Westminster Historic District Commission

CITY OF WESTMINSTER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at 7:00 PM Virtual meeting via Zoom and broadcasted live on the City Facebook page A meeting of the City of Westminster Historic District Commission was held virtually via Zoom and broadcasted live on the City Facebook page on October 7, 2020, at 7:00 PM. Call to Order Chair McMasters read the statement of authority into the record. Chair Kristen McMasters, Commissioner Josh Ambrose, Commissioner Aaron Burroughs, and Commissioner Kevin Wagman were present. City staff Sandy Anderson, Mark Depo, Andrea Gerhard, and Andrew Gray were also present. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Wagman moved to approve the meeting summary for August 5, 2020. Commissioner Burroughs seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. New Business Chair McMasters opened New Business Item A – Section 106 filing for AT&T located at the City-owned water tower at McDaniel College. Ms. Anderson provided background information on the item and staff recommendation that the Historic District Commission review it and provide feedback and/or questions regarding the proposal. Sonya Hemphill was present on behalf of the applicant and explained that the new cell cabinets would be placed on the existing concrete pad. One of the cabinets would be slimmer and shorter than its predecessor. Commissioner Wagman made a motion to support a finding of no adverse effect on the historic area surrounding the project. Commissioner Ambrose seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Historic District Commission and Public Comments Chair McMasters reported that she would become the Chair of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area in November. She also encouraged applicants for available grant funding, such as the historic assessment of the Durbin House and any historical work to be done at the Carroll Arts Center. She then reported that the Historical Society of Carroll County (HSCC) raised $112,000 during its recent Virtual Gala, nearly meeting their goal of $120,000. The museum continues to be open to visitors and operate under the CDC guidelines for COVID-19 safety. The HSCC also continues hosting virtual Boxed Lunch Talks and evening lectures. Finally, Carroll County will celebrate its birthday in January. Mr. Depo stated that in 2018, signs and awnings were removed from Façade Improvement Grant eligibility. The City is working to reinstate the eligibility of awnings, with added material guidelines. Chair McMasters inquired about the status of member eligibility for the Commission. Mr. Depo stated that the Mayor and Common Council reviewed and approved the requirement that members can be residents or business owners within the City limits. Mr. Gray reported that proposed Ordinance No. 927 would go to the Planning and Zoning Commission on October 8 for review to bring their Rules in line with the language of the Ordinance to decrease the required number of members from seven to five plus one alternate. Mr. Gray then reminded everyone to complete their 2020 Census. Chair McMasters stated that National History Day, in conjunction with Celebrate America, would again happen in March. She encouraged all high school students to consider participating. Adjournment Chair McMasters made a motion to adjourn. The Commission adjourned at 7:42 PM. Page 2 of 2