6/6/2016 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
Gordon County
Historic Preservation Commission
June 6, 2016
Members Present
Kenny Padgett, Chairman
Betty Ann Surdykowski, Vice Chairman
David Mitchell
Alvin Long
Staff Present
Ursula Desrosier, Planning & Development
Sandy Padgett, Secretary
Regular Meeting
Chairman Padgett called the meeting to order at approximately 5:30 p.m. welcoming all in attendance. Minutes from May 2, 2016 meeting were presented for review and approval. David Mitchell made motion to approve minutes; seconded by Betty Ann Surdykowski. All voted aye.
Commission Reports
Chairman Padgett worked last Thursday and Friday at the Battlefield Park with DNR. He stated the Battlefield Park is rated a Class A regarding the Skullcaps. Another large population of Skullcaps was discovered at the site.
Chairman Padgett stated there is also a threatened plant on the site, common milkweed, which is home of the monarch butterfly. Monarch butterfly has been reduced in population by 90% in the last 10 years.
Unfinished Business
Chairman Padgett will make an appointment with Jim Ledbetter, County Attorney, and John King, County Administrator, to discuss placing the Resaca Confederate Cemetery in an historic district. Since May HPC meeting someone vandalized the flagpole at the Cemetery, resulting in approximately $750 in damages.
Chairman Padgett is awaiting response from Trust from Public Land regarding violation on Chitwood Farm.
Chairman Padgett stated there were approximately 350 visitors at the Grand Opening at the Resaca Battlefield Site. Visitors were noted from Michigan and Washington D.C.
A commitment was made from 2 state authorities to start working on funding for Interpretative Center Museum on the site.
Georgia Civil War Commission conducted their quarterly meeting at the Park on Saturday May 14, 2016. Chairman Padgett won the first state award ever given for preservation. He was honored to have received the award.
New Business
Chairman Padgett presented a letter received for a request for DNA testing on possible human remains of Lt. Thomas Pleasant Preston, which is thought to be buried at the Confederate Cemetery. (letter filed with minutes) Brief discussion by HPC members regarding this request. Chairman Padgett will respond to the request via email and let the requestor know the cemetery is an historic location and the grave location is unknown.
Chairman Padgett stated he received an email from a University in Virginia requesting permission to come to the Battlefield Park and conduct a study on the Common Milkwood plant. (email filed with minutes). HPC members briefly discussed study request. Betty Ann Surdykowski made motion to approve request; seconded by David Mitchell. All voted aye.
Chairman Padgett received an email from Steve Longcrier, Georgia Heritage Trails, regarding placing trailer blazer signs throughout the county. (email filed with minutes).
Chairman Padgett has been in contact with Georgia Building Authority in reference to street lights being replaced at the Confederate Cemetery. One light, possibly two, will be installed.
HPC members held the annual election for officers for July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017.
Alvin Long made a motion that Kenny Padgett remains Chairman; seconded by David Mitchell. All voted aye. David Mitchell made motion Betty Ann Surdykowski remain Vice Chairman; seconded by Alvin Long. All voted aye.
Adjournment
Next scheduled meeting is Wednesday, July 6, 2016, due to first Monday in July being a holiday.
David Mitchell made motion to adjourn; seconded by Betty Ann Surdykowski. All voted aye. Meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:01 p.m.
