HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220608MINUTES OF THE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
June 8, 2022
The Washington County Historic District Commission held a public hearing and its regular monthly
meeting on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Washington County Administration Complex,
100 W Washington Street, Room 2000, Hagerstown, MD.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The Vice -Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Commission members present were: Lloyd Yavener, Vice -Chairman, Vernell Doyle, Michael Lushbaugh,
Ann Aldrich and Kourtney Lowery. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of
Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, CIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member and Debra Eckard,
Administrative Assistant.
PUBLIC HEARING
Design Guidelines for Historic Structures
Ms. Jenkins gave a brief presentation of the history of the Design Guidelines which were drafted in April
of 2021 using a previous, unadopted draft as guidance. Staff used documents in researching the
formatting and content of the Design Guidelines from Frederick, Montgomery and Calvert Counties in
Maryland and the City of Denver, Colorado, just to name a few. Comments from HDC members were
incorporated throughout the document during several reviews over many months of preparation. At the
May 2022 meeting, the HDC members reached a consensus to hold a public hearing to take public
comment on the Design Guidelines.
Ms. Jenkins briefly reviewed several sections included in the document to outline the HDC's review
process. Application requirements are described that are specific to the HDC, its evaluation process and
demolition. Sources for application requirements include: the County's Zoning Ordinance, individual
policy documents or State law as well as those deemed necessary for review by the HDC.
Ms. Jenkins noted that the Design Guidelines also include a brief history of the County and its architectural
styles and structure types. The Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation are referenced in the
Guidelines. These Standards are used by the HDC during its review process for a variety of projects
including: viewsheds, cemeteries, accessory buildings, additions to historic structures, new construction,
signs, solar and other technologies, etc. Ms. Jenkins stated there is a section relating to the HDC's major
reviewable Rural Villages with notations on the review authority and a synopsis of the village extracted
from the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties.
Public Comment
There were no citizens present to make public comment.
There was a written comment received from Linda Irvin -Craig requesting that the HDC consider the
posting of properties seeking demolition of historic structures. This subject was previously discussed
among the HDC members. Ms. Jenkins recommended that this comment be discussed at a future
workshop with the Board of County Commissioners. She noted the County has a separate demolition
policy which would be a more appropriate place for requiring the posting of properties.
Ms. Doyle asked for one correction in the Table of Contents.
Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to close the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Aldrich and so ordered by the Vice -Chairman.
Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to adopt the Design Guidelines for Historic Structures with
the correction as noted by Ms. Doyle. The motion was seconded by Ms. Doyle and unanimously approved.
OTHER BUSINESS
Staff Report
Ms. Jenkins provided a written report of staff reviews for the previous month.
Ms. Jenkins shared information regarding the activity on the County's Facebook page during Preservation
month. The post discussing tax credits showed the most engagement activity. The Design Guidelines were
also promoted during this time.
Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to go into Closed Session at 7:21 p.m.. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved
CLOSED SESSION
To discuss the appointment of one or more applicants to the Historic District Commission.
Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to leave Closed Session at 7:29 p.m. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and so ordered by the Vice Chairman.
UPCOMING MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for July 6, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Lushbaugh and so ordered by the Chairman.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill L. Baker, Director
Washington County Dept. of Planning & Zoning