Cecil County Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes

5 July 2005

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

Absent: None

Call to Order

Chairman Ed Cairns called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.

Approval of Minutes

Motion made by Nancy Simpers to approve the minutes of the 3 May 2005 meeting, motion seconded by Patricia Folk. All in favor of motion to approve.

Old Business

Director Sennstrom provided the HDC with an update on the status of the informational brochure. The delay in printing is apparently due to the printer not moving forward with alacrity. Chairman Ed Cairns noted that his press release was given to Cheryl Mattix at the Cecil Whig and that a brief summary was printed in Ms. Mattix's column. Chairman Ed Cairns lamented that it took too long for the Whig to respond to his press release. Audrey Edwards suggested that the Cecil Historical Trust would be helpful in getting the word out in a more timely manner in the future. Mike Dixon suggested an article in the new publication known as Cecil Soil. Mike Dixon will forward contact information to Sally Cairns. Chairman Ed Cairns requested that the HDC look at the press release and offer comments for revision. Mike Dixon suggested posting the application on the County's website and on the Historical Society website. Chairman Ed Cairns presented the newsletter from the Helm and said that the Friends of Mt. Harmon will be having their picnic on 17 September 2005. HDC perused the handouts.

New Business

Chairman Ed Cairns stated he had three items to discuss. He received a call from Rich Julian, developer of the Woods at Tome to have Chairman Ed Cairns inspect an old dam structure for historical significance. Chairman Ed Cairns was puzzled by the structure placement and purpose. Rich Julian informed Chairman Ed Cairns that Nick Demond stated that the structure was erected 75 years ago by the fire company as a reservoir for fire fighting. Chairman Ed Cairns stated that in his opinion, there is no historical significance. Audrey Edwards inquired if the Clark family built the dam. Chairman Ed Cairns said it was built by the fire company. The HDC engaged in further discussion of the dam. Sally Cairns stated that it is nice to have a developer be concerned with potentially significant historic resources. Chairman Ed Cairns stated that he was contacted by George Glessner on Colora Road about potentially nominating his property for historic designation. Chairman Ed Cairns reported that the information and forms have been sent. Audrey Edwards conveyed that Mr. Glessner is a nice man who has been contacted previously by the HDC. Chairman Ed Cairns was also contacted by a woman concerned with the development of the Holt farm. Chairman Ed Cairns responded to her by stating only the property owner can nominate for designation. He suggested she contact the developer to ascertain if anything can be done to protect any items of historical note that may be present. Mike Dixon inquired as to whether the lady on Liberty Grove Road has been contacted. Sally Cairns indicated that the information has been sent. Mike Dixon reiterated that the forms should be on the County's website and that the website should be user friendly. Chairman Ed Cairns queried as to whether any nomination forms have been received. Director Sennstrom stated none had been received. Patricia Folk asked what effect would the recent Supreme Court decision regarding eminent domain have on historic preservation efforts? Chairman Ed Cairns summarized the criteria contained in Section 245.18 of the Zoning Ordinance. The ultimate decision will be left to a judge to decide. Ron Edwards stated that PECO was considering putting another power line over their house, they contacted PECO and the power company voluntarily decided not to locate the power line over their house. Audrey Edwards suggested that the HDC should intercede for the original house on Chantilly Golf Course. Patricia folk stated that brochures and publicity are needed. Audrey Edwards stated that North East has been selected by the American Broadcasting Company to be a typical Maryland town. Nancy Simpers stated that Peoples Bank of Elkton is being demolished and that it should be saved. Mike Dixon interjected that Guenzer's former office is also rumored to be demolished.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 3:44 p.m.

Next Meeting: 6 September 2005, 3:00 p.m., P&Z conference room

Respectfully Submitted:

Eric S. Sennstrom, AICP
Director
Planning, Zoning, Parks & Recreation