7/7/2014 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
Gordon County
Historic Preservation Commission
July 7, 2014
Members Present
Kenny Padgett, Chairman
Betty Ann Surdykowski
Jeff Henderson
Alvin Long
Staff Present
Ursula Desrosier, Planning & Development
Sandy Padgett, Secretary
Regular Meeting
Chairman Padgett called meeting to order at approximately 5:35 p.m.; welcoming all in attendance.
Ursula Desrosier informed the HPC members that David Mitchell has been recommended to fill the vacant HPC position. Commissioner Cunningham agreed to the appointment; Board of Commissioners will vote to appoint David Mitchell to HPC at their next scheduled meeting.
Jeff Henderson recommended postponing officer elections for next year until scheduled HPC meeting in August. Chairman Padgett recommended a Vice Chairman be temporarily appointed until nominations can be made at August meeting. Jeff Henderson nominated Alvin Long to serve as temporary Vice Chairman; Betty Ann Surdykowski seconded. All voted aye.
Other Reports
Chairman Padgett suggested each HPC member bring a report of some type to the monthly HPC meeting to discuss or update HPC members.
Chairman Padgett informed HPC members that Department of Natural Resources (DNR), horticulturist, discovered an endangered plant at the Battlefield site. Common name of the plant is Skull Cap. Gordon County is listed in the top 5 of the nation where these endangered plants can be found. Plants are located on west side of hills and grow close to cemeteries. DNR is looking into ways to preserve endangered plants.
There is concern for lack of emergency phone system located at the Battlefield site, in particular near the trail system. Alvin Long stated he will contact County Administrator in reference to possibly having emergency phone system installed at the restrooms.
Alvin Long stated he spoke with Calhoun Times reporter in reference to cemetery articles.
Chairman Padgett is meeting with Calhoun Times reporter next week in reference to cemetery articles.
Chairman Padgett questioned Ursula Desrosier about funding for training seminars for HPC. Ursula Desrosier stated she will bring budget to scheduled meeting in August.
Jeff Henderson suggested the HPC look into outlying areas within the county to see if there is any properties/locations that need to be protected that have historic value. He also suggested gathering interested citizens in areas throughout Gordon County to assist HPC with this project.
HPC briefly discussed historic families that still have ties within Gordon County.
Chairman Padgett expressed interest in trying to link all the County’s historical areas together by some sort of organized trail system or systems.
Ursula Desrosier informed HPC members that location of September meeting would need to be changed due to a conflicting schedule. Alvin Long suggested using the Historical Society building. Betty Ann Surdykowksi will contact Jim Lay to confirm the use of Historical Society meeting room for September meeting.
Adjournment
Chairman Padgett stated next meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2014. Alvin Long made motion to adjourn; seconded by Jeff Henderson. Meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:08 p.m.
