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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20211201MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY December 1, 2021 The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Washington County Administrative Complex, 100 W. Washington Street, Room 2001, Hagerstown, Maryland. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Commission members present were: Greg Smith, Chairman, Lloyd Yavener, Vice Chairman, Ann Aldrich, Vernell Doyle, Michael Lushbaugh, and Kourtney Lowery. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Jill Baker, Director; Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member; and Debra Eckard, Administrative Assistant. MINUTES Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 3, 2021 meeting as presented. The motion was second by Mr. Yavener and unanimously approved. OLD BUSINESS Pole Barn Review Policy Ms. Jenkins presented a draft of the pole barn review policy that was requested by Commission members. A copy of the draft will be attached to these minutes. Members had no changes or comments. Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the policy as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Yavener and unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS Demolition Permit 2021-04892-20463 Jefferson Boulevard Ms. Jenkins presented for review a demolition permit application for property located at 20463 Jefferson Boulevard. The property owners, Mark and Patricia Clegg, and Jonathan Harris of Total Home Improvements were present at the meeting. The applicant is proposing to demolish a lean-to addition on the right side of the tea house (WA -I-283). This is an early 20th century structure; however, the date of the portion to be demolished is unknown. The door (and windows surrounding it) on the tea house is a notable architectural feature that should be retained, if possible. It appears that the lean-to addition is sitting directly on the ground which has caused a lot of rot and decay on the siding. Several windows are damaged or rotted. Discussion and Comment: Mr. Lushbaugh asked if removing the lean-to would cause any damage to the tea house. Mr. Clegg believes there will be no damage to the original structure. Mr. Harris stated that all of the siding will be replaced on the tea house as well as many other improvements will be made. The property owners intend to keep the door with surrounding windows. Ms. Aldrich encouraged the applicant to retain the original siding in order to keep the architectural character of the tea house. Ms. Aldrich asked if the windows will be re -purposed. Mrs. Clegg said they will be kept and re -used if possible; however, they must meet building code requirements. Members provided several suggestions for reuse of materials. Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to support the demolition of the lean-to addition as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and unanimously approved. Certified Local Government FFY 21 Annual Report Ms. Jenkins presented a draft of the FFY21 Annual Report for the Certified Local Government. This report includes the goals for the coming year and continuing education of the members. Discussion and Comments: There was a brief discussion regarding the education trainings and sessions. Ms. Jenkins will verify that this section is updated and complete. Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the FFY21 Certified Local Government Annual Report with the modifications as discussed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved. OTHER BUSINESS Staff Report • Staff Reviews: Ms. Jenkins stated a written report was provided with the agenda packets. • Staff Updates: o Dickinson Property — MHT does not keep a contractor's list for documenting properties. MHT has received the file from the consultant for this property, MHT File #202104484. MHT will reach out to the HDC for comments on this application. Following a brief discussion, members decided they would like to see the application and any new information that is submitted. o MAHDC Training will be held on December 7th from 6 to 8 pm. This is an optional training. o CAMP training is scheduled for December 6th and 8th from 9 am to 1 pm. o Design Guidelines are still a work in progress. Staff is hoping to have the new draft available for the January meeting. o 21612 Jefferson Boulevard — This property changed ownership at the same time the historic structure was demolished so we are still trying to find who the new owners are. Staff continues to check on this matter. o Food for Thought — Meghan made a presentation to this group regarding the HDC Demolition permit process. o Town of Sharpsburg — Ms. Jenkins reported that the municipalities, excepting the City of Hagerstown because they have an HDC equivalent, do not qualify for County tax credits per the Ordinance. County tax credits can be applied on properties with the HP (Historic Preservation) or AO (Antietam Overlay) zoning districts. County tax credits could extend to the municipalities (per the BOCC minutes) that have an equivalent zoning to the HP zone, which includes adopting language of the HDC, and the ability to approve or deny permits for historic structures. There was a brief discussion that the HDC could perform the reviews for the municipalities under an MOU; however, there are several outstanding projects that need to be considered before we could consider this idea. UPCOMING MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for January 5, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Yavener and so ordered by the Chairman. Respectfully submitted, Jill L. B'4ker, Director Washington County Dept. of Planning & Zoning