HomeMy WebLinkAbout20110504MINUTES
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
May 4, 2011
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Vice -Chairman Charles Stewart called the regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission to
order on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County
Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Chip Stewart, Rob Bowman,
Tom Clemens, Christine Toms, and Kurt Cushwa. Also present were Staff members Stephen Goodrich
and Debra Eckard and Ex -Officio Commissioner Jeff Cline.
B. MINUTES
Mr. Clemens made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 6, 2011 regular meeting as presented.
Second by Mr. Bowman. Unanimously approved.
C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS
None
D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
- Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead
A copy of the MOA between the Federal Aviation Administration, Maryland State Historic Preservation
Officer, and the Washington County Commissioners was included in the agenda packets. Mr. Goodrich
gave a brief history of the events leading up to the development of the MOA. The MOA includes the
creation of a working group to market the property for re -use or rehabilitation. The working group will
consist of many representatives, one of which should be a member of the HDC.
Members briefly discussed the Farmstead buildings and their significance to the history of the County.
Mr. Goodrich asked for a volunteer from the Commission to be part of the working group. Ms. Toms
expressed her interest in participating in the group; however, she was concerned with meeting times and
availability. If Ms. Toms is unavailable to attend some of the meetings, Mr. Cushwa volunteered to be the
alternate representative. All Commission members concurred.
- Cell Tower — 23523 Foxville Road
Mr. Goodrich reminded members that this proposed cell tower location was discussed during the April 6th
meeting. A formal application has been filed with the Board of Zoning Appeals for this proposed cell
tower. He noted that the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has responded to the applicant's request for
information, a copy of which was included in the agenda packets. The Conservancy did not oppose the
proposed location if specific criteria is met, which was outlined in their letter.
The Commission took no further action on this request.
E. BUDGET
None
F. NEW BUSINESS
- Tax Credit Application TC-11-001, Ronald and Jean Dolan
Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval a Tax Credit Application for Ronald and Jean Dolan for
property located at 10914 Dam #5 Road in Clear Spring. The property is eligible for tax credits because it
has the Historic Preservation overlay zone. Mr. Goodrich stated that the Dolans have applied for and
received State tax credits. He noted that the Maryland Historic Trust approved the application based on a
replacement -in -kind. Mr. Goodrich briefly reviewed the materials included in the application. He stated
that the total amount of the roof replacement was $15,159.66, which would equal a 10% County tax
credit, if approved, in the amount of $1,525.96.
Motion and Vote: Mr. Clemens made a motion to approve Tax Credit Application TC-11-001 for Ronald
and Jean Dolan as presented. Second by Ms. Toms. Unanimously approved.
G. OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Bowman informed Commission members that he is working with Mr. Dolan on plans for a screened -in
porch to be constructed on the back of his house. Once plans have been submitted for a permit, the
permit application will be reviewed by the HDC since this property has the HP overlay zone.
Discussion: Mr. Cushwa asked what the Commission's policy is with regard to Mr. Bowman participating
in discussions on this project when it comes before them. Mr. Bowman stated that he would represent his
client and answer any questions the Commission may ask, but he would abstain from voting on the
approval or denial of the application. Mr. Goodrich stated that in the past when this type of situation has
occurred, the Commission member would not participate in the Commission's discussion or vote. He
noted that the member's status on the Commission and his/her non -participation in the discussions and
vote need to be clearly defined in the record of the meeting.
:Wal1101.9- ]TRIM �
None
I. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Cushwa made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Second by Mr. Bowman. So ordered.
Respectfully submitted, /
Stephen T. Goodrich
Chief Planner