GIID CITY OF WESTMINSTER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Wednesday, February 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 broadcasted live on the City YouTube Channel on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. I. Call to Order Chair McMasters read the statement of authority into the record. Chair Kristen McMasters, Vice Chair Chris Ameduri, Commissioner Grace Kelly-Lawler, and Commissioner Catherine Baty were present. Director of Community Planning & Development Mark Depo and Economic Development Coordinator Melissa Thorn were also present. Guests: David K. Johansson, Jr. II. New Business Item A: Façade Improvement Application FI-25-01 for 31 West Main Street, Rear (M. Thorn, DCPD) Coordinator Thorn presented the Façade Improvement Application. David K Johansson (Jr.), owner of 31 West Main Street, Rear, submitted a Façade Improvement Program application on May 22, 2024, and resubmitted updated quotes this month. The work involves replacing 14 windows on the warehouse space, which currently leases to ARIC, Autonomous Robotics Innovation Center, an entity of MAGIC, the MidAtlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory. Mr. Johansson would like to pursue the quote with Westminster Glass & Mirror, Inc. with the total amount of $95,902.00. The Commissioners discussed keeping the grids on the windows and go from black metal to a gray color. Mr. Johansson was willing to get an updated quote for the new scope for the project, which aligned to the Commission view. Motion: Vice Chair Ameduri motioned that we approve the proposed application under the condition that the applicant update the scope of work to include keeping the grid pattern of the window and a gray metal. 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-25-01 for 31 West Main Street, Rear (M. Thorn, DCPD) Coordinator Thorn presented the Façade Improvement Application. David Johansson, owner of 4 West Main Street, submitted the application on July 10, 2023. The work involves painting and brick repair as necessary for the restaurant and residential building. Mr. Johansson would like to pursue the quote with R & A Painting. with the total amount of $46,000.00. David K Johannsson Jr. was available to represent the project. Commissioners asked about the style of the paint work and Mr. Johannsson said the work was to match the existing colors of the building. Motion: Vice Chair Ameduri motioned that the property is eligible for Historic District Tax Credits. Seconded by Commissioner Kelly-Lawler. Vote is all in favor. The motion passed 4-0. Motion: Commissioner Kelly-Lawler motioned that the estimates for the replacement of the windows look reasonable, not to exceed $95,902.00, with the proviso (conditions) of a 10% tax credit for the amount with Westminster Glass & Mirror, with a grid pattern and gray frame. Seconded by Vice Chair Ameduri. Vote is all in favor. The motion passed 4-0. Item C: Façade Improvement Application FI-25-02 for 4 West Main Street (M. Thorn, DCPD) Coordinator Thorn presented the pre-construction application for Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits TC-25-02, that was received 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 of 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. City Staff reminded the applicant that the Maryland Historical Trust will need to have final review on the application prior to a notice-to-proceed for all Façade projects. Motion: Vice Chair Ameduri motioned to approve the proposed application for 4 W. Main Street on the condition that the brick be checked to see how hard it is, that a matching mortar is used (If soft, type 00 mortar), along with a general painting scheme to match which will be granted in 50% of cost, not to exceed the requested $46,000. Seconded by Commissioner Kelly-Lawler. Vote is all in favor. The motion passed 4-0. III. Historic District Commission Implementation Plan The Request for Proposal draft is in review at the City and Staff are hopeful that it will be out for the public soon. IV. The Nation's 250th Anniversary Item A: Road Signs The City's Technology Services/GIS Department put together a map of all the street signs in the Downtown district to help aid our determination of how many signs the City would be replacing. City Staff referenced the ornate signage in the historic district in Taneytown. Chair McMasters would like to see brown ornate signs. Item B: Historic District Entrance The Commission provided feedback on a design from Shannon Baum Signs, which included removal of the City Hall image to be able to save space to enlarge the "Welcome to the Westminster Historic District" text. Director Depo shared additional prices and budget allocation might be needed to complete the project to six entrance signs in total. Staff met with Director of Recreation and Parks Abby Gruber about pairing signature 250th events with existing annual events to celebrate in 2026. Item C: Downtown Preparations Staff has asked the Historical Society of Carroll County to find patriotic images from Westminster over the years. Vice Chair Ameduri has brought up the issues of some of the facades, weeds, and sidewalk irregularities. The Downtown Business Association is hosting another clean up event in April to bring community together again. There was some discussion on the importance of standardizing the mulch and design of the streetscape. Director Depo suggested that the Historic District Commission write a letter to request a Mayor and Common Council work session to discuss the Downtown design and streetscape. Item D: 250th Commemoration Plaques for Revolutionary Era Homes Commissioner Kelly-Lawler is working on getting cost estimates and the Commission estimates about 30 will be needed. Item E: 250th Commemoration Sign in Belle Grove Square The DAR is working in the steps of the sign procurement and will be reaching out to the City when they are ready to coordinate the installation. Item F: Proclamation for May Preservation Month The Commissioners discussed getting a request for May Preservation Month and are hoping to have it in April. Item G: Liberty Tree Dedication Sign Looking at putting the sign in the budget and hoping to dedicate it in June of 2026. V. Historic District Commission and Public Comments Coordinator Thorn shared that the Carroll 250 Committee is hosting an open form on March 12, 2025 at the Carroll County Public Library Eldersburg Branch. Director Depo shared that the Carroll County 2035 Master Plan preparations are holding open houses this month. 222 E. Green Street is a residential project that was introduced at the Mayor and Common Council meeting and it will be coming back to their review to add an overlay district. There is also a text amendment moving through the process on Tobacconists and Vape shops, etc. which includes a zoning distance requirement. Coordinator Thorn shared that she had an opportunity (with Chair McMasters) to introduce the new Historic Structure Applications to several projects. VII. Adjournment Chair McMasters motioned to Adjourn. The Commission adjourned at 7:25 p.m. ails 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.