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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-3-24MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY July 3, 2024 The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Washington County Administrative Complex, 100 W Washington Street, Room 2001, Hagerstown, MD. 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, Justin Bedard, Vernell Doyle, Lloyd Yavener, Michael Lushbaugh and Brianna Candelaria. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator and HDC Staff member. MINUTES Motion and Vote: Ms. Candelaria made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 5, 2024 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bedard and unanimously approved. OLD BUSINESS Review and Update of Historic Tax Credit Brochure Ms. Jenkins distributed copies of the draft Historic Tax Credit brochure. She briefly described changes that have been made to the brochure. Members had the following recommendations: • Put a link to the website under the QR code • Lists should be bulleted or typed in bold so they stand out • Use blue text instead of gold in the lists • Paragraphs alignment should be justified • Use a heavier weight of paper for printing Ms. Jenkins asked members to review the brochure and send her any additional comments via email. She also asked for suggestions of locations where the brochures could be distributed. One suggestion was local hardware stores, such as Lowe's or Ace Hardware. Ms. Doyle pointed out that in the sentence "Applications should be submitted before the start of work for which the tax credit is sought", the word should needs to be changed to "must". Members recommended making the word "must" in bold type. OTHER BUSINESS Correspondence — Historic Bridge Review: Us 522 over Potomac and CSX (15982) Ms. Jenkins stated that correspondence was received regarding the bridge over US 522 in Hancock. She noted that the area of effect is not greater than the SHA right-of-way. According to the SHA's architectural historian and archaeologist on staff, there will be no adverse effect to any historic or archeological sites. Consensus: Members have no additional comments. Staff Report Staff Reviews - Ms. Jenkins provided a written summary. She noted that the demolition permit for the property reviewed at the last meeting located in Smithsburg on Cavetown Church Road was released. Ms. Jenkins stated that the applicant provided an updated salvage plan for the barn, which has been donated. She also talked to MHT who previously determined the structures were not eligible for the National Register. Because no improvements had been made to the structures since that determination, MHT would not require any further review of the property. The Director of Public Works and the Director of Engineering will be available for a workshop with the HDC on August 7`h at 5:30 pm to discuss County historic bridges, specifically Price's Bridge. HOC By-laws — The county attorney's office has determined that the Board of County Commissioners must approve the By-laws prior to recordation. She noted there is a change in Article 9 regarding recordation and final approval by the Board of County Commissioners. Discussion: Mr. Yavener pointed out that in Article IX Amendments, the third sentence should be changed to be grammatically consistent with the first sentence. Also, the last sentence should begin with the word "Final" not finally. Ms. Jenkins will provide these comments to the County Attorney for the final review. o Motion and Vote: Mr. Bedard made a motion to approve the amendments to Article 9 pending ratification of grammatical errors as discussed and that final approval of the By- laws will rest with the Board of County Commissioners. The motion was seconded by Ms. Candelaria and unanimously approved. Design Guidelines — Ms. Jenkins stated she has performed her yearly review of the Design Guidelines on the web and has updated and fixed all broken links. She has also updated the Tax Credit Ordinance as well. Motion and Vote: Mr. Bedard made a motion to adjourn to Closed Session. The motion was seconded by Ms. Doyle and so ordered by the Chairman. CLOSED SESSION To discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals. Motion and Vote: Mr. Bedard made a motion to return to Open Session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Yavener and so ordered by the Chairman. Motion and Vote: Mr. Bedard made a motion to forward the nominations discussed during Closed Session to the Board of County Commissioners. The motion was seconded by Ms. Candelaria and unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Candelaria made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 pm. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and so ordered by the Chairman. Gre % ith, Chairman