HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-2-25MINUTES OF THE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
July 2, 2025
The Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday,
July 2, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in 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 6:00 p.m.
Commission members present were: Lloyd Yavener, Chairman; Ann Aldrich, Michael Lushbaugh, Justin
Bedard, Tyler Milam, Greg Smith and Ex-officio County Commissioner Randal Leatherman. Staff members
present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator
and HDC Staff member.
MINUTES
Motion and Vote: Ms. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 7, 2025 meeting as
presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lushbaugh and unanimously approved.
OLD BUSINESS
Historic Properties Tax Credit — Town MOU
Ms. Jenkins explained that the Town of Keedysville was meeting this evening and would be discussing the
MOU for the Historic Properties Tax Credits in the near future. She noted she will follow-up with Mr. Lung
from the Town of Sharpsburg [who attended the Workshop] and will reach out to the other municipalities
one more time.
Members provided a few suggestions to add to the powerpoint presentation such as adding photos of
other resources that would qualify for historic tax credits and the addition of a slide with key points that
were discussed during the Workshop.
OTHER BUSINESS
Preservation Month 2025
Ms. Jenkins provided a summary of the social media posts that were viewed during the month of May.
There was a lot of positive interaction. Preservation Maryland provided a presentation during May;
however, Ms. Jenkins believes this should be scheduled earlier in order to get the word out to the public
and receive more participation. It was suggested that the scavenger hunt brochure should be provided to
the Board of Education to distribute to the school students. Only two completed forms were submitted.
Correspondence
Ms. Jenkins announced that the County supported a grant application submitted by Preservation
Maryland to host a series of historic trades workshops. It seems favorable that the grant may be funded
since the Federal government has opened up the Federal Fiscal Year funding.
Training Opportunities
Ms. Jenkins reported that she attended the Creating and Updating Historic Design Guidelines webinar
which she found interesting and helpful. It was recommended that Design Guidelines should be updated
every few years. If members or staff have questions that continually arise, a list should be kept which
could be addressed in the next update. It was recommended that alternative materials should be very
specific.
The next training opportunity for members is the Evolution of Historic Building Systems webinaron July
8`n at 12 p.m. Ms. Jenkins will be attending and encouraged members to sign up for at least one training
per year.
Staff Report
• A written report of staff reviews for both May and June was provided to members in the agenda
packet.
• The photo addendum for WA-1-437 (1230 Mt. Aenta Road) has been submitted to MHT as
requested by the HDC.
• The Comprehensive Plan has been scheduled for discussion with the Board of County
Commissioners on August 5en
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:35 pm. The motion was seconded by Mr. Smith
and so ordered by the Chairman.