Kendall County Times

Village of Oswego Historic Preservation Commission met March 26.

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 7:02 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL

Members Present: Commissioners Zentner, Barrow, Murray, Schwarz

Members Absent: Commissioners George, Terrazas

Others Present: Rachel Riemenschneider, Village of Oswego; Jeff Lind, Village of Oswego; Joe Noce, Oswegoland Park District; Daiwik Muralidharan, Student Representative

3. MINUTES – Approve Minutes for November 20, 2024.

A motion was made by Commissioner Zentner and seconded by Commissioner Barrow to approve the minutes from the November 20, 2024 meeting with no changes.

AYES: Zentner, Barrow, Murray, Schwarz

NAYS: None

ABSTAINS: None

4. PUBLIC FORUM

Commissioner Schwarz motioned to amend the agenda to move item 6c up to Public Forum. Commissioner Zentner seconded the motion.

AYES: Zentner, Barrow, Murray, Schwarz

NAYS: None

ABSTAINS: None

Voice vote

6c. Consideration of Honorary Street Name Applications

i. Ralph Ross – Mr. Lind provided a brief background into Ralph Ross’ accomplishments and contributions to Oswego. He explained that Ralph’s son Jeff nominated his father and suggested Polk Street as a location for the sign, since that is where the Ross family lived for many years.

ii. James Detzler – Mr. Lind provided a brief background of James Detzler’s accomplishments and contributions to Oswego. Gracie Detzler, James’ granddaughter, addressed the Commission, providing additional details and suggesting N. Madison Street, where her grandfather now lives, as an appropriate location for the sign.

Commissioners briefly discussed both applications, noting that they were complete and thorough. Commissioner Barrow made a motion to consider both street name applications at the next meeting. Commissioner Murray seconded the motion.

AYES: Zentner, Barrow, Murray, Schwarz

NAYS: None

ABSTAINS: None

5. OLD BUSINESS

a. Harvey One-Room Schoolhouse sign update

Commissioner Murray noted that she had not yet had a chance to discuss the sign text with the family. Ms. Riemenschneider and Commissioner Schwarz indicated that they would continue reaching out to sign companies for quotes.

b. DOHD Sign

Ms. Riemenschneider gave a brief overview of the changes. Mr. Noce commented that Waubonsie Creek was misspelled on the sign’s draft language.

Commissioner Murray motioned to approve the DOHD sign language with the correct spelling of “Waubonsie.” Commissioner Zentner seconded the motion.

AYES: Zentner, Barrow, Murray, Schwarz

NAYS: None

ABSTAINS: None

c. Honorary Street Name proposal – Zentmyer Family

Mr. Lind confirmed details of the ceremony with the Commissioners. The sign will say “Honorary Earl Zentmyer Family” Street, and the ceremony will take place on May 8 at 5:00 p.m. in front of the library on West Jefferson Street. The library has reserved an indoor location for the dedication in case of inclement weather.

6. NEW BUSINESS

a. National Preservation Month Events

Ms. Riemenschneider stated that May is National Preservation Month. The commissioners discussed having the May 8 Zentmyer Honorary Street Name ceremony serve as the May event. Mr. Noce of the Oswegoland Park District also mentioned that the Little White School will celebrate its 175th anniversary in the month of May.

b. Historic Property Highlights (Property of the Season)

The commissioners discussed how to best publicize the Village’s “Property of the Season,” including adding an article in the Village newsletter and posting on social media. Mr. Noce stated that the Oswegoland Park District could assist by placing flyers in the Little White School Museum. The commissioners agreed that the “Pillars” should not be the first property highlighted. Ms. Riemenschneider asked the commissioners to think of ideas for the next “Property of the Season.”

7. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT

None

8. REPORTS

a. Commissioners’ Reports – None.

b. Oswegoland Park District / Oswego Heritage Association Report

i. The Little White School Museum will be hosting a 175th birthday celebration on May 17 at 12 p.m.

ii. The Little White School Museum will show the documentary video “The Legend of the Fox” on April 12.

iii. An exhibit on the history of the Little White School will begin soon.

iv. The History Book Club will meet on Sunday April 13 to discuss Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing.

v. Community Cookbook Submissions begin on April 1 and will run through the month of April.

vi. The Capturing Oswego Photo Contest begins on May 1, and submissions will be accepted through May 15.

vii. The Oswegoland Park District is interested in getting the Little White School on the National Register of Historic Places.

c. Development Services Report - Mr. Muralidharan, a new Student Representative, introduced himself, and commissioners welcomed him. Village Planner Jeff Lind introduced himself and stated he would be taking over as Historic Preservation Commission Liaison.

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS

None

10. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be Wednesday April 23, 2025.

11. ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Barrow made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Commissioner Schwarz seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned 7:47 p.m.

AYES: Zentner, Barrow, Murray, Schwarz

NAYS: None

ABSTAINS: None

https://www.oswegoil.org/home/showpublisheddocument/7965/638810804008470000