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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20111102MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSII FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY November 2, 2011 A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission was called to order on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 7:05 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Charles Stewart, Robert Bowman, Kurt Cushwa, Christine Toms, Gary Rohrer, and George Anikis. Also present was Staff member Stephen Goodrich. B. MINUTES The approval of the minutes of the October 5, 2011 meeting will be postponed until the December 2011 meeting. There was a brief discussion regarding the preference of members to have agendas sent to them via e- mail or hardcopies via regular mail. Commissioner Cline, Mr. Cushwa, Mr. Stewart and Mr. Bowman prefer e-mail; Mr. Anikis and Mr. Rohrer — OK to send minutes and agenda via e-mail, but prefer hardcopies of all other information; Ms. Toms prefers hardcopies. C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS None D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - Southern Boulevard Mr. Goodrich reminded members that the round -about for Southern Boulevard was previously discussed and additional input was requested. He noted that the State Highway Administration recommended larger species of trees in the middle of the round -about and a cobblestone type pattern for the round- about. Discussion and Comments: There was a brief discussion regarding the stamped concrete proposed for the round -about versus blacktop. Members believe that the money used for the stamped concrete could be used more effectively. Members reiterated that the stockpiling of the stone from the house that is proposed for demolition is recommended. Motion and Vote: Mr. Rohrer made a motion that the Commission accept the proposed design as presented. Second by Ms. Toms. Unanimously approved. E. BUDGET None F. NEW BUSINESS None G. OTHER BUSINESS - Design Guidelines Ms. Sandy Izer, a former member of the HDC, who volunteered to continue working on the Design Guidelines with the Commission was present. She began a review of the Draft Design Guidelines as completed to date. Ms. Izer noted that she contacted several historic associations throughout the County [listed on page 23 of the Draft] andrequested a brief statement from each pertaining to the functions of their organization. She reported that none of the associations replied to her request and suggested that if members know anyone associated with any of these organizations to obtain a statement about the functions of that organization. In Section 2, the Commission needs to determine the documents that must be submitted with an application [such as a tax credit application] and make a concise list to be included in this section. Ms. Izer discussed the concept of "preferably preserved", which allows time to find alternatives to demolition. Members briefly discussed this concept. Ms. Izer discussed Section 3 "Tax Credit Program". She would like Commission members to thoroughly review this section for accuracy and clarification. There was a brief discussion regarding the need for language clarifying that if an applicant receives one tax credit (such as the state tax credit) it does not guarantee that the applicant would receive the County tax credit. Commission members also discussed the "taking back" of tax credits. Mr. Cushwa recommended that language should be added instructing people to check with their accountant before beginning a tax credit project. Ms. Toms volunteered to review the Tax Credit section and make revisions, as needed. There was a brief discussion regarding lighting on signs and changes that have been made since the printing of the Draft. Commission members discussed a timeline to complete the Guidelines. H. CLOSED SESSION None I. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Second by Mr. Rohrer. So ordered. Respectfully submitted, Stephen T. Goodrich Director of Planning