HDC Minutes 11-21-19

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION November 21, 2019 The Regular Meeting of the City of Dover Historic District Commission was held on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 3:30 PM with Chairperson Mr. McDaniel presiding. Members present were Mr. Street, Mr. Czerwinski, Mr. McDaniel and Ms. Horsey. Ms. Mason was absent. Planning Office Staff members present were Mrs. Melson-Williams and Mrs. Savage-Purnell. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Ms. Horsey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Czerwinski and the motion was unanimously carried 4-0. Ms. Mason was absent. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 Mr. Czerwinski moved for approval of the meeting minutes of September 19, 2019, seconded by Mr. Street and the motion was unanimously carried 4-0. Ms. Mason was absent. COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS Summary of Applications for 2018 and 2019 Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that there have not been any changes other than application HI-19-04 Referral of Fence Permit #19-1218 at 2 Kings Highway NE that came before the Commission as a consultation. The Permit was issued. Summary of Architectural Review Certifications for 2019 Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that with the Summary of Applications there were 23 applications. The Historic District Commission was involved in three of the applications which consisted of the Governor’s Café at 144 Kings Hwy SW, Fence Permit #19-1218 at 2 Kings Highway NE, and the project at 2 West Loockerman Street (Mixed Use Buildings). She thinks they (Governors Café) had a meeting regarding their ABC license that they had to pursue because of the expansion of the kitchen. Majority of the Permits through the end of August consist of interior renovations, exterior renovations, roof, Demolition Permits, and signage. Chairman McDaniel asked about 304 S. Governors Avenue Museum project. Mrs. Melson- Williams replied that they have had a number of small renovation projects. Mr. Czerwinski asked if 126 W. Loockerman Street adopted any of the recommendations that were made by the Commission regarding the appearance of the building. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that they would be reviewing it specifically with any Building Permit that is submitted. Department of Planning & Inspections Update Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned the new Planner will start on December 2, 2019. Her name is Samantha Bulkilvish and she lives in Dover, Delaware. There continues to be progress towards dealing with the wireless communications facilities. We are trying to move forward towards an Ordinance. There is initially a Draft Ordinance at the current time that will address the small cell wireless communication facilities and tower and non-tower wireless facilities.

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION NOVEMBER 21, 2019 Chairman McDaniel asked if any of the small towers had been installed around Dover. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied no. There was an idea to do a pilot project, but they do not think they are going to go that route. There continue to be conversation with providers that would like to be in Dover. This potential Ordinance will be something that will perhaps be happening this winter. NEW BUSINESS Review of Permits Referred to Commission Mrs. Melson-Williams gave an update on the building located at 304 S. State Street. She stated that a selective Demolition Permit was issued to stabilize the wall. The demolition was completed at the end of last week. They are also dealing with the insurance side of things. The contractor has experience dealing with historic buildings. They were involved in what occurred to stabilize the portion of the exterior (east) wall. A temporary wall was built inside (it’s not a structural wall). The next step would be a Permit for the reconstruction of the wall. The architect and construction engineer are on board with the project. Chairman McDaniel asked what kind of deadline they have. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that there is no set deadline to restore. Staff had to take it to Council to formerly declare it a Dangerous Building so that if actions and steps were not taken expeditiously to stabilize what was there then the City could step in and do that. The owner took care of the stabilization process. They are well aware that it is in the Historic District. They are assessing the opportunity for any kind of assistance because it is in the Downtown Development District. She thinks the brick façade will be reconstructed and they will be salvaging the cast metal from the windows. Mr. Czerwinski asked if it was water or brick failure. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that it is definitely a question. From the pictures that she saw the exterior surface was one layer of brick and the wall behind it is other layers. It could be any number of things. Mr. Czerwinski mentioned that he was worried that it would be like the building on North Street and Governors Avenue where there was shattering of bricks. Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned that she is not sure if they ever determined what exactly caused the failure. If you look at the pictures, the outer surface of the brick is what came down. Mr. Street asked if there was anything else wrong with the building structurally. Mrs. Melson- Williams replied she did not know. She has not seen the structural report but there was some minor structural reporting done to make sure it was not going to fall down. Chairman McDaniel asked Mrs. Melson-Williams if she was aware that the building to the south also used the closure to do some repair to their building. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that she was not aware right off-hand. Ms. Horsey mentioned that she spoke with the contractor during the process and the contractor mentioned that the buildings on either side were totally safe structurally. The contractor is pretty much an expert with all the buildings. 2

