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HomeMy WebLinkAbout200805 - Minutes, Historic District CommMINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY August 5, 2020 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 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, August 5, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. virtually using Zoom software. No physical meeting took place. 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: Jill Baker, Director; Meghan Jenkins, GIS Analyst; and Debra Eckard, Administrative Assistant. MINUTES Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 1, 2020 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Doyle and unanimously approved. OLD BUSINESS Demolition Permit Process Mr. Clemens gave a brief introduction of previous discussions for the benefit of the new members. Part of the discussions have focused on the penalty for demolition without a permit. According to a recent survey of other Maryland counties, the majority that responded to the survey, indicated a $500 penalty for demolition of an historic structure without a permit. Ms. Baker gave a more detailed description of the procedures associated with performing work without a permit. The County first issues a "field correction notice" to the violator. The violator has a set number of days in which to respond to the "notice". it is the County's practice to require the violator to gain compliance by obtaining a permit for which there is a $50.00 fee. The County currently has a $100 civil citation that can be issued; however, this would go through the court system which can be very time consuming and burdensome to enforce. Ms. Baker discussed another option which would be a separate "fine" assigned by the Historic District Commission for demolition of an historic structure without a permit. This would go above and beyond the permit process. Another point of discussion has been the period of time for review of a demolition permit of an historic structure. Members proposed [to the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners] a longer period for review. Members believe that the extra time would allow them to discuss with the property owner options other than demolition. They could also guide the owner on ways to document the historic structure and ways to rehabilitate or re -purpose materials from it. The survey indicated that other counties have a longer review time, from 90 to 120 days. It was also noted that other counties require documentation of the historic structure as part of the permit application process. There was a discussion regarding the document that was presented previously to the County Commissioners by the Historic Advisory Committee and members asked that the document be forwarded to them since it has been a while since it was discussed. Members believe it would be beneficial to have a joint meeting with the Historic Advisory Committee in order to discuss the proposal before presenting it to the County Commissioners again. Ms. Jenkins will send the document and try to set up a workshop meeting with the Historic Advisory Committee. Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to hold a joint workshop with the Historic Advisory Committee to discuss the demolition permit process and to propose the levying of a fine outside of the civil citation for demolition of historic structures without a permit. The motion was seconded by Mr. Smith and unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area FY21 Grant Award Updates Ms. Jenkins provided a summary of the monetary awards recently given by the Heritage Area Grant program. She also provided a summary on the County's website. A total of $135,000 of grants were awarded in Washington County's Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area as follows: • Battle of Falling Waters Foundation: $45,000 for parking area • Maryland DNR: $50,000 for visitor center exhibits construction • Boonsboro: $10,000 • Antietam Train Station, Sharpsburg: $20,000 for roof replacement • Historical Society: $10,000 for Seibert collection OTHER BUSINESS Demolition Permit #2020-02665 Ms. Baker reported on the administrative approval of a demolition permit for a home located at 14510 Barkdoll Road. The home was a total loss, with one fatality, due to a fire. This permit was expedited due to safety concerns at the site. Ms. Baker gave a brief description of the home, which was documented in 2001 as one of 42 contributing structures in the Rural Village of Ringgold. The house was a circa 1830, 2 1/2 story Federal style brick residence with a 3 bay facade, laterally oriented gable roof with shed roof wall dormers, 9 x 6 sashes, a distinctive 6 panel wood door and a 2 story gallery porch on the facade. Certified Local Government Training Mr. Clemens announced there will be a CLG training workshop for anyone interested in attending on August 13th at 2:00 p.m. This will be a virtual meeting. Website Updates Mr. Clemens noted that a summary of website updates were sent out prior to the meeting. Discussion and Comments: Ms. Aldrich noted that included in the information was a document describing what does and does not require a permit. She stated that replacement windows do not require a permit and she believes that windows define historic structures. Ms. Aldrich asked if there was a way to require a building permit to replace windows in historic structures. Ms. Baker stated that the Building Code determines what does and does not need a permit for replacement/construction. The Code does not distinguish historic versus other structures. Training Workshop Offering Updates/Target Mailing Updates Ms. Jenkins reported that staff is currently working on getting the Tax Credit Application updated. Once it is updated, it will be put on the County's website. After that, we will discuss the targeted mailing with members. Ms. Jenkins also reported that she has discussed training with the County's IT Department. She will begin planning workshops and content based on a virtual program for now. Ms. Jenkins announced that she will be attending [virtually] the meeting on Wednesday, August 12th of the National Park Service for the new C & O Canal Headquarters at Williamsport. She will give a report at the next HDC meeting. Proposed Dollar General - Sharpsburg Ms. Doyle expressed her opinion that the Planning Commission made a good decision that the proposed Dollar General at Sharpsburg would be required to hold a public hearing for a change in use at the current property of the Antietam Art Gallery. She made an inquiry on the date and time of said public hearing. Mr. Clemens reported that the applicant withdrew their offer on that particular property following the Planning Commission's decision and were looking at a different location near the bridge at Shepherds - town. There was a brief discussion regarding the HDC's review authority within the Antietam Overlay zone. Ms. Baker stated that the HDC has full architectural review for exterior changes and new construction. The HDC has the authority to approve or deny a permit in the AO zoning district. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and so ordered by the chairman. Respectfully submitted, Jill Laker, Director Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning These minutes were approved by a consensus vote via e-mail with the following members approving the minutes as written: Tom Clemens, Edie Wallace, Vernell Doyle, Ann Aldrich, Michael Lushbaugh and Gregory Smith.