Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes

4 June 2002

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

Absent: Dixon, Mike

Meeting called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Chairman Ed Cairns.  Motion made to approve minutes by Sally Cairns, seconded by Ron Edwards, unanimously approved.

Nomination for historic designation - Big Elk Chapel

Chairman Ed Cairns introduced the nomination for historic designation on the Big Elk Chapel.  Robert McKeown appeared on behalf of the Trustees of the Cherry Hill United Methodist Church.  Chairman Cairns asked Mr. McKeown about the Chapel.  A summary of restoration efforts, church activities, and a description of the church's interior and exterior was presented by Mr. McKeown.  Mr. McKeown stated that preservation is the key goal of the church and that it is important to protect it for future generations.  Chairman Ed Cairns questioned the signature on the application.  Mr. Mckeown stated that is Nancy Simpers' signature, Chairwoman of the church's trustees.  Mike Pugh questioned the acreage involved.  Mr. McKeown stated that William duPont gave the church acreage to square off property.  Mike Pugh queried whether the state owned the adjoining property.  Mr. McKeown answered in the affirmative.  Pat Folk, an observer in the audience stated that she endorsed the churches efforts.  Sally Cairns questioned the chimney and its purpose.  Mr. McKeown stated that it was for a wood stove that is no longer present.  Mike Pugh asked about the type of foundation.  Mr. McKeown answered that the foundation is stone with a crawl space, the sill was recently replaced and the carriage shed was also recently restored.  Director Sennstrom summarized the historic and architectural significance of the church.  The Chapel is typical of the small local community churches that are predominant in this region.  It was erected in 1877 and is in pristine condition.  The land it is situated on was originally part of the New Muenster tract.  The architecturally significant features include the pressed tin walls and ceiling, wooden wainscoting, original wooden shutters with hardware and handmade wooden pews.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that that is a very good description of the chapel and that it is important to protect it.  Mr. McKeown stated that the exterior siding is original.  Audrey Edwards inquired as to whether or not a piano was present in the chapel.  Mr. McKeown answered that the original pump organ is still inside.  Ron Edwards asked about the material of the siding.  Mr. McKeown stated that it is pine or maybe chestnut.

Motion made by Mike Pugh to recommend approval, seconded by Ron Edwards, HDC voted unanimously to recommend approval to the Planning Commission and County Commissioners.

Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code - Pat Conway

Chairman Ed Cairns asked Pat Conway, Director of Cecil County Department of Permits & Inspections, to come forward and brief the HDC on the Building Rehabilitation Code.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that he knows a little bit about this code and stated that our codes may impede historic renovation projects.  Director Conway distributed copies of the code to the HDC.  He stated that his inspectors attended a seminar on the code.  The State is not pushing the code and his department has not had an application under the code.  Presently, P&I uses a blend of rehab code and BOCA.  An issue with rehab projects has been window sizes.  He uses judgment on rehab projects.  Director Conway stated that you can't use new codes if you want to save existing structures.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that the HDC endorses use of rehab code.  Sally Cairns stated that step sizes are a big issue with rehab projects.  Discussion ensued regarding non-conforming situations.  Chairman Ed Cairns questioned if there is any problem with renovation and codes?  Director Conway stated no, his department works with the applicant.  Director Conway also stated that demolition permits are now sent to P&Z and DPW.  The town of Port Deposit is the only area where he has problems due to neglect.  Sally Cairns asked if P&I has initiate demolition proceedings.  Director Conway answered in the affirmative.  His department handles procedure up to legal action.  Sally Cairns questioned if that occurs in the County.  Director Conway stated that he doesn't get that many in the County.  Audrey Edwards questioned whether a permit was obtained to demolish the icehouse at the Anchorage.  Director Conway stated that no permit was applied for.  Ron Edwards questioned if legal action was appropriate.  Director Conway stated that only action possible would be for not obtaining a permit, but that would not bring the building back.  Mike Pugh questioned whether Director Conway can deny a permit.  Director Conway answered in the affirmative.  Discussion ensued regarding enforcement action.  Audrey Edwards questioned that seminars have been held for inspectors, what about for contractors?  Director Conway stated that the rehab codes are available for contractors.  Ron Edwards asked if Director Conway was in favor of code.  Director Conway answered that he was.

Old Business

Chairman Ed Cairns commented about a letter to the editor of the Cecil Whig by Dr. & Mrs. Folk commending the recently held workshop.  He stated that the HDC would like to do another in the fall.  The individuals who picked up applications at the workshop have not yet returned them.  Chairman Ed Cairns summarized the requirements for Certified Local Government status and stated that we were two items short.  HDC needs to adopt rules of procedure and needs ½ of members to be professional experts.  Discussion ensued on CLG requirements.  Sally Cairns stated that Audrey Edwards and she will contact folks who picked up applications.  Audrey Edwards stated that the Cecil Historical Trust makes it a condition of grant approval that individuals nominate their properties for local designation.  Director Sennstrom presented MAAR Associates latest progress report.  Sally Cairns questioned whether the HDC can engage in ex parte communication with applicants since they are only making recommendations.  Director Sennstrom will consult with County's attorneys and report back to the HDC.

Meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:                                                                        

Eric S. Sennstrom, AICP                                       Next Meeting: 1 July 2002, 3:00 p.m.
Director                                                                        P&Z conference room
Planning, Zoning, Parks & Recreation