HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-7-09MINUTES
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
January 7, 2009
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chairman Michael Gehr called the regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission to order on
Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 7:02 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County
Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Michael Gehr, Sandy Izer,
Rob Bowman, Merry Stinson and David Wiles. Also present were Staff members Stephen T. Goodrich
and Debra Eckard.
B. MINUTES
Mr. Bowman made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 3, 2008 meeting as presented.
Seconded by Mr. Wiles. Unanimously approved. Ms. Izer abstained.
C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS
None
D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
E. BUDGET
Mr. Goodrich stated that the County's deadline for submitting budget requests for FY 2010 is Friday,
January 16th. He is not proposing any line item changes from last year's budget.
Vote: HDC members voted unanimously to accept the proposed budget as presented.
F. NEW BUSINESS
AP2008-069 - 9000 Jordan Road
Mr. Goodrich presented for review and recommendation AP2008-069 for property located at 9000 Jordan
Road. The appellant, Shentel, is proposing to construct a 190 -foot monopole commercial communication
tower. The Commission previously reviewed information for the proposed tower at this site during their
September 2008 meeting. Mr. Goodrich noted that the Commission was opposed to the tower at this site
due to its visibility from St. Mark's Episcopal Church, which is a National Historic Register site, and its
close proximity to another tower.
Mr. Goodrich included photographs of the balloon test conducted by the developer in the agenda packet,
which was sent to HDC members. Several photos were taken from historic sites cited by the HDC as
being within the viewshed of the proposed cell tower. Mr. Matthew Burtner, representing Shentel, and Mr.
Michael Knotwell of Shentel were both present at the meeting and answered questions from the members
of the HDC. It was noted that the balloon was most visible from areas along the Downsville Pike. Mr.
Burtner stated that a tower is needed at this location in order to provide adequate coverage for the
Downsville area.
Ms. Izer recused herself from all discussions regarding the proposed cell tower and from voting.
Mr. Bowman expressed his opinion that the visibility of the tower, based on photographs taken during the
balloon test, would not have a dramatic impact on the viewshed in this area.
Motion and Vote: Mr. Bowman made a motion to recommend approval of AP2008-069 for the proposed
communication tower at 9000 Jordan Road based on photographs taken during a balloon test and the
limited impact on the viewshed in this area. Seconded by Mr. Wiles. The motion passed with a 3-0 vote.
Ms. lzer abstained.
Mr. Gehr commended the appellant on the thoroughness of the information provided to the Commission.
FY 2010 CLG Application
Mr. Goodrich distributed copies of Phase IV of the Rural Communities Survey that was prepared using
CLG funds received from the Maryland Historical Trust during the past year. The Rural Villages of
Downsville and Mt. Lena were surveyed during this phase of the survey. The County did not receive all of
the funds that were requested; therefore, only two rural village surveys could be completed. Mr. Goodrich
noted that it cost approximately $11,000 for each rural village.
Mr. Goodrich stated that it is time to apply for CLG funds for 2010 and would like the Commission's input
on the type of project to fund. He suggested that funds could be used to complete Phase V of the Rural
Communities Survey. Members were in favor of requesting funds to use for Phase V and discussed the
rural villages they would like to have surveyed during that phase. After a brief discussion, members
decided they would like to have the following rural villages surveyed during Phase V: Brownsville,
Weaverton, Gapland and Bakersville. Mr. Goodrich stated he will prepare the application for the CLG
funds and submit it to the Maryland Historical Trust.
G. OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Goodrich announced that the Planning Commission reviewed Demolition Permit #2008-06286 for
property located at 21524 Leitersburg-Smithsburg Road in the Leitersburg Rural Village zone. He stated
that the Planning Commission did not oppose the demolition permit application.
H. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None
I. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bowman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Seconded by Mr. Wiles. So ordered.
Respectfully submitted,
StephenT. Goodrich
Chief Planner