Historic Preservation Commission
Mar 24, 2026
The lede
- Commission scheduled four 2026 fundraising/promotional events: Scavenger Hunt (April 25), Friends of Preservation (May 21), Stained Glass Window Tour (July 18), and Victorian Picnic (September 19)
- Two property maintenance grant applications received or expected (one submitted, St. John’s preparing submission)
- Swift House funding will be carried over, no new application needed
- February meeting minutes approved with correction to member name (Dawn Brooks)
Decisions & votes
February 24, 2026 minutes approval (including name correction):
- Motion by Monaghan/Swanson
- Passed 6-0 voice vote
Event dates set:
- Scavenger Hunt: April 25, 2026
- Friends of Preservation: May 21, 2026 at 6pm (Swift House, Thursday evening)
- Stained Glass Window Tour: July 18, 2026
- Victorian Picnic: September 19, 2026 (Swift House)
Discussion items
- 2026 Awards Program: Staff noted a residence near South State Street and 6th Street was repainted as potential award winner
- Carl Swanson reported he may know the location of Methodist Church windows (related to stained glass tour)
- Scavenger Hunt event logistics discussed, with Sonya Dobberfuhl recapping volunteer needs and event operations; coordination will be handled via email since no meeting scheduled before the event
- Boone County Conservation District identified as potential source for borrowing period costumes for Victorian Picnic
- Carl Swanson inquired about grant funding and educational workshop availability; staff clarified Commission doesn’t qualify for most grants due to government status but shares workshop information when available
- Staff provided update on downtown façade renovations and new businesses in Belvidere
Financial / operational notes
- One property maintenance grant application received
- St. John’s preparing to submit property maintenance grant application
- Swift House funding will carry over; no new application required
- No royalties or book sales updates
- No expenditures reported