9/6/2016 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
Gordon County
Historic Preservation Commission
September 6, 2016
Members Present
Kenny Padgett, Chairman
Betty Ann Surdykowski, Vice Chairman
Alvin Long
Jeff Henderson
Staff Present
Ursula Desrosier, Planning & Development
Sandy Padgett, Secretary
Regular Meeting
Chairman Padgett called the meeting to order at approximately 5:24 p.m. welcoming all in attendance. Minutes from July 6, 2016 meeting were presented for review and approval. Alvin Long made motion to approve minutes; seconded by Betty Ann Surdykowski. All voted aye.
Commissioner Reports
Betty Ann Surdykowski shared Resaca brochure (rack card) with HPC members that has been printed by Gordon County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Brochure depicts Civil War Attractions in the Resaca area. (copy of brochure filed with minutes)
Jeff Henderson spoke with David Grant, New Echota River Alliance, in regards to kiosks being placed at boat ramps. Along with the kiosks they will possibly be placing historical information along with a map depicting distance between locations of boat ramps.
Unfinished Business
Chairman Padgett shared a letter from The Trust for Public Land regarding Gordon County Easement Violation with HPC members. (copy filed with minutes)
Georgia Building Authority has withdrawn their request for power line route along easement property on Chitwood Farm.
Resaca Battlefield Site and Fort Wayne sites have been heavily visited, especially during the morning hours. Tours have been scheduled into 2018 calendar year.
New Business
Chairman Padgett informed HPC of signage placed (5-6 signs) at the Confederate Cemetery stating cemetery is closed from dusk to dawn.
Alvin Long questioned Chairman Padgett of the possibility of state funds to come forward in the upcoming budget. Chairman Padgett stated that is currently being discussed with State Representative John Meadows.
Chairman Padgett informed the HPC of an issue exploding in Whitfield County regarding mountain bikers. Civil War Trust is raising approximately 2 million dollars to buy approximately 625 acres on Rocky Face Ridge. Whitfield County has subleased sections of the property to a private firm for mountain bike trails throughout the historic areas. Chairman Padgett shared article regarding this issue with HPC. (article filed with minutes).
Friends of Resaca are requesting the installation of 3 benches at the north side of the pavilion area looking over the field. Benches will be utilized for living histories and persons that will be congregating around pavilion area for additional seating. (bench description along with photo filed with minutes) Friends of Resaca has $3,000 budgeted for the installation of the benches. The three benches will be dedicated to Dr. Phil Seacrest, O.J. Keller and Ken Padgett. Betty Surdykowski made motion to forward the Friends