July 7, 2016 HPC Minutes
Gordon County
Historic Preservation Commission
July 6, 2016
Members Present
Kenny Padgett, Chairman
Betty Ann Surdykowski, Vice Chairman
David Mitchell
Jeff Henderson
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 June 6, 2016 meeting were presented for review and approval. Betty Ann Surdykowski noted next meeting date that was improperly listed on minutes, change noted by the secretary. Jeff made motion to accept corrected minutes; seconded by David Mitchell. All voted aye.
Commission Reports
Jeff Henderson stated Gideon Cemetery is in need of another major clean up. He spoke with Gordon County in reference to having the cemetery cleaned up and was told the cemetery would be cleaned within the week. He is still in the process of having the marker re-erected
at the cemetery.
Chairman Padgett shared a letter he wrote to Mr. Preston in response to his request of identifying a gravesite at Confederate Cemetery. (letter filed with minutes)
Chairman Padgett spoke with the county attorney, Jim Ledbetter, in regards to Resaca Cemetery and Chitwood Farm and a historic easement; further discussion will be had at a later date.
Chairman Padgett received a letter from Trust for Public Land in reference to the easement violation. The letter informed HPC it would be their responsibility to contact the property owner/property leaser in regards to the easement violation.
Chairman Padgett met with individuals from William & Mary University on July 3, 2016, in regards to the milkweed plant study they would be conducting at the Battlefield Site. Copies of study will be sent to HPC upon completion of the study.
Chairman Padgett was contacted by a representative of the 123rd New York Reenactors in reference to monument they want to place on the county easement on Chitwood Road. 123rd New York Reenactors have raised approximately $8,000 of the $10,000 needed for the monument.
New Business
Chairman Padgett emailed the HPC Georgia HPD 2017-2021 Statewide Historic Preservation Plan. (filed with minutes). He encouraged the HPC members to send comments within the week regarding the statewide plan.
Chairman Padgett has been in contact via email with Georgia Building Authority, owners/operators of Confederate Cemetery in regards to needed repairs at the cemetery. (email filed with minutes) HPC briefly discussed needed repairs and repairs that have already been made.
Chairman Padgett appeared on WDNN (local TV channel) on their program “Local Scene” promoting Resaca Battlefield and other Gordon County Historic Sites.
HPC briefly discussed the potential to clear 40’ easement for a TVA power pole clearance on Gordon County/Trust for Public Land property.
Betty Ann Surdykowski made a motion, in anticipation of a request regarding powerline easement clearance by Georgia Building Authority, to run lines HPC approve request, pending final decision by Gordon County Board of Commissioners; seconded by Jeff Henderson. All voted aye.
Chairman Padgett informed HPC of the 150th Anniversary of the Confederate Cemetery. A dedication ceremony is planned for October 25, 2016.
Jeff Henderson made a motion for the next scheduled HPC meeting to be held on September 7, 2016; seconded by David Mitchell. All voted aye.
Adjournment
Betty Ann Surdykowski made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Jeff Henderson. All voted aye.
Meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:54 p.m.