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION NOVEMBER 21, 2019 Chairman McDaniel asked where the contractor was from. Ms. Horsey replied the contractor was local and has practically worked on every building on The Green, State buildings, and Woodburn to name a few. Chairman McDaniel asked who the structural engineer was. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied was the Baker Ingram Group. Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned for your reference that the building is part of the Dover Green Historic District; so, it is part of the National Register listed district. The nomination for the District notes that it is a late nineteenth century building, estimated at 1885-1897 construction. At some point the first floor was remodeled. Ms. Horsey mentioned that the contractor said the first floor was totally safe; it was just everything above it. Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned that at some point there will be a reconstruction plan. She is hoping to do the permit administratively. She will bring it to the Historic District Commission if time permits for additional consultation. Chairman McDaniel mentioned that it was a good idea. Mr. Czerwinski asked if the second floor was painted brick. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that it was all painted brick. Ms. Horsey replied that Baker Ingram Group saved every brick that they could. Annual Meeting Historic District Commission Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman Mrs. Melson-Williams briefly discussed the By-Laws for the Historic District Commission. Mr. McDaniel became Chairman of the Historic District Commission in August 2016 and the Vice- Chairman has the same 6-year term limit. Mr. McDaniel has served for 4 years as the Chairman and previously for 3 years as the Vice-Chairman. Ms. Horsey has served for 3 years as the Vice- Chair. Mr. McDaniel mentioned that he and Ms. Horsey would be willing to run again; however, if anyone else would like to take one of those positions that would be fine. Mr. Czerwinski moved to reelect by acclamation Mr. McDaniel as Chairman for the Historic District Commission. The motion was seconded by Mr. Horsey and unanimously carried 4-0. Chairman McDaniel moved to reelect by acclamation Ms. Horsey as Vice Chair for the Historic District Commission. The motion was seconded by Mr. Czerwinski and unanimously carried 4-0. Meeting & Deadline Draft Schedule for 2020 Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that the meeting date will remain as the third (3rd) Thursday of each month at 3:30pm. The deadline date to file an application has to be at least 30 days prior to the meeting date. The Meeting and Deadline Schedule for 2020 was provided to all members. The By- laws state that the Historic District Commission meeting must meet quarterly. 3

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION NOVEMBER 21, 2019 Certified Local Government (CLG) Program Status of FFY2018 CLG Grant Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned that this was the project to work on the Chapter Draft of the Historic Preservation Plan. The project has been closed out. The final report was submitted in early October. The length of the grant was extended to take it through the end of September in working with the Preservation Office because we are still doing grant activities after the July 1 timeframe and they had money that needed to be expended. We have received the invoice payment. The overall project cost was $3416, and we received 60% of that back as reimbursement in the amount of $2049. Update on FFY2019 CLG Grant Application Submission We are expecting the Grant Agreement to be forthcoming. They have received their official monies and it appears that we will be eligible for some additional monies because of another CLG elected not to apply this year. We will be eligible for roughly $11,000. The project requires a minimum match of $7500 on behalf of the city. Our budget line is $10,000. The grant project is the addendum to the Design Standards and Guidelines which we will be going out for consultant help. Staff hopes to start focusing on it after the new year once the Comprehensive Plan is completed. Chairman McDaniel asked if there was a consultant on board and if there was money to cover the cost of a consultant with the increase in available reimbursement of the grant. Mrs. Melson- Williams replied that there is no consultant on board at the current time and there is money to cover the cost of a consultant. Project for Dover’s 2019 Comprehensive Plan Release DRAFT Plan (dated 10/1/2019) is available for review. See Project website: https://www.cityofdover.com/2019-comprehensive-plan Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that on October 1, 2019 the Release DRAFT Plan was released which compiled all the chapters and map series. The Release DRAFT Plan was submitted to the State for PLUS Review on October 23, 2019. Two weeks ago, we received the written comments from the PLUS Review meeting. We are working diligently to make those corrections and revisions that was suggested as certification comments or recommendations. Regarding the Historic Preservation Chapter, they wanted to hear more about the Downtown Development District program and the State’s Rebate program that is associated with being in that District because there is a piggy back with the State Historic Tax Credit Program in that same area. PLUS Review Comments Received Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that they noted the strong support that is shown for Historic Preservation and CLG status. The Chapter itself noted that it “fulfills the purpose of providing an overview of the City’s history, it’s known historic resources, the City’s processes for considering those resources and development reviews and project and amenities that relates to historic preservation.” They wanted to see more information regarding the Downtown Development District and other ways that we look to strengthen preservation efforts in the City. There were questions regarding preservation of existing housing stock. 4

