Westminster Historic District Commission

Westminster Historic District Commission MINUTES OF MEETING Wednesday, September 2, 2015 City Hall, 7:00 PM 1. Call to Order a. Statement of Authority—The Westminster Historic District Commission derives its authority 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 the City Administration Building, 56 W. Main Street; the file is open to the public. b. Roll Call In attendance were Chair Kris McMasters, Co-Chair Dean Camlin, Commissioners Kevin Wagman, Greg Goodell and Jane Kacmarski. 2. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Wagman moved for approval of the minutes of the August 5th meeting. Co-Chair Camlin seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Public Hearings No public hearings were scheduled. 4. Old Business There was no old business. 5. New Business a. Extension of tax credit eligibility 12-01 Race Pace: pre-application approved on 10-10-12 with comments Mr. Andrew Gray spoke on behalf of 1 Railroad Ave. He advised the Commission to approve the tax credit as amended for $3,400.00. Commissioner Goodell moved for approval of the tax credit for 1 Railroad Ave. Commissioner Wagman seconded. The motion passed unanimously. b. Façade Improvement 5 South Center Street, Old Westminster Inn Building Mr. Paul Cross is the property owner of 5 South Center Street. Mr. Cross related to the Commission that the building has been vacant for years, and the redevelopment has and will continue to attract new tenants. Mr. Cross described for the Commission how the brick and mortar was deteriorating on the outside of the building. Mr. Cross explained that he wants to replace the gutters with material that would have similar characteristics to the existing conditions. Posted January 7, 2016  Chair McMasters mentioned that the Historic District Commission is concerned about protecting the historical fabric of the building. Painting the brick would only lead to more problems down the road, because the building needs to breathe. Co-Chair Camlin agreed by cautioning Mr. Cross not to paint the exterior brick of the building. Mr. Cross informed the Commission that he may use bricks that are in excellent condition, located on the walkway adjacent to the building, and incorporate them to replace disintegrating bricks. Commissioner Wagman inquired as to what color the mortar would be. Co-Chair Camlin mentioned that the brick and mortar should have the same characteristics to allow expansion and contraction. Mr. Cross inquired as to what the best type of mortar would be. Chair McMasters mentioned the mortar should be selected so it weathers correctly over time. Co-Chair Camlin agreed that selecting appropriate mortar to blend with the original mortar will eliminate the need to disturb and re-point the existing mortar in keeping with historic preservation. Mr. Cross agreed to provide panels with samples of both mortar and brick to be used. Chair McMasters and Co-Chair Camlin explained the other tax incentives that are available to Mr. Cross. Mr. Cross concluded by saying that he wants to be a good neighbor to the City of Westminster. Chair McMasters moved for conditional approval. It was agreed by the Commission that the authority for granting final approval would be by the Co-Chair. 6. Commissioner Reports a. Chair McMasters – No Report b. Co-Chair Camlin – Pleased construction complete on the City Hall Porch roof. c. Commissioner Goodell – No Report d. Commissioner Kacmarski – No Report e. Commissioner Wagman – complimented the research Mr. Cross completed prior to the meeting and Mr. Cross’s recognition of potential in an historic building. 7. Staff Report a. Ms. Marge Wolf mentioned that the City of Westminster has a new Director of Community Planning and Development, William Mackey. 8. Public Comment There was no public comment. 9. Adjournment Chair McMasters made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 p.m. Commissioner Wagman seconded the motion. Posted January 7, 2016