Kendall County Times

Village of Oswego Historic Preservation Commission met April 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1. CALL TO ORDER

Village of Oswego

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES

April 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM Location: Oswego Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill, Oswego, Illinois

A meeting of the Oswego Historic Preservation Commission was called to order at 7:01 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL

Members Present: Commissioners George, Zentner, Murray, Schwarz

Members Absent: Commissioners Barrow, Terrazas

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

3. MINUTES - Approve Minutes for March 26, 2025.

A motion was made by Commissioner Murray and seconded by Commissioner Zentner to approve the minutes from the March 26, 2025 meeting with no changes.

AYES: George, Zentner, Murray, Schwarz

NAYS: None

ABSTAINS: None

4. PUBLIC FORUM

None

5. OLD BUSINESS

a. Harvey One-Room Schoolhouse sign update

Ms. Riemenschneider stated that she had not received any updated information.

b. Historic Property Highlights (Property of the Season)

Commissioner Zentner asked if the Property of the Season must be a residential piece of property. The Commission determined that the Property of the Season can be any piece of property as long as it contributes to the historical and cultural character of the Village. Commissioner Zentner then proposed the site of the old Oswego Dragstrip. Commissioners Zentner and Murray provided a brief background on the site, explaining that it was once a quarter-mile raceway on the west side of the Fox River, where locals and visitors would come to watch stock car races. Mr. Lind stated that he would provide more information on the Property of the Season program and process at the next Historic Preservation Commission meeting.

6. NEW BUSINESS

a. Consideration and Vote on Honorary Street Name Applications

i. Ralph Ross - Mr. Lind reviewed the application for Ralph Ross, noting his major life achievements and contributions to the Village, and the suggested sign location of Polk Street.

Commissioner Zentner motioned to recommend designating Polk Street as Honorary Ralph Ross Street, subject to Public Works approval. Commissioner Schwarz seconded the motion.

AYES: George, Zentner, Murray, Schwarz

NAYS: None

ABSTAINS: None

ii. James Detzler Mr. Lind reviewed the application for James Detzler, noting his major life achievements and contributions to the Village, and the suggested location of North Madison Street.

Commissioner George motioned to recommend designating North Madison Street as Honorary James Detzler Street, subject to Public Works approval. Commissioner Murray seconded the motion.

AYES: George, Zentner, Murray, Schwarz

NAYS: None

ABSTAINS: None

7. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT

None

8. REPORTS

a. Commissioners' Reports - None.

b. Oswegoland Park District / Oswego Heritage Association Report

Mr. Noce of the Oswegoland Park District reported:

i. The Park District will continue collecting recipes through April 30; the Community Cookbook will be unveiled on May 3

ii. The Capturing Oswego Photo Contest begins on May 1

iii. The Oswegoland Park District and Oswego Heritage Association are hosting two upcoming bus tours: an "Industrial Sector" tour on April 26 and the "Roth Road Cemetery" tour on May 10

c. Development Services Report - None

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commissioner George asked if the Commission had made any plans for National Historic Preservation month. Commissioners responded that previously at the March Commission meeting, it was determined that the Earl Zentmyer Family Street dedication and the Little White School's 175th birthday celebration on May 17 would serve as observances of National Historic Preservation month.

Mr. Lind stated that the "Honorary Earl Zentmyer Family Street" dedication ceremony will take place on May 8 at 5:00 p.m. in front of the Oswego Public library on West Jefferson Street. Mr. Lind will send invitations to the Commissioners in the coming days.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be Wednesday May 28, 2025.

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Schwarz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Commissioner George seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned 7:37 p.m.

AYES: George, Zentner, Murray, Schwarz

NAYS: None

ABSTAINS: None

https://www.oswegoil.org/home/showpublisheddocument/8111