Westminster Historic District Commission

CITY OF WESTMINSTER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Wednesday, August 2, 2017, at 7 PM City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane I. 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 1. In attendance were Chair Kristen McMasters, Vice-Chair Dean Camlin, Commissioner Steve Colella, and Commissioner Kevin Wagman. 2. City staff: Sandy Anderson, Samantha Parthree and Bill Mackey were present. 11. Approval of Minutes A. Commissioner Wagman made a motion to approve the summary of the meeting on July 5, 2017. Commissioner Colella seconded. The motion passed. Ill. Public Hearings A. None IV. Old Business A. None V. New Business A. Planning Session for Tax Credit Training for Public- The Commission will host a training session for the public on October 4 at the Westminster Branch Public Library. Chair McMasters requested that an advertisement for the meeting be included in the City water and sewer bill newsletter, on the website, on Facebook, and in the Community Calendar in the Carroll County Times. Chair McMasters also requested that the information be sent to the Historical Society of Carroll County to promote the event. VI. Commissioner Reports A. None VII. Staff Report A. Mr. Mackey explained the process for Commission appointments, noting that any changes to the Rules of Procedure would need to be reviewed by the City Attorney. B. The Commission had requested an explanation of the Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone. Mr. Mackey stated that the provisions currently only limit changes from residential to commercial uses with no requirements for review by the Commission. C. The Commission had requested stricter rules for historic preservation. Mr. Mackey suggested creating a more comprehensive geographical area for the Historic District, which could include more commercial buildings on Main Street to allow for review by the Commission of proposed changes to those buildings. Currently, the local Historic District is comprised of two properties that contain one building each. D. The Commission had inquired about what to do with funds budgeted by the Mayor and Common Council. Mr. Mackey reviewed the activities from calendar year 2016 and suggested that the Commission consider utilizing funds for programs listed in the Comprehensive Plan. The Commission could review the list and select programs for future discussion. Mr. Mackey also suggested State grant funding could be utilized to supplement activities. The Commission discussed options for future consideration. E. Chair McMasters mentioned that there is some interest in including the Westminster Cemetery in the local Historic District to generate interest for surrounding properties. Chair McMasters offered to research grants available through the Maryland Historic Trust in order to contract with a surveyor to assist with defining a larger district area. VIII. Public Comment A. None IX. Adjournment A. Vice-Chair Camlin made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Wagman seconded. The motion passed. The Commission adjourned at 8:16 pm. Kristen L. McMasters, Chair Westminster Historic District Commission