Westminster Historic District Commission
Agenda for Next Meeting  |  Minutes of Previous Meetings

Historic District Zoning
Tax Credits for Historic Rehabilitation
Other Financial and Educational Resources for Historic Preservation Projects
Holiday House Tour

MINUTES

June 20, 2002

The Westminster Historic District Commission (HDC or Commission) held a meeting on June 20, 2002 at 7:00 pm.  Chairman Camlin and members Walters, Thomas, Stevens, and Smith were present, as well as Town Planner Siders, Technical Planner Fisher, and members of the public.

Chairman Camlin opened the meeting with a "Statement of Authority" for the HDC.

The minutes of the May 16, 2002 meeting were approved as amended on motion of Mrs. Walters, seconded by Ms. Thomas.

Mr. Siders introduced Mr. Fisher, who will serve as secretary to the HDC.

No public hearings were scheduled.

Under new business, Chairman Camlin introduced Mr. John Cugle with Westminster Land Resources, L.L.C., developer of the Roop’s Mill property.  Mr. Cugle presented the Commission with a brief history of the various structures on the property.  He also presented a site plan for Roop’s Mill, indicating his desire to restore the mill and a pedestrian suspension bridge.  Mr. Cugle stated that he intends to develop a restaurant, conference center, bed and breakfast, and catering facility on the site while preserving the major historical structures.  The HDC directed staff to draft a letter supporting Mr. Cugle’s application for designation on the National Register of Historic Places.  Mr. Siders stated that open space between historic elements would be preserved through the use of the cluster subdivision ordinance.  Ms. Stevens stated that there are a variety of tax credits available, and that the HDC is willing to assist Mr. Cugle in these matters.

Under old business, Ms. Smith gave an update on the 2002 Holiday House Tour.  Ms. Smith stated that 500 luminaries are needed for this year’s tour.  Karen Loats has removed her house from the tour.  The Garden Club has been assigned to Harrison House and The Flower Box has been assigned to decorate Little Baker Chapel.  The Commission set a $100.00 budget for flower decoration for each WMC property on the tour. 

Ms. Smith introduced Ms. Kathy Brown of Shepherd’s Staff.  Ms. Brown displayed samples of products that Shepherd’s Staff wishes to sell during the house tour.  Ms. Brown stated that the products would have holiday themes and would complement the general design of the houses.  The HDC agreed to allow The Shepherd’s Staff and Rape Crisis Intervention Service of Carroll County to sell products during the tour.

Ms. Smith introduced Ms. Judi Johnson of 85 West Green Street.  Ms. Johnson asked the Commission what role the Storytellers on the Hill would play in the house tour.  The Commission decided to place the Storytellers on the Hill in Little Baker Chapel, where short stories of local history will be told.

Mr. Siders asked if the Commission had arrived at a decision regarding the Renovator’s Workshop.  Ms. Walters stated that the Commission had decided not to hold a workshop this year.  The HDC would explore the possibility of holding a joint workshop with neighboring jurisdictions in the future.

Mr. Siders gave the report of the Director of Planning and Public Works designee.  Mr. Siders summarized several current departmental initiatives, including the Lower Pennsylvania Ave Committee, MD 27 Gateway/Corridor Study, space study for City Hall, and the recent $10,000.00 Smart Codes Grant award.

Chairman Camlin gave the report of the Chairperson.  Chairman Camlin updated the HDC on progress at Westminster Square as well as the renovations to Dutterer’s Flower Shop.

There were no Citizen Comments.

The HDC scheduled the next meeting for August 15, 2002 at 7:00pm.

Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Erik Fisher

Secretary to the HDC