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION NOVEMBER 21, 2019 Release DRAFT Chapter 6 – Historic Preservation Plan and associated Maps 6-1A and 6-1B Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that included in your packet was the Release DRAFT of Chapter 6 and the associated maps. The entire Release DRAFT is posted on the City’s Comprehensive Plan webpage. We are currently working on what will be the Final DRAFT of the Comprehensive Plan which is text and map series. The first hearing on the Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for the Planning Commission meeting of December 16, 2019. The City Council review and hearing will be scheduled for their January 13, 2020 meeting. We hope to be providing the recommended document for Certification by mid-January to meet our February filing deadline. Comments Chairman McDaniel mentioned that it was a well written document. He asked if the Delaware Cultural Resource Survey was accessible through the CHRIS. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied yes. He also asked if this information could be accessed from his personal computer and if it could be accessed by the public? Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that there is a way for the general public to access some of the information and some of the information requires a full login. In the future we could suggest that the Delaware State Historic Preservation Office visit and have a demonstration of that program. Chairman McDaniel asked if Greenwold was located across from Kent General Hospital? Mrs. Melson-Williams replied yes, and it is also known as the Scull Mansion. Chairman McDaniel asked about the Hughes-Willis Site. Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned that the Hughes-Willis Site is an archaeological site that is located on the east side of Dover within City limits. Chairman McDaniel asked if the Design Standards and Guidelines that were adopted in 1997 were going to be updated in the CLG grant. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that the Design Standards and Guidelines were adopted in 1993 and the District was expanded in 1997. Chairman McDaniel mentioned the Loockerman Street corridor. Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned that it is reflected in some of the comments. Chairman McDaniel mentioned that DDP reached out to the owner of 304 South State Street regarding potential Tax Credits so that they were aware. Chairman McDaniel asked if one would apply to State Historic Preservation Office to receive the certified historic significance of that District. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied yes, the Delaware State Tax Credit Program is managed through the State Historic Preservation Office and is one of the steps in the process for that application. Chairman McDaniel stated that he previously mentioned the update and evaluation of the Design Standards and Guidelines. Chairman McDaniel mentioned the City does a great job with offering education opportunities to the Historic District Commission, staff and the general public on the Architectural Review Certification process. He mentioned there have not been any seminars lately. He recalls going to one in Lewes, Delaware five years ago. 5

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION NOVEMBER 21, 2019 Chairman McDaniel mentioned that the Historic District Commission had not done a “Self- Assessment for the Historic District Commission” to identify other strategic planning needs. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied no, it has not been done. It is a program through the National Trust. Chairman McDaniel asked if any interns were used in the Planning & Inspections Department from Delaware Technical & Community College, Delaware State University, Wesley College, and the University of Delaware? Mrs. Melson-Williams replied not on the preservation side. There has been some intern usage off and on, over the years, by various City groups. The last time we did our Comprehensive Plan both in 2003 and 2008 we had interns from the University of Delaware that helped us. The initial writing of a Preservation Chapter was done by an intern in 2003 or 2008 with her oversight. Chairman McDaniel asked if in the future they could have a speaker. Ms. Horsey mentioned that she also liked the idea. Ms. Horsey asked if there was a guideline for the Self-Assessment. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied yes, there is a program booklet. Chairman McDaniel mentioned that once we get the new Guidelines written for the material then we can really focus on the Self-Assessment. He stated that he really likes the document. Ms. Horsey mentioned one typo on page 6-11 from “historic” to “historical”. Update on Public Outreach Events held for 2019 Comprehensive Plan: Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned that we will be moving forward with Chapter 6. We did hold two public outreach events focusing on introducing the entire Release DRAFT to the public. The Open House Event was held at the library on October 23, 2019; it included a presentation that is on the City’s website for the Comp Plan project. It also included various maps. The Visitation Event was held on October 24, 2019 at City Hall. All the maps were on display and Staff was available to answer questions. The Open House Event was reasonably attended but not as many attended as the Open House held in August 2018. The Visitation Event was somewhat disappointing because we did not have a lot of visitors, but we made the opportunity available. Chairman McDaniel mentioned that he liked both events and the presentations. Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned that the presentation was really meant to educate persons about what the process of a Comprehensive Plan is and then focus on some of the key elements of the Land Development Plan Map and Annexation. Chairman McDaniel asked if there would be a public hearing for the Final DRAFT of the Comprehensive Plan. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied yes. As previously mentioned, the public hearing with the Planning Commission is scheduled for December 16, 2019 and the City Council review and hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2020. Formally the document has to be adopted by ordinance which is what City Council ultimately will have to take action on. There is also a 6

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION NOVEMBER 21, 2019 series of what we call specific requests which may be from a property owner regarding an individual property where they may see something different than what has been proposed on one of the particular maps. Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned that Chapter 15 is the Implementation Plan which consists of one of the elements, the Design Standards and Guidelines project. The Implementation Plan addresses the adoption of the Plan, a Rezoning project, and short-term, intermediate term, and long-term action items that need to be addressed. Mr. Czerwinski asked about a missing legend section on the map. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that the orange is not over in the map legend. That is one of the things that has already been picked up. On the Overall City Resources Map 6-1B, we are missing the Little Creek Hundred Rural Historic District. It is there, but it is not shaded a color. A portion of the west side of Long Point Road that falls into that. Mr. Street moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Czerwinski and unanimously carried 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 4:18 PM Sincerely, Maretta Savage-Purnell Secretary 7