Westminster Historic District Commission

Westminster Historic District Commission MINUTES OF MEETING Wednesday, January 6, 2016 City Hall, 7:00 PM 1. Call to Order a. Statement of Authority—The Westminster Historic District Commission derives its authority from Chapter 164, Article 9A of the City Code; which is derived from Md. Code Annotated, Land Use Article, Division 1, Single Jurisdiction Planning and Zoning, Title 8, Historic Preservation. 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 Dean Camlin, Co-Chairman, Commissioners Kevin Wagman and Greg Goodell. City staff, Marge Wolf and Andrew Gray were present. 2. Approval of Minutes The September 2, 2015 meeting minutes were approved by Commissioner Wagman and seconded by Commissioner Goodell. 3. Public Hearings No public hearings were scheduled. 4. Old Business No old business. 5. New Business a. Post-Application (43 North Court Street) Co-Chairman Camlin asked Mr. Gray to provide background information on the post-application for 43 North Court Street. The Commission discussed lead paint and potential safety hazards that can occur in the removal process. Commissioner Goodell moved to approve the staff report and post-application. Commissioner Wagman seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 6. Commissioner Reports a. Co-Chair Camlin – Informed the Commission that exterior renovations of City Hall have been completed. Brought–up discussion on improving the City’s Ordinance to help prevent non- historic alterations to properties that are receiving Historic Tax Credits. b. Commissioner Goodell – Would like the City to explore what other municipalities Posted March 3, 2016  are doing to help prevent non-historic alterations to properties that are receiving Historic Tax Credits. c. Commissioner Wagman – Discussion on Main Street trees and how the City should consider replanting empty tree pits along Main Street. Ms. Wolf mentioned to Commissioner Wagman that the Tree Commission is in the process of handling the issue. The Tree Commission will meet Wednesday, January 13, 2016. The public is welcome to attend. Commissioner Wagman wanted to see if there was any interest from the Commission to plan a day to educate the public about the Historic District Tax Credit program. Potential days could be Fall Fest or Flower and Jazz Festival. 7. Staff Report a. Mr. Gray asked Commission members if they would like to be members of Preservation Maryland. Co-Chair Camlin, Commissioner Goodell and Wagman responded yes. b. Mr. Gray informed the Commission that the City now has a new way for residents in the Historic District to fill out a pre/post-application for tax credits. Residents can go into the Westminster APP and click on HistoricTaxApp, to apply. c. Ms. Wolf mentioned to the Commission that Steve Colella would like to join the Historic District Commission. Commission Members were excited to have someone who is highly qualified and interested in historic preservation join the Commission. His name will be added to the Mayor and Common Council Agenda for consideration on Monday, January 11, 2016. d. Ms. Wolf informed the Commission about the Westminster Holiday House Tour. The House Tour is anticipated to take place in Belle Grove Square this year. There was some interest from the Commission to install the medallion at the Armory with a celebration in 2017 marking the 100th anniversary of the armory. Discussion was raised about if installation of the medallion could coincide with the 100th anniversary of the armory. 8. Public Comment There was no public comment. 9. Adjournment Co-Chair Camlin made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 p.m. Commissioner Wagman seconded the motion. Posted March 3, 2016