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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20221207MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY December 7. 2022 The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. virtually. There was no in person meeting. 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, Vernell Doyle, Michael Lushbaugh, Kourtney Lowery, and Ann Aldrich. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member and Debra Eckard, Administrative Assistant. NEW BUSINESS Certified Local Government FFY22 Annual Report (Draft) Ms. Jenkins reminded members that as part of the Certified Local Government program, we are required to submit an update to the State of activities regarding historic resources in our jurisdiction as well as Commission membership. Ms. Jenkins briefly reviewed the draft form. Updates were made to the professional qualifications and areas of interest of each Commission member. Members discussed major new projects or plans for the coming year and added "outreach and collaboration with homebuilders and craftspersons in the County" as well as "continue to encourage retention of historic structures through outreach to the public to reduce demolition without permits". Members discussed training and educational needs for the Commission. They expressed interest in learning more about new materials, sustainability, and additional outreach opportunities. Consensus: It was the consensus of the Commission members to submit the CLG form contingent upon the addition of Brianna's qualifications and areas of interest. US 40 over Conococheague Bridge No. 2101200 Ms. Jenkins presented a project for the rehabilitation of Bridge No. 2101200 (US 40 Alt. over the Conococheague Creek. MDOT SHA has determined there will be no adverse effect on the bridge and requested an informal review by MHT's Easement Committee in order to determine whether or not SHA must file an Easement Change form in order to install a temporary road with geotextile film, fill and travel as well as a temporary bridge to move materials from the staging area on the south side of the bridge to the SHA bridge. After a review of the project, the Easement Committee was satisfied that SHA does not need to submit any additional paperwork to use the easement area at the Wilson Bridge Park. SHA will be in contact with the County as they get closer to completing the temporary easement area. Consensus: The Commission does not feel it is necessary to participate any further in the review of this portion of the project. OLD BUSINESS Historic Property Incentives Ordinance (Draft) The Commission resumedtheir review of the draft Ordinance with Section 4 "Property Tax Credits for Improvements to Specified HistoricS tructures". • Section 4.03a Eligibility — Expand to include structures listed on the MIHP in miunicipalities where the County has the authority to review permit applications, the municipality has a Planning Commission, and the municipality has something equivalent to the HP overlay. • Sections 403b and 403c — Clarifying what is in the current Ordinance • Section 403d — New text for the adopted Rural Villages where we currently have review authority • Section 403e — MHT easement structures would qualify for the County's tax credit — Ms. Jenkins will investigate further to determine if we want to include MET and Rural Legacy easements. • Section 406c — New text added • Section 407a — We are using the MHT list for qualified rehabilitation expenses. Ms. Jenkins will contact MHT to determine if water and sewer connections to historic structures would be eligible. • Section 407b — Should we add "health" to the text • Section 408 —This section has been written to be consistent with MHT guidelines and to make the paperwork process less difficult for the public. OTHER BUSINESS Staff Report Ms. Jenkins stated that a written report was included in the agenda packet. Training was completed by members on Monday. There are funds in the budget that we can use for additional training opportunities. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Mr. Yavener made a motion to nominate Mr. Smith for the position of Chairman. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and unanimously approved with Mr. Smith abstaining from the vote. Ms. Aldrich made a motion to nominate Mr. Yavener for the position of Vice -Chairman. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved with Mr. Yavener abstaining from the vote. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. Doyle and so ordered by the Chairman. UPCOMING MEETINGs. The next meeting of the Historic District Commission is scheduled for January 4, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, A e Jill Baker, AICP Director, Washington County Dept. of Planning & Zoning