Cecil County Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes

7 October 2003

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

Call to Order

Chairman Ed Cairns called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.

Approval of Minutes

Motion made by Nancy Simpers to approve minutes of 5 August 2003 meeting, seconded by Jesse Malin, HDC voted unanimously to approve minutes.

Old Business

Chairman Ed Cairns queried Director Sennstrom on whether the Browns designated their barn to be included in their nomination for historic designation.  Director Sennstrom answered that the Browns never contacted him on the issue and therefore, the Board of County Commissioners only designated the house.  Chairman Ed Cairns questioned whether it is time to do another mailing to publicize HDC's efforts.  Nancy Simpers stated that people don't appear to understand limits of HDC's authority on designated properties.  Audrey Edwards stated that the public finds the pre-application redundant and confusing.  Chairman Ed Cairns suggested doing away with pre-application.  Audrey Edwards concurred.  She is of the opinion that the HDC can make its decision on information contained in the nomination form.  Chairman Ed Cairns suggested just sending the nomination form and eliminating the pre-application.  HDC agreed.  Discussion ensued regarding Huester estate and property with house on Appleton Road.  Nancy Simpers stated that H. Barry Montgomery purchased house.  She stated that she will contact Mr. Montgomery to see if he has any interest in local designation.  Jesse Malin stated that he has spoken with Sylvia & Dallas Green regarding local historic designation for their property.  Mr. Malin indicated that the Greens may be renovating the structure to reside within.  Jesse Malin indicated that he will hand deliver a nomination form.  Sally Cairns inquired as to the cost of doing a mailing to potential properties eligible for designation.  Director Sennstrom stated he will look into it and let the HDC know.  Nancy Simpers indicated that she will contact Cheryl Mattix about an article in the Whig to publicize HDC's efforts.  Mike Dixon suggested that the Herald be contacted to get the word out in the western part of the County.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that the newspapers should be tried first then do another mailing.  Mike Dixon suggested pitching an article to the News Journal and Sun to publicize HDC's efforts.  Chairman Ed Cairns will draft letter to send out to mailing list.  Audrey Edwards brought up the Colora historic district efforts.  Sally Cairns stated that Hazel Jenkins is attempting to form a village historic district and that she called Mrs. Jenkins to offer assistance but has not received a response.  Audrey Edwards provided background information on the Woodlawn pre-application.  Chairman Ed Cairns directed that a nomination form be sent to Woodlawn. 

New Business

Chairman Ed Cairns stated that MHT will come to the HDC meeting on Tuesday, 4 November 2003 at 12:00 p.m. to provide training for easement inspections.  Director Sennstrom presented new version of informational brochure with scanned photograph of Thomas Richards house included.  HDC will discuss ways to increase public's level of knowledge at their next meeting.  Goal is to encourage participation and comfort level of potential participants.  Nancy Simpers will talk to Whig about article, Mike Dixon will contact the Sun, Jesse Malin will contact the Greens, Sally Cairns will follow through with article to Whig and Herald.

Meeting adjourned at 3:57 p.m.

Next meeting: Tuesday, 4 November 2003 at 12:00 p.m., P&Z conference room