2015-47 DESIGNATING LOCAL LANDMARK FOR MONARCH BUTTERFLY MONUMENT AT DENNIS SCHOOL

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cropland conversion according to reports. In February the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) kicked off a major campaign to save the butterfly in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation. According to the Service, the newly established NFWF Monarch Conservation Fund has been started with a contribution of $1.2 million from the Service that will be matched by other private and public donors. The fund will provide the first dedicated source of funding for projects working to conserve monarchs. CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATION OF LANDMARKS AND HISTORIC DISTRICT: According to Chapter 31, Section 4 of the Decatur Municipal Code, HASC and the Decatur City Council shall make express findings that the area or property in question meets one or more of several criteria listed to be designated as a local landmark. It is staf�s opinion that the Dennis School Monarch Butterfly meets our of the criteria listed including: (a) It has character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City of Decatur, County of Macon, State of Illinois, or United States of America; (b) It was the location of a significant local, county, state or national event; (c) It is identified with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the development of the City, County, State or Nation; (i) It has a unique location or singular physical characteristics that make it an established or familiar visual feature; Additional criteria to be considered as part of a request for local landmark designation includes the following: - Effect of the proposed designation on the surrounding neighborhood: The fact that the proposed landmark is located at a school site with adequate parking works in support of the request. Additionally, the designation enhances the lab school's focus on providing enriched educational activities and community-based educational opportunities for both students and the public. - Relationship of said proposal to the Official Comprehensive Plan of the City: The Comprehensive Plan for Macon County and Decatur lists the site as "Schools—Public & Private"which would be consistent with the hosting of a local landmark. Part of the reason for designating a site as such is to encourage the protection of the resource as a community learning tool. - Other planning considerations relevant to said proposal: None STAFF REFERENCE: Additional questions can be forwarded to Billy Tyus at 217- 424-2727 or btyus@decaturil.gov. BUDGET & TIME IMPLICATIONS: None.