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

MINUTES

October 24, 2002

The Westminster Historic District Commission (HDC or Commission) held a meeting on October 24, 2002 at 7:00 pm.  Chairman Camlin and members Walters, Smith, Thomas, and Stevens were present, as well as Town Planner Siders and Technical Planner Fisher

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

The minutes of the October 1, 2002 meeting were approved as presented on motion of Ms. Walters, seconded by Ms. Smith.

No public hearings were scheduled.

Under new business, Chairman Camlin opened discussion of the new HDC Member Handbooks.  Ms. Stevens stated that the City would be eligible for more of the programs if the City obtained Certified Local Government (CLG) status.  Ms. Walters stated that the HDC could explore the steps required to become a CLG.  Ms. Walters stated that the proposed format contains the necessary information for each program.  Chairman Camlin suggested that the HDC could post links to each program on the City’s new website.  Ms. Stevens stated that a grant schedule should be included.  Ms. Smith stated that a summary table of all programs would provide quick reference as to the programs applicable to a specific project.

Chairman Camlin opened a discussion of public support for historic preservation in Westminster.  Ms. Walters stated that the current system is complicated in that one applicant is transferred to different City departments to complete each portion of their preservation program package.  Ms. Walters stated that the City should designate a central referral person to follow cases throughout the entire process.  Ms. Stevens suggested that, in addition, the HDC select a Commission member as a liaison for each case.  Ms. Stevens stated that the continuing education of staff would also increase the efficiency of the process.  Ms. Stevens noted that single-line plugs for historic preservation programs placed in a variety of publications could encourage individuals to seek more information from the Commission.  Chairman Camlin suggested that representatives from Housing and Community Development, Economic Development, and Planning & Public Works meet with the HDC to discuss the development of a coordinated preservation program in the City.

Chairman Camlin opened a discussion of future training sessions for the HDC.  Ms. Stevens recalled that trainers from the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) had recently visited the Commission.  Chairman Camlin stated that training focusing on procedures would be helpful.  Ms. Stevens suggested that the HDC attend sessions examining current “Best Practices” for historic preservation from MHT.  Chairman Camlin stated that the Commission could define specific training needs as challenges arise.

Under old business, the Commission discussed various aspects of the 2002 Holiday House Tour.  Ms. Smith stated that the storytellers would not be performing at the tour.  Mr. Siders discussed street closings and the shuttle route.  Mrs. Walters stated that the Lutherville House Tour gave plaques to each participating home.  The Commission directed staff to investigate the feasibility of providing plaques to the houses on this year’s tour.  The Commission scheduled a homeowners’ meeting for November 4, 2002 at 8:00 p.m.

There was no report of the Director of Planning and Public Works designee.

Under Report of the Chairperson, Chairman Camlin updated the Commission on the progress at Westminster Square and Dutterer’s Flower Shop.

The HDC directed staff to prepare an amendment to the Rules of Procedure to change the regular meeting of the Commission from the third Thursday of the month to the first Thursday of the month.

There were no citizen comments.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Erik Fisher

Secretary to the HDC