HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC minutes 030315Orange County
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Meeting Summary- Approved
March 3, 2015
Whitted Center
300 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough
MEMBERS PRESENT: Todd Dickinson (Chair), Bob Ireland (Vice Chair), Susan Ballard, Rob
Golan, Jaime Grant, Grace White
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Peter Sandbeck GUESTS: None
ITEM #1: JOINT PUBLIC HEARING
The HPC held a joint public hearing with the Orange County Board of County Commissioners for
proposed White Cross School local landmark designation. Mr. Stan Lewis, owner of property
adjoining the school, spoke about an issue he was having with the owners of the White Cross
School regarding cleaning up the site of the neighborhood well. No other public comments were
received. The BOCC moved to refer the draft ordinance for local historic landmark designation
back to the HPC for its final review and recommendation.
ITEM #2: CALL TO ORDER
Members of the HPC moved from the BOCC meeting room into Room 250 of the Whitted
Center. Chair Dickinson called the meeting to order at 8:01 pm, to begin the regular meeting of
the HPC following the joint public hearing with the Board of County Commissioners. Members
expressed their support of the BOCC motion to move the White Cross School forward in the
landmark process.
ITEM #3: CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
Chair Dickinson asked if he could add an item regarding a proposed cell tower to be located on
a farm at the intersection of Erwin and Kerley roads, this will be added as a discussion item.
ITEM #4: APPROVAL OF MINUTES (January 29, 2015)
Dickinson asked for comments on the draft January 29 meeting summary. Golan motioned to
accept the minutes, seconded by Ireland. Approved unanimously.
ITEM #5: ITEMS FOR DECISION
a. Election of Officers for 2015
Staff reported that the HPC rules of procedure call for elections to take place in February.
However, since the February meeting was postponed until March 3 to allow for the joint public
hearing, members need to elect officers at this meeting. Golan nominated Dickinson so serve
one additional term as chair. Discussion followed. It was the consensus of the group that it
would be in the best interest of the HPC to have Dickinson continue to serve as chair while the
HPC is in the midst of the present major effort to complete the survey update process and
publish the book. Golan motioned to elect Dickinson to serve one additional term as chair. This
was seconded by Grant. Motion carried. Ireland was appointed vice -chair by acclamation. Staff
was directed to handle the process of moving this forward. Discussion followed about recruiting
a new member with special background in restoration architecture. Staff presented several
names. Dickinson asked staff to follow up by contacting them and getting resumes.
ITEM #6: DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. HPC review of County's annual outside agency funds requests
Staff reported the County has received its annual requests for funds from outside agencies, and
as in previous years advisory boards are asked to comment on applications for funds. As in
recent years, the HPC is being asked to review and comment on applications from the Historic
Hillsborough Commission (Burwell School) and Historic Foundation of Hillsborough and Orange
County (Orange County Museum). Staff handed out applications and score sheets for members
to complete at home and submit by March 20th; staff will also email the digital score sheet.
b. Copy of CLG grant application submitted to the State Historic
Preservation Office
Staff handed out copies of the application submitted by the deadline. This describes the next
phase of the survey update project moving forward. The Town was not able to budget for
matching funds for a CLG grant application for this current round, in FY 15 -16, but plans to submit
next year. This is not ideal but by doing survey in the ETJ of Hillsborough, it allows the project to
continue momentum. The application also covers preparing the actual historical and architectural
essay component. Discussion followed. Members agreed that this was a reasonable approach.
ITEM #7: UPDATES AND INFORMATION ITEMS
a. Survey project status and update on Town of Hillsborough
participation in the book project:
Staff covered this in item 6 -b, above.
b. Potential new approach for book project via UNC Press
Ireland reported on a recent development regarding his conversation with an old friend who
expressed interest in helping to promote our proposed book as a worthy project for UNC Press
to consider. This friend may also be able provide access to a potential line of funding
assistance. Ireland asked staff to prepare a summary of the project that he can share. Members
agreed that this would be a promising avenue to pursue.
C. Upcoming training workshops for HPC members
Staff reviewed the two upcoming training workshops to be held nearby, in Greensboro on March
19th and in Wake Forest on May 15th. Our CLG rules require that staff and two members attend
one of the state approved training workshops annually.
d. Open Air Time:
Dickinson shared a recent information package he received regarding a proposed cell tower at
Erwin and Kerley roads. Members reviewed maps and offered comments.
ITEM #8: ADJOURNMENT
Ballard motioned to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Golan. Members agreed to postpone the
PowerPoint program. Motion approved. The chair adjourned the meeting at 9:01 pm.
Meeting summary by Peter Sandbeck, DEAPR staff
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