Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes

6 November 2002

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

Call to order

Chairman Ed Cairns called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m.

Approval of minutes

Mike Pugh made a motion to approve the minutes of the October meeting, Ron Edwards seconded the motion.  HDC voted unanimously to approve October meeting minutes.

New business

Director Sennstrom notified the HDC that the final report from MAAR Associates has been received.  It comprises 3 boxes of 3 ring binders with information on the County's historic resources as well as the update listing of historic resources.

Chairman Ed Cairns presented a summary of his visit to the McKeown House as a result of the pre-application received at the September HDC meeting.  He reported that the original part of the house is in the center with more modern additions built over the years.  Chairman Ed Cairns inquired as to the HDC's opinion on whether these additions constituted a reduction in the historical and architectural significance of the dwelling.  Audrey Edwards opined that as long as the core is still there, it retains its significance and should be retained.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that the interior has significance, but he does not feel that the HDC offers enough for this to go through with nomination.  Discussion ensued on McKeown House's original core.  Mike Pugh queried on what constitutes architectural significance?  Ron Edwards questioned the location of the fireplaces?  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that there are 2 fireplaces downstairs and 1 upstairs.  Ron Edwards stated he feels the nomination should go through, it would afford more control than HDC presently has to protect the structure.  Audrey Edwards indicated that this situation is not uncommon.  Chairman Ed Cairns provided additional elucidation on the McKeown House and described the portion of the original house visible from the road.  Ron Edwards feels that there is not enough information available to make a decision.  He would like to see a full application.  Mike Pugh stated that photographs would be of assistance in deciding.  Chairman Ed Cairns will draft a letter to property owners to be perused at next meeting.  Audrey Edwards and Mike Pugh agreed that information gaps detract from decision making ability.  Chairman Ed Cairns discussed the Log House pre-application.  Ron Edwards indicated that he and Audrey are familiar with it.  Discussion ensued regarding the Log House's location and structural attributes.

Pre-Applications

The HDC is in receipt of 12 pre-applications.  The applications were examined for content and will receive a visit from a member of the HDC.   The HDC's consensus was to send nomination forms to the following properties: Old House and Post Office, Lombard; Herndon Farm; Upper Wickwire; Dr. Mearns House; Brookings House; Barnes Inheritance; and Wherry-Jordan-Logan-Schwer House.  The Edwards will visit the following: Rowland House; Brown Farm; Barnes Inheritance.  Jesse Malin will visit England Family Farm; Old House & Post Office, Lombard; Dr. Mearns House; Brookings House; Wheery-Jordan-

HDC Minutes

Logan-Schwer House.  The Cairns will visit the School House; Morgan's Hall; Herndon Farm; Upeer Wickwire.  Ron Edwards urged the HDC to take photographs when visiting properties.  He continued by adding that visual evidence is important for verifying age of structure as owners often date their house earlier than they actually are.  Items such as nails, molding, and fireplaces are clues as to the actual age of the structure.  Mike Dixon indicated that records from the Department of Assessments and Taxation are helpful in providing information on when a structure may have been erected.

Mike Pugh suggested that Director Sennstrom keep a log of telephone calls received from individuals interested in historic preservation or those who have received the pre-application in order to contact them at a later date to gauge whether or not they wish to nominate their property.  Director Sennstrom indicated that he would do so.

Old Business

None

Next Meeting: Tuesday, 3 December 2002, Planning & Zoning Conference Room

Meeting Adjourned: 4:10 p.m.