Kendall County Times

Village of Oswego Historic Preservation Commission met Sept. 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 7:01 pm.

2. ROLL CALL

Members Present: Commissioners Terrazas, Zentner, Barrow, and Schwarz

Members Absent: Commissioners George, Murray

Others Present: Rachel Riemenschneider, Rod Zenner

3. MINUTES – Approval Of Minutes

A motion was made by Commissioner Zentner and seconded by Commissioner Barrow to approve the minutes from the May 24, 2023 meeting.

Voice vote.

The motion carried (approved 4-0).

4. PUBLIC FORUM

None

5. OLD BUSINESS

a. Honorary Street Names

Mr. Zenner discussed changes made to the policy and the application, as recommended from staff. First, that two (2) honorary street names be issued per year instead of four (4). Next, that Village will oversee and maintain sign and that Village Board can remove a sign by majority vote. Commissioners confirmed that, while decisions on honorary street names will be made in March and September, they will review applications as they are submitted.

Commissioner Zentner asked that in the sample application, the name should be “Justice Rita Garman”. HPC will consider the application for Justice Rita Garman as an official application at the next HPC meeting.

Commissioner Zenter made a motion to approve the application and application process, Terraza second. Voice vote to approve.

Staff will present the Honorary Street Names policy and application to the Village Board at the October 17, 2023, Village Board meeting.

b. Downtown Oswego Historic District

Staff still needs to speak with public works regarding location of signage. Potential locations will determine how large the sign can be.

6. NEW BUISNESS

a. Harvey One-Room Schoolhouse sign

Allen Hergenhahn presented his proposal for a historical marker at the northwest corner of Wolfs Crossing Road and Harvey Road, commemorating the location of the Harvey One-Room School House. Commissioners generally supported the idea of the sign, but had questions about

budgeting for this sign, the downtown signs, honorary street signs, etc. Commissioners also asked about how this suggestion was received previously and staff confirmed that the HPC at the time was supportive but the timing was difficult since the roadwork would not be completed anytime soon. Now, Public Works anticipates the path, landscaping, and other details of the road being finished around spring 2024. Commissioners agreed that the sign should be designed for those using the path, as opposed to vehicles on the roadway. Staff agreed to look into prices, styles, etc. for consideration at the next meeting.

7. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

8. REPORTS

a. Commissioners’ Reports

The Commission welcomed new commissioner, Jennifer Schwartz.

b. Oswegoland Park District / Oswego Heritage Association Report

None

c. Development Services Report

Ms. Riemenschneider passed on an inquiry from a resident regarding the saw-shaped “Hardware” sign that previously existed at the corner of Washington Street and Main Street. The resident was trying to find who the sign had been sold to. Commissioners did not have any additional information about the current location of the sign.

Ms. Riemenschneider was introduced as the new staff liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission.

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS

10. NEXT MEETING

11. ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Zentner made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Barrow seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned 7:27 pm.

https://www.oswegoil.org/home/showpublisheddocument/6300/638342536948570000