HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210602MINUTES OF THE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
June 2, 2021
Due to current social meeting restrictions put in place by the Governor of Maryland because of the COVID-
19 pandemic, the Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on
Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. virtually using Zoom software. No physical meeting took place.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Commission members present were: Tom Clemens, Ann Aldrich, Vernell Doyle, Edie Wallace, Michael
Lushbaugh, and Greg Smith. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning &
Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and Debra Eckard, Administrative Assistant.
MINUTES
Motion and Vote: Mr. Smith made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 5, 2021 meeting as
presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Permit #2021-01909 —16490 Spielman Road
Ms. Jenkins presented for review and approval a residential building permit application for the proposed
construction of a 150 square foot addition. The property is located at 16490 Spielman Road in the
Downsville Rural Village. Ms. Jenkins noted that the siding and shutters will be the same color as the
existing house; the roof will be metal. The addition will replace the existing porch on the side of the house
and the existing door with transom will be retained.
Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to approve the permit application as presented. The
motion was seconded by Ms. Wallace and unanimously approved.
OTHER BUSINESS
Design Guidelines
Ms. Jenkins began reviewing the draft Design Guidelines on page 22.
Discussion and Comments:
Plantings and Landscapes: Ms. Aldrich expressed her opinion that many of the historic landscapes
have been filled with invasive exotic plants. She does not believe we should continue to promote
the use of these types of plants that are destroying our natural resources. Mr. Smith suggested
adding language that states, "the use of non-invasive species is encouraged".
• Accessory Buildings: #2 should be re -worded and include language about maintaining distinctive
features and details to prevent deterioration. Also add language about adaptive re -use of
accessory buildings.
• Archaeological Resources: Meghan will check MHT standards for guidelines on these resources.
Add language about discouraging grading if there is the potential for archaeological resources.
• Cemeteries and Historic Markers: Use the word gravestone instead of tombstone. Add recom-
mendations on techniques for maintaining gravestones and markers. Include contact information
for the Coalition to Preserve Maryland Burial Sites.
• Wood Facades: Add language to discourage uncovering and exposing logs to the exterior
elements. Recommend covering the logs with some type of facade, such as wood.
• Porches: Re -word to "maintain and repair existing historic porches".
• New Construction and Additions to Historic Buildings: Plantings: Include same language as
discussed earlier about non-invasive species. Members discussed the planting of trees, keeping
them away from the house and causing damage to foundations, walls, etc. Add language to
encourage the placement of plantings to be considerate of the foundation, walls, etc. of the
historic structure.
• Rehabilitation of Commercial Buildings: Need some language. Meghan will check both the City of
Hagerstown and Frederick County's Design Guidelines.
• Signs: Discourage the use of internally lit signs, electronic signs, digital signs in historic areas.
National Preservation Month
Ms. Jenkins gave a brief update and presentation of information that was posted on the County's website
during the month of May in recognition of National Preservation month. The highest engagement post
focused on the tax credits information.
Members discussed the use of billboards next year to feature historic structures in Washington County.
Another idea was advertising on County Commuter buses.
Staff Report
• Staff performed six reviews mainly for porch replacements and enclosures to the rear of
structures.
• A demolition permit application has been submitted for an accessory structure on Lehman's Mill
Road, which will be coming before the HDC next month.
• The Demo Permit Policy discussion with the BOCC should be held sometime within the next
month.
• The Election of Officers will be discussed next month.
• We are currently seeking new applications for Commission members. If members know of anyone
interested in serving, they are encouraged to fill out an application on the County's website.
• MHT Education Grant Update: We received a $1500 grant from MHT for the coming fiscal year.
Staff is encouraging members to use this grant for additional training from MAHDC. The training
will help keep us on -track for CLG training requirements.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Our next meeting is scheduled for July 7, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. which was so ordered by the Chairman.
Respectfully submitted,
f a
Jil�Baker, Director
Washington County Department of Planning
& Zoning