Village of Oswego Historic Preservation Commission met July 27.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
1. CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Oswego Historic Preservation Commission was called to order at 6:57 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Commissioners George, Zentner
Members Absent: Commissioner Terrazas
Others Present: Valeria Tarka, Rod Zenner
3. MINUTES – Approval Of Minutes
A motion was made by Commissioner George and seconded by Commissioner Zentner to approve the minutes from February 23, 2022 meeting.
Aye: Commissioner George, Zentner
Nay: None
Absent: Commissioners Terrazas
The motion carried (approved 2-0).
4. PUBLIC FORUM
No residents in attendance.
5. OLD BUSINESS
a. Update of CLG Grant National Register.
Ms. Tarka provided a high-level overview of the CLG Grant and the status of the National Historic District for a portion of Main Street (from Washington Street to Jackson Street). In May, the consultant presented the nomination at Village Board. Subsequently, our consultant presented the presentation at the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council meeting on June 24th, 2022. At IHSAC, the Downtown Oswego Historic District (DOHD) was voted to be forwarded to the National Park Service review and listing. We are now waiting on final word that the National Park Service has listed the DOHD as a National Historic District.
Commissioner George asked if the Commission and Staff had any plans to announce the DOHD once it is listed by National Park Service. Commissioner George suggested a press release. Ms. Tarka agreed that there should be a press release or event to commemorate the importance of the designation. Ms. Tarka added that a letter has been drafted and is ready to be sent out the property owners in the DOHD.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Welcome New Commissioners.
Kevin Zentner was welcomed to the group. The Commissioners and Staff went around and introduced themselves.
b. Confirm Roster Information
Commissioners confirmed their contact information is correct.
c. Discuss Education and Outreach
i. Honorary Street Names. Ms. Tarka explained that the Village is interested in creating honorary street names, they would not replace the name of the street, but will be a brown sign below the street name sign to honor the history of the Village. Ms. Tarka explained that for next meeting the Commissioners should come prepared with streets and names of historical or modern people, groups, or events that have made an impact to the community.
Commissioner George asked if the HPC would be renaming streets. Ms. Tarka clarified that the streets would keep their official name. Commissioner George stated that the Little White School Museum would be a good point of contact for information on this initiative. Mr. Zenner said there is already two honorary streets in the Village.
7. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
None.
8. REPORTS
a. Commissioner’s Report
Commissioner George told the group that he will be attending the Kendall County Preservation Commission meeting on August 15th. Commissioner George also stated that the HPC should start discussing potential initiatives/events for the Historic Preservation month for May 2023.
b. Oswegoland Park District Report / Oswego Heritage Association Report
No Report
c. Development Services Report
Ms. Tarka stated that the HPC is still looking for a chairperson. Anyone who may be interested should contact the Mayor. Ms. Tarka also stated that she will send out a follow-up email with information and links to all the Commissioners.
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Kendall County Historic Preservation Commission meeting on August 15, 2022 at the Fern Dell Museum at 9 Front Street, Newark.
d. NEXT MEETING – Wednesday, March 23, 2022
e. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner George, second Commissioner Zentner adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m.
https://www.oswegoil.org/home/showpublisheddocument/5290/638000355616841806
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