Westminster Historic District Commission

WESTMINSTER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MINUTES OF MEETING June 12, 2013 On the evening of Wednesday, June 12, 2013, a meeting of the Westminster Historic District Commission (HDC) was held at City Hall at 7:00 p.m. Statement of Authority and Qualifications: The Chair officially opened the meeting with the following statement: “The Westminster Historic District Commission derives its authority from Chapter 164, Article 9A of the City Code; which is derived from Article 66B, Section 8 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The qualifications of the Westminster Historic District Commission are on file at City Hall; the file is open to the public.” Roll Call: Present were Chair McMasters; Commissioners Camlin, Goodell, Kelly-Lawler, Mitchell and Wagman. Steve Sager, City Planner, served as staff to the Commission. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the May 8, 2013 meeting were approved by acclimation on motion by Commissioner Wagman and second by Commissioner Camlin. Public Hearings: None Scheduled. Old Business: Preservation Month Scavenger Hunt: Chairman expressed appreciation for all of Commissioner Joseph’s work on the Scavenger Hunt flyer and successful solicitation of prize donations. Commissioner Joseph expressed the need for other members to solicit prize donations. New Business: TC 13-02: Preliminary Tax Credit Application, 108 East Main Street (Culver): The owner of this brick former residence proposes to undertake a series of interior & exterior renovations to the property which will be the office location for the owner’s State Farm Insurance Agency. The scope of the exterior work includes: repair, replace in-kind & paint the dentils, eves, gutters, downspouts, and the side porch; reglaze and recaulk the windows; masonry repairs to the front wall, foundation & sidewalk; repainting the rear wall; and the placement of a small freestanding sign in the front yard. Interior work proposed includes: all interior walls to be resurfaced-either drywall or skim coated; replace all interior carpeting; replace existing vinyl tile with upgraded vinyl tile; basement joists to be sistered and/or replaced as needed and moly columns added to restore/improve the structural integrity of the building and alleviate the sagging 1st floor. The estimated cost of the proposed work is $40,000. The Commissioners had a lengthy discussion with the applicant, Mr. Bruce Culver. The discussion centered on which work items are eligible to receive tax credits from the HDC. Items not eligible for historic tax credits include: sign, sidewalk (unless the work is necessary to stop water from leaking into the building) and the vinyl siding work. As well, the Commission noted that improvements made prior to the date of the Commissions’ approval are not eligible for the tax credits. Several specific aspects of the masonry repairs were discussed: for the mortar use high lime & sand mortar with some cement (do not use primarily cement for mortar), hand rake the mortar and do not use clear coat which is not eligible. A drawing and materials list for the stairs and porch are to be submitted to Steven Sager, City Planner, for review as to appropriateness. With these specific conditions and the standard conditions the Commission approved the pre-application for the project by unanimous consent. 1  WESTMINSTER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MINUTES OF MEETING June 12, 2013 Commissioner Reports: Cultural Resource Survey of Roop’s Mill--Chair McMasters asked for a copy of the resource survey which was prepared by R. Christopher Goodwin. Grace Kelly-Lawler-- All gave a heartfelt thanks to Grace as this was her last meeting. Report of the Director of Planning Designee: Commission Members’ Qualification & Bios: The need for this information to be updated was discussed. Public Comment: None offered. Adjournment: The Commission adjourned at 8:05 p.m. upon unanimous approval. Respectfully Submitted, Steven T. Sager, City Planner 2