Westminster Historic District Commission

CITY OF WESTMINSTER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Wednesday, September 6, 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 Kevin Wagman and Commissioner Jane Kacmarski attended by phone. City staff: Bill Mackey, Sandy Anderson, Andrew Gray, and Samantha Parthree were present. II. Approval of Minutes A. Commissioner Wagman made a motion to approve the summary of the meeting on August 2, 2017. Vice-Chair Camlin seconded. The motion passed. Ill. Public Hearings A. None IV. Old Business A. Planning Session on Tax Credit Training for Public - Chair McMasters complimented City Staff on the Historic Tax Credit Program Training flyer. The Chair volunteered to create information to give to the public during the training. Ms. Parthree suggested asking the public questions prior to the event using the City Facebook page. V. New Business A. MD 27 Westminster Community Trail and Sidewalk Retrofit - Mr. Gray stated that the  Carroll County Department of Planning asked for feedback on whether the proposed improvements will affect the Historic District. The plan includes reconstructing sidewalks and adding a paved trail along Maryland Route 27. The improvements will connect the existing trail at Bennett Cerf Park to downtown. The Commission mentioned that the project seems to be an improvement to Downtown Westminster by providing a link and increasing safety along Maryland Route 27. The Commission also inquired about whether the property owners had been notified along the project route. Commissioner Wagman made a motion to accept the plan and forward the Board comments to the Carroll County Planning Department. Vice-Chair Camlin seconded, the motion passed. VI. Commissioner Reports A. Chair McMasters reported on her meeting with the Westminster Cemetery Board. The group showed interest in creating markers to define where the historic church on Main Street at the railroad tracks was located. B. Commissioner Wagman noted an upcoming conference hosted by the Maryland Historic Society on historic window treatments and requested Commission members attend to gain expertise on the subject. C. Vice-Chair Camlin reported that Council President Dr. Wack is working with MAGIC to create a virtual tour of downtown that will include what historic areas of the City used to look like. VII. Staff Report A. Mr. Mackey suggested that the Commission consider utilizing funds for programs listed in the Comprehensive Plan. He listed several programs that could be discussed through the remainder of the year, including the Standards for Renovation Westminster, improvements to the Historic Tax Credit Program, completing the certification process for Westminster to be designated as a Certified Local Government, and creating a Preservation Plan. The Commission agreed that future meetings incorporate a work session to complete the program updates. VIII. Public Comment A. None IX. Adjournment A. Vice-Chair Camlin made a motion to adjourn. The Commission adjourned at 8:22 pm. ~cl~~ Westminster Historic District Commission Adopted November 1, 2017