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HRAB 04-17-07 Meeting MinutesFrederick County Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) April 17, 2007, 6:30pm Held in the Board of Supervisors Executive Session Room of the County Administrative Building at 107 N. Kent Street, Winchester, VA Members Present: Rhoda Kriz (Chairman), Elizabeth Fravel (Vice -Chairman), Stacey Yost, Mary Turner, Claus Bader, Maral Kalbian (Consultant), Gary Oates (Planning Commission Liaison). Members Absent: Martin Killingbeck, and Virginia McClure. Staff. Kevin Henry, Planning Technician, Lauren Krempa, Zoning Inspector Agenda Items: February 2007 Minutes, Member Roster Update, Ervin Development Rezoning proposal (presented by Painter -Lewis), Shady Elm Rezoning (presented by PHR&A), Willa Cather property preservation plan. Other: N/A The meeting began at 6:30 P.M. The first item of the agenda was the approval of the February 2007 minutes. Ms. Fravel motioned to approve, the motion was seconded by Ms. Turner, and the minutes were unanimously approved without changes. The second agenda item was the update to the HRAB Member Roster. Ms. Fravel and Mr. Bader noted that references to `@adelphia.net" should be changed to `@comcast.net" and Ms. Kaliban and Ms. Turner added contact phone numbers. The third item on the agenda for the meeting was for the HRAB to evaluate the Ervin Development (Jeff Butler) historic marker proposal (1932 Senseny Rd.). The application was represented by Painter -Lewis who presented the proposal for a historic monument to commemorate the location of the Greenwood School House. Painter -Lewis noted the prominent location of the monument and provided a Generalized Development Plan (GDP) to the HRAB which showed the proposed general location of the marker. Chairman Kriz recommended that Painter -Lewis have Ms. Kaliban review the text of the plaque for the marker, both Painter -Lewis and Ms. Kaliban agreed. Chairman Kriz asked the applicant if they knew the location of the marker on the property, the applicant responded that the marker would be placed near the front of the property as shown on the GDP but was subject to some movement. Mr. Henry inquired about the access to the marker to which Painter -Lewis pointed out the sidewalk provided from the parking lot around the marker and connecting to the sidewalk on Greenwood Road, as shown on the GDP. Ms. Turner stated her endorsement of the proposed monument. Mr. Butler responded that Painter -Lewis hoped to set the standard for historic markers in the future. Ms. Kaliban asked if the applicant planned on taking down the school house building, Mr. Butler responded that they did plan to do so after the rezoning was approved. The HRAB had no further comments for the applicant. Staff informed the applicants of a letter stating the HRAB's endorsement of the proposed monument would be prepared post -meeting and mailed to them. The next agenda item was an evaluation of the proposed Shady Elm Rezoning, submitted by PHR&A, which was postponed until the May 15, 2007 meeting. The fifth item of the agenda was the Willa Cather birthplace grant opportunity. Linda Cather, of the Willa Cather Family, was again present to support the HRAB in this effort. In addition, Mr. Adrian O'Connor (Winchester Start), Dr. Jacobs (Shenandoah University) and Ann Romines (Willa Cather Foundation) were also present to discuss the property and possible solutions for its purchase. Staff informed the HRAB that grants are not readily available for this type of property preservation without the use of matching funds which is not provided for in the Frederick County Budget. The HRAB and guests discussed further possibilities for the purchase of the Cather Birthplace. Ms. Cather stated that her inside connection indicated that Mr. Brill (the property owner) would sell the property for $175,000 to $200,000 with the ability to live on the property for the remainder of his life. Commissioner Oates suggested that Ms. Cather form an LLC or non profit in order to purchase the property under and volunteered one of his LLC names to begin the process in order to allow Ms. Cather time to set up her company. Ms. Kaliban indicated that there was a "left over" portion of money from the 250th anniversary of Frederick County that the HRAB should have access to which could assist with a down payment or towards purchase. Chairman Kriz said she thought a small portion of those funds was earmarked for a future anniversary but that some may be available. Ms. Kaliban also pointed out that the purchaser of the property could claim tax credits for rehabilitation of the property and noted that DHR was offering an open house on the subject later in the week. Staff indicated that they would attend the open house for information. Ms. Kaliban recommended money from the General Assembly as a method of obtaining purchase funds and noted that Congressman Frank Wolfe had been interested in this case in the past. Chairman Kriz, Ms. Cather, Mr. Oates, and staff indicated that they would try to form a meeting to discuss the contract for the property. Mr. O'Connor said he would contact Mr. Brill immediately to identify a selling price and acreage. There being no other business the HRAB adjourned at 8:50 P.M.