partners for a series of events promoting 2026 as the Year of the Woman Farmer. The events are incorporating preservation, conservation, history and agriculture. Chairman Gussie suggested she also contact the Farm Bureau.

8. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Chairman Gussie explained he has been trying to follow up with the contractor to send the rural survey information to the GIS department to be imported into the county's servers. The contractor has claimed to have sent it out twice but both times has not been able to provide tracking information to Chairman Gussie. The contractor has since stopped replying to his emails. He said he will contact the State's Attorney's office to see if a demand letter sent out.

9. STAFF REPORT

The Commission was reminded that meetings are now 6:00pm and not 6:15pm.

10. ANNOUNCEMENTS

10.1 Next Regular Meeting October 01, 2025

The next meeting will be held at the Colonel Palmer House at 660 E. Terra Cotta Avenue in Crystal Lake.

Ms. Dawn Milarski inquired about a house in the Chemung area. She will forward the address to Chairman Gussie for him to look into further.

11. ADJOURNMENT

Mover: Kirk Donald

Seconder: Stuart Thiel

To adjourn the meeting at 6:50pm

Approved by Voice

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