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Cultural Commission Minutes 2011 07-20-11 APPROVED 8/17/11 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE CULTURAL COMMISSION Wednesday, July 20, 2011, 5:30 p.m. City Conference Room 800 Game Farm Road, Yorkville, IL 60560 In Attendance: Committee Members Harold Oliver, HRM Howard Manthei, City Eric Lechowicz, Tall Prairie Architecture Rick Falato, Yorkville Big Band Other Guests: Valerie Burd Gary Golinski, Mayor City of Yorkville The meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m. Roll Call Roll Call was taken Citizens Comments: Valerie Burd asked about the terms. She stated that they staggered it this time to start. Mr. Oliver said that it should be two to three years not one. He said that in one year, the committee is just getting started, so it is not enough time. Previous Minutes: Motion to approve minutes by Howard Manthei and seconded by Rick Falato. Minutes were approved. Committee Reports: 1) Yorkville Has Talent - Mr. Oliver stated that Robyn Sutcliff is not in attendance so there cannot be much discussion on this topic at the meeting tonight. The date, time, and place is being decided by Robyn Sutcliff and Tammy Eaton. 2) Historic Walking Tour – Mr. Lechowicz stated that it is a busy time of year for him with work, so he has not had much time to work on this. However, he has spent time reading the History of Kendall County Book and he stated that it is a fascinating book and very interesting. He did contact the Yorkville Patch to get himself involved in blogging different properties. He stated that in the fall and winter he will have a lot more time to work on this. Mr. Manthei stated that there are two books in the library genealogy area that have several pictures. Cultural Committee Meeting July 20, 2011 Page 2 of 3 3) Historic Jail - Howard Manthei stated that he has been doing some painting at the jail. He said that he found someone to rebuild the windows for the committee. Mr. Oliver stated that they are going to get some scaffolding up there as soon as this week. Mr. Manthei said that he talked to Bart Olson about removing old paint. Mr. Oliver said that if it is scraped can be put in garbage bags and per dumpster you can put three or four bags per dumpster of lead base paint. It just has to be scraped. Mr. Manthei said that they have spent less than 100 dollars on it so far. They had five gallons of paint donated. Mr. Manthei went to Menards and Home Depot and dropped off a flyer on the Old Jail. He also sent one to This Old House. The manager of Home Depot stated that he would love to help, he just has not had the time. He said that locally they have to donate so many hours to the community each year. Mr. Oliver stated that he can get supplies to get a sign made and donated. Valerie Burd said that she heard that someone has the historical plaque that was on the building. Valerie said that she will try to track that down for the committee. Mr. Manthei said that when he was there the other day painting Christie Noble came and opened the building to show to a perspective buyer. Some people came through and walked around and looked at the building while he was painting. Mr. Manthei stated his concern about that. The committee has put a lot of time and money in to fixing up this building. Mr. Oliver said that he called the Mayor and he said that he didn't know anything about it. Valerie Burd said that whoever buys it would have to pay back the 60,000 that came from a grant to fix up the building. It was purchased to be a museum, which is what the grant was for. Mr. Oliver said that he doesn't want people to think that the building is for sale while the committee is trying to get donations to fix it up. 4) Public Relations - Mr. Oliver stated that the last couple meetings have been less attended because of summer. He stated that he wants to get the right people in place to help get this committee up and running. He thanked Valerie Burd for being there. 5) Grants – Mr. Oliver stated that it is very simple. He said they can get grants for everything from lighting to kitchens. Mr. Oliver stated it might be a great opportunity to get heating. He said if they can get equipment, he can install it. Mr. Oliver asked if they have to go through the city on that. Valerie said that the city has to apply. New Business: Mr. Oliver said that without Robyn Sutcliff in attendance, they can't discuss this topic too much since she headed it up last year. Mr. Manthei said that he would like to get a Facebook page up and running for the Haunted Jail. Old Business : Mr. Lechowicz said that he was invited to the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation Midwest Brewer Fest. He stated that they charged admission and it is a great fundraiser for them. Mr. Lechowicz said it seems like a good idea for a money making avenue. Plainfield had a great turnout with vendors. Valerie Burd stated that when they had wine nights with Music Under The Stars, they had great turnouts. The committee discussed that could be a great fundraiser for the Old Jail. Valerie Burd said that the square could be closed off for that event. Mr. Lechowicz said we could even include some food vendors. The committee discussed closing off the street and hold the event right at the jail. Cultural Committee Meeting July 20, 2011 Page 3 of 3 Additional Business: Mayor Gary Golinski joined the meeting to discuss the sale of the Old Jail. Mr. Oliver gave an overview of what the committee is working on for the Mayor. Mayor Golinski stated that the Old Jail was shown to someone. Mayor Golinski stated that he didn't know that it was being shown and he didn't know that it was for sale. Mayor Golinski stated that maybe they wanted to help restore it. Mr. Oliver stated that he would like to know for sure that the building is not for sale because we are trying to fix the building up and asking for donations and help. Mayor Golinski stated that the topic has not come up in City Council. Mayor Golinski stated that it would be good for the City Council to know what is being done to fix it up. Mayor Golinski stated that he would like the building restored and to do the Haunted Jail again this year. Mr. Falato stated that it is Yorkville history and it is an important building. Mayor Golinski said that he recommends that the committee come and do a presentation to the City Council and get their feedback and see what their thoughts are on the topic. Mr. Oliver said that they are going to schedule a time to do that. Mayor Golinski said that he would also encourage City Council to come out and see the building. Mr. Oliver told the Mayor that they are going to apply for grants for lighting and heating. Motion to adjourn meeting was made by Harold Oliver and seconded by Eric Lechowicz. Meeting was adjourned at 6:33 p.m. Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Lisa Godwin