Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes

1 October 2002

 
Present: Cairns, Ed & Sally; Dixon, Mike; Edwards, Ron & Audrey; Malin, Jesse; Sennstrom, Eric

Absent: Pugh, Mike

Meeting called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Chairman Ed Cairns.

Motion made by Ron Edwards, seconded by Jesse Malin to approve minutes of September meeting.  HDC voted unanimously to approve September meeting minutes.

The HDC discussed the inventory of historic properties recently updated by MAAR Associates.  Jesse Malin stated that the resources should be arranged geographically.  Ron Edwards questioned how the tax map numbers worked.  Chairman Ed Cairns suggested organizing resources by geographic means and to organize by zip code.  He also stated that the towns should be listed separately.  Audrey Edwards stated that some properties have no name.  Mike Dixon stated that it has been problematic in the past when properties have no name.  He also stated that many have no name.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that approximately 200 application forms have been sent out and approximately 100 more will be sent shortly.  Mike Dixon suggested that non-extant be listed separately.

Chairman Ed cairns asked the HDC's opinion on whether another workshop should be held.  Audrey Edwards stated that it is too soon.  Jesse Malin suggested doing it in the spring.  The consensus of the HDC was to do another workshop in the spring, perhaps April or March.

Chairman Ed Cairns stated that Mike Dixon and he did not get the sample application together.  Chairman Ed Cairns asked if any HDC members attended the Chesapeake Bay National Park hearing at the Community College.  Audrey Edwards stated that Ron Edwards and her attended.  Audrey Edwards summarized the workshop.  Ron Edwards stated that he was disappointed with the workshop.  There was no value to bay demonstrated and was too heavily skewed toward tourism activities.  Discussion ensued on the workshop and Chairman Ed Cairns asked if there was any mention of historic resources.  Ron Edwards stated that historic aspects were only raised in relation to the Towns.   Audrey Edwards stated that somebody from the Hollingsworth project was in attendance.

Chairman Ed Cairns raised the issue of the veracity of the claim by the Brick House that it was used as a seat of court when the British burned the courthouse at Courthouse Point during the War of 1812.  Mike Dixon stated there was no courthouse at the point at that time and therefore, no record of British activity there.  Mike Dixon indicated that HDC should verify documentation for events on applications.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that HDC should be knowledgeable about applications.  Mike Dixon stated that HDC should be diligent in checking out such statements in the future.  Ron Edwards queried as to what the Brick House's application can be based on if the temporary courthouse claim was invalid.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that there is sufficient architectural significance to qualify as well as the fact that it was formerly used as a post office and general store.  Mike Dixon suggested putting an amendment in the file for future reference and to diplomatically inform the property owner of the revision.  Ron Edwards agreed.

Mike Dixon suggested that Ron and Audrey Edwards contact Mrs. McKinney about funding opportunities for the McKinney family cemetery.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that he is maintaining a list of contacts.  Audrey Edwards stated that the HDC needs to follow up on Dr. Richards house pre-application.  The consensus of the HDC was to ask the Coffay House to submit a nomination for historic designation.  Ed & Sally Cairns will check out the pre-application from McKeown on Blair Shore Road.  Audrey Edwards stated that individuals living in Colora would like addresses of historic properties in that area.  Director Eric Sennstrom stated that those address will be given to Audrey Edwards for her to pass along.  Director Eric Sennstrom stated that all three nominations for historic designation reviewed last month by the HDC were approved by the Board of County Commissioners.  Mike Dixon presented a short summary of recent activities at the Elk Landing site.

Meeting adjourned at 3:52 p.m.