Cecil County Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes

3 August 2004

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

Absent: Dixon, Mike

The HDC did not hold a July 2004 meeting due to a lack of agenda items.

Approval of Minutes

Motion made to approve May meeting minutes by Nancy Simpers, seconded by Ron Edwards.  HDC voted to unanimously approve May minutes.

New Business

Nancy Simpers announced that she will be binging in three nomination forms for historic designation.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that he also has a nomination form to submit.  He suggested that the Historic District Commission (HDC) may need to complete the application forms and take them to the property owners.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that he spoke with Dudkewitz about designation, however, there was no follow through.  Patricia Folk suggested that the HDC fill out the nomination forms on the spot and volunteer to return them for the property owners.  Chairman Ed Cairns posited that the HDC is responsible for education and should encourage nominations.  The Rising Sun Herald printed his article as a letter to the editor.  Nancy Simpers suggested placing the information brochure in the tourism packet.  Audrey Edwards said that it is important for the tourists to know where the historic sites are located.  HDC was of the consensus that the brochures should be sent to Sandy Turner and Millie Riddle.  Patricia Folk has a friend that has marked up the brochure in an effort to improve it, she also suggested using a reduced version of Geraldine McKeown's map highlighting historic sites.  HDC discussed other methods to create and publicize historic site map.  Ron Edwards stated that another educational seminar would be useful.  Chairman Ed Cairns stated that a seminar is a good idea.  He queried as to whether the fall or spring would be best.  Patricia Folk suggested holding the seminar in October.  Sally Cairns suggested January 2005.  Ron Edwards thought that January, February or March of 2005 would be best.  Chairman Ed Cairns summarized HDC's publicity efforts for Patricia Folk.  Patricia Folk suggested setting up a table at events such as the County Fair to broaden exposure of HDC's objectives and efforts.  She also suggested addressing the Town chambers of commerce.  Nancy Simpers suggested placing brochures at flea markets and Audrey Edwards suggested placing brochures in antique shops.  Patricia Folk stated that she will speak to Mrs. McKeown about the map and Chairman Ed Cairns stated that he will contact the Chamber, Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis clubs about his program presentation.  HDC discussed methods to overcome misconceptions about historic preservation.  Patricia Folk suggested a seminar at the library.  Audrey Edwards stated that they work well.  Patricia Folk stated that she will put brochures in the antique shops, arts council, and Cecil Community College Arts Council.  Nancy Simpers said greater recognition is crucial.  Nancy Simpers also stated that the Rev. Hubert Jicha is interested in serving on the HDC the next time a vacancy occurs.  Chairman Ed Cairns, Sally Cairns, Patricia Folk and Dr. Folk inspected Rose Hill.  Sally Cairns summarized inspection.  Sally Cairns stated that the inspection form is ridiculously long.  HDC debated whether the MHT methods for dealing with their easement properties are too heavy handed.  Ron & Audrey Edwards reported on their inspection of the Churchman House.  Ron & Audrey Edwards also reported on their attempts to perform an inspection of the yacht Elf.  The Edwards were unable to coordinate with Rick Carrion on a time to perform an inspection.  Sally Cairns stated that Karen Peterson is interested in a historic designation.  Chairman Ed Cairns will update his presentation in advance of the library seminar.  Eric Sennstrom stated that he would contact the library to ascertain when the meeting room would available. 

Adjournment: Chairman Ed Cairns adjourned the meeting at 4:15 p.m.

Next Meeting:3:00 p.m., Tuesday - 5 October 2004