AIIID CITY OF WESTMINSTER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. In-Person Meeting and broadcasted live on the City YouTube Channel A meeting of the City of Westminster's Historic District Commission was held and oroadcasted live on the City YouTube Channel on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 6:02 p.m. I. Call to Order Chair McMasters read the statement of authority into the record. Chair Kristen McMasters, Commissioner Grace Kelly-Lawler, and Commissioner Catherine Baty were present. Director of Community Planning & Development Mark Depo and Economic Development Coordinator Manager Melissa Thorn were also present. Guests: Deb Bowman, Principal & COO/CFO of Brown Plus, Wanda Lynn, Principal of Brown Plus, and John Felkner, Jr., JFJ & Sons Construction. II. Approval of Minute Summary Motion: Commissioner Baty made a motion to accept the October 2, 2024 minutes as written. Seconded by Commissioner Kelly-Lawler. All in favor. Motion: Commissioner Baty made a motion to accept the December 4, 2024 minutes as written. Seconded by Commissioner Kelly-Lawler. All in favor. III. New Business Item A: Façade Improvement Application FI-25-02 for 205 E. Main Street (M. Thorn, DCPD) Coordinator Thorn presented the Façade Improvement Application and explained the FY25 funds have been allocated to four (4) projects this year; 60 W. Main Street, 62-64 W. Main Street, 31 W. Main Street (Rear), and 4 W. Main Street. The total amount of funding reserved for these projects is $130,951.00. The remaining funding available for requests is $19,049.00. The project submitted by Deb Brown, of Brown Plus, requested 50% of the eligible funding match available to perform exterior improvements. The work is slated to being April/May 2025 with completion estimated for October/November 2025. The applicant authorizes JFJ & Sons Construction, Restoration & Remodeling LLC to perform the improvements. The Commission discussed having the contractor take pictures as he removes the existing damages, loose and bulged" EIFS. Motion: Commissioner Baty motioned that the property is eligible and the property as outlined in attachment 1 qualifies and is reasonable for the program. Seconded by Commissioner Kelly- Lawler. Vote is all in favor. The motion passed 3-0. Motion: Commissioner Baty motioned that we approve the remaining available façade improvement funds up to $19,049.00 for the application for 205 East Main Street for the restoration of the exterior as detailed from the proposal from JFJ & Sons Construction, Restoration & Remodeling LLC. Seconded by Commissioner Kelly-Lawler. Vote is all in favor. The motion passed 3-0. Item B: Pre-Construction Application for Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit TC-25-02 for 205 E. Main Street (M. Thorn, DCPD) Coordinator Thorn presented the pre-construction application for Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits TC-25-02, that was reçeived by the City of Westminster on February 7, 2025 from Ms. Brown. The project scope matches the request in Item A for 205 East Main Street to repair the exterior oft the commercial building. Two cost estimates were received for the project from licensed contractors. Since the Commission had given favorability for the project in Item A, had already determined the property was eligible for tax credits, and that the quote from JFJ & Sons Construction, Restoration & Remodeling LLC in the amount of $89,244.00 was eligible, they did not repeat the motions. Motion: Commissioner Baty motioned to approve and grant the Certificate of Eligibility for a Historic Tax Credit in the amount of 10% or up to $8,924.40, consistent with Section 143-5.B.(d) and (e). Seconded by Commissioner Kelly-Lawler. Vote is all in favor. The motion passed 3-0. IV. Historic District Commission Implementation Plan No updates were given. It was determined that it was time to bring back the plan in full to determine the next steps the Commissioners can take on other initiatives. V. The Nation's 250th Anniversary Item A: Road Signs The City is in the midst of the budget cycle. The request is out there to look for costs and bids for the street signs. Item B: Historic District Entrance Working on finalizing art and need to get one more quote for the signs. It was confirmed that the city seal should move up and the letters should be larger. The picture of City Hall did not need to be included. Item C: 250th Commemoration Plaques for Revolutionary Era Homes Commissioner Kelly-Lawler is leading the project. The Commission discussed some potential text for a bronze medallion. The group settled on "This building has stood witness to the American Revolution. but there was no official vote. The medallion would be for any structure that could have been around during 1776, and it doesn't have to be inside the Historic District. It may need to be within the City municipal boundaries; however, the list that Commissioner Baty developed should be referenced. Item D: 250th Commemoration Sign in Belle Grove Square The DAR is getting organized to approach the City to talk about next steps to installing the sign in Belle Grover Square. Item E: Proclamation for May Preservation Month The Commissioners discussed getting a request to be on April 28th Mayor and Common Council agenda for a May proclamation to share that this is the yeart to prepare and that the City proclaims the 250th anniversary of the USA is coming up and the Commission is preparing for it. Commissioner Baty suggested that a town Cryer can provide this messaging with a loud bell. Item F: Event Programing Coordinator Thorn shared that a branded events card is in the works, which attaches the 250th initiatives to planned events from 2026, for most of the nitiatives. Staff asked about a parade, and it was the Commissions thought that they do not have the man-power but would like to get feedback from the Mayor & Common Council. Staff shared that 250th pens have been ordered with the City's new logo. VI. Historic District Commission and Public Comments Commissioner Baty and Chair McMasters attended the Carroll History Day at Winters Mill High School on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Commissioner Baty commented that it was a wonderful event, and she enjoyed participating in the Scavenger Hunt with the students. The engagement was well worth the efforts for the creators of the hunt. Commissioner Kelly-Lawler was sad to miss the event. Chair McMasters had a wonderful time as well, and asked students about their project and their motivation. Discussed adding additional elements to the table for the next event. Perhaps stickers or an architectural finding game for visitors about Downtown. Chair McMasters shared about progress with the Historic Westminster Cemetery and partnership with the Willam G. Pomeroy Foundation with the SAR, to identify three patriots. Director Depo shared updated on redevelopment projects, 222 E. Green St, The Willows, and Stocksdale property. Coordinator Thorn shared Westminster Wednesdays begins again in April 2025 when retailers and restaurants are offering specials and staying open until at least 8:00 p.m. VII. Adjournment Chair McMasters motioned to Adjourn. The Commission adjourned at 7:01 p.m. 1 hu LerA Ms. Kristen McMasters City of Westminster Historic District Commission Official Recordings of the City of Westminster Historical District Commission Meetings are available for viewing in their entirety on the City's YouTube channel. Adopted by the Historic District Commission on April 2, 2025.