Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes

4 March 2003

Present: Cairns, Ed & Sally; Edwards, Ron & Audrey; Sennstrom, Eric

Absent: Dixon, Mike; Malin, Jesse

The HDC was not able to assemble a quorum.  Therefore no decisions were made at this meeting.

Chairman Ed Cairns stated that Article XI, Part IV, Section  245, of the Cecil County Zoning Ordinance needs to be amended to state that at the end of a term, the HDC members continue to serve until their successors are appointed.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that he and Sally would like to attend the Revitalization Conference in Easton.  The Edwards stated that they would like to attend as well.  Director Sennstrom stated that he will arrange for their registration.  Discussion ensued regarding conferences relative to historic preservation.  Chairman Ed Cairns perused the powers and duties of the HDC for the edification of those present.  Chairman Ed Cairns presented a summary of recent articles in the newspaper regarding historic tax credits.  Discussion occurred on the articles.  Chairman Ed Cairns requested that the HDC members call their state representatives and tell them to save the State tax credits.  Chairman Cairns stated that the HDC should use this time to develop procedures for those powers enumerated in the Zoning Ordinance.  Chairman Ed Cairns summarized powers.  Chairman Ed Cairns presented items he assembled to address those immediate needs.  He requested consultation with Pat Conway, director of Permits & Inspections, to obtain an understanding of what does and dosen't need a building permit.  Chairman Ed Cairns would also like a letter drafted to easement properties to remind them that they need to contact HDC prior to construction activity.  HDC perused various definitions of ordinary maintenance which they think would be good to have.  The consensus was that New Orleans' definition was the best.  Ron Edwards suggested including painting as ordinary maintenance.  Chairman Cairns interjected that the HDC needs to focus on powers and duties in the near future.

Meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.