4/3/2017 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
Gordon County
Historic Preservation Commission
April 3, 2017
Members Present
Kenny Padgett, Chairman
Betty Ann Surdykowski, Vice Chairman
Jeff Henderson
David Mitchell
Jim Weaver
Staff Present
Ursula Richardson, Planning & Development
Sandy Padgett, Secretary
Regular Meeting
Chairman Padgett called the meeting to order at approximately 5:22 p.m., welcoming all in attendance. Minutes from March 6, 2017 meeting were presented for review and approval. Jeff Henderson made motion to approve minutes; seconded by David Mitchell. All voted aye.
New Business
Ursula Richardson presented HPC with documentation concerning rezoning of property, to heavy industrial, where Mission Cemetery is located. There is no intention for any property development as of this date. HPC briefly discussed this area in question.
Chairman Padgett informed HPC of a request made by the DOT regarding a maintenance project, Dews Pond to I-75 Bridge. Ursula Richardson notified DOT that there were no historic areas that would be affected by the project.
Chairman Padgett questioned Ursula Richardson regarding training funds available to send 2 HPC members to upcoming HPC training in May. Ursula Richardson forwarded training request to Tom Burgess, Director Gordon County Building Inspections Office, and inquired into hotel rates for upcoming training.
Commission Reports
Chairman Padgett was contacted by Ursula Richardson in reference to the John Saxon House historical marker being damaged and discarded. DNR no longer provides nor maintains historical markers. Chairman Padgett spoke with someone at Georgia Historical Society and they are making arrangements to replace the sign. Sign location is at the Gordon County line and Miller’s Ferry Road.
David Mitchell was contacted by someone who has concerns regarding Bradley Cemetery II, as to the names on the tombstones. She requested someone revisit the cemetery and ensure the names were documented correctly off the tombstones. HPC does not document names on the tombstones only documents where cemetery is located.
Jeff Henderson stated Resaca Confederate Cemetery was cleaned up on Saturday April 1, 2017 by the Sons of Confederate Veterans and a few members of Friends of Resaca. Cemetery has been maintained very well and the biggest concern at the cemetery is trash.
Unfinished Business
Chairman Padgett stated informed HPC of the removal of the easement violation on the Chitwood Farm.
Fort Wayne Site along with Resaca Battlefield Park is being heavily visited.
Board of Commissioners approved Rotary Club’s request for the use of Battlefield Park site this upcoming Thursday, April 6, 2017.
Board of Commissioners approved paranormal investigation by Southern Paranormal Investigators. Chairman Padgett took part in the investigation on March 18, 2017. Southern Paranormal Investigators will be in attendance at the next HPC meeting, May 1, 2017 to give a presentation on their investigative findings.
Chairman Padgett along with County Attorney Jim Ledbetter met with Town of Resaca on March 6, 2017 regarding Resaca Sewer Project and came up with a formal agreement that they would not take the sewer project through Fort Wayne property, but would go up River Road. Town of Resaca is currently working with their planners to route the sewer line up the old River Street. Chairman Padgett appreciates Jim Ledbetter’s diligent work on this project and ensuring the historic easement and county assets were protected.
New Business
Chairman Padgett forwarded email with pictures to HPC members in reference to CSX train derailment which took place on March 11, 2017. (email/pics filed with minutes). Incident took place alongside easement property. Chairman Padgett met with Trust for Public Land at the derailment site on Tuesday, February 28, 2017. Chitwood Road has been destroyed and will have to be repaved. Pictures depicted a bridge at the site that was built in the 1840’s and it is part of the original road bed. HPC briefly discussed this incident.
Department of Economic Development along with Gordon County Chambers of Commerce has requested to conduct a luncheon meeting at Resaca Battlefield Park on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. Sarah Husser, Gordon County Chamber of Commerce, will be bringing tourist specialists from around the state to visit the area. While on site they will have a drive by for the Fort Wayne Site and a brief visit to the Resaca Confederate Cemetery. Betty Ann Surdykowski made motion to approve request; seconded by Jeff Henderson. All voted aye. Request to be forwarded to Board of Commissioners for approval.
Chairman Padgett attended Green Way/Blue Way Belt meeting on March 28, 2017. (email sent to HPC filed with minutes). Project is a 21 mile walking/bike path in Gordon County. Path would connect New Echota, Battlefield Sites, Georgia Northwestern Technical College and Wal-Mart. Projected cost is approximately $1 million/mile. Chairman Padgett voiced his concerns in his email that was sent earlier to HPC members. Chairman Padgett encouraged members to research the project and voice their personal concerns.
Jeff Henderson has spoken with several land owners in the Resaca area that would be affected by the walking/bike path and 3 of the properties have been in the families for over 100 years. The proposed walking/bike path will go in the middle of these properties. The landowners he has spoken with have concerns and oppose the path coming through their property.
Chairman Padgett asked Betty Ann Surdykowski if she would be willing to follow up with Ursula Richardson regarding training funds available to send 2 members to HPC training in May.
Adjourment
Next scheduled meeting is Monday, May 1, 2017 @ 5:30 p.m… Jeff Henderson made motion to adjourn; seconded by Jim Weaver. All voted aye. Meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:53 p.m.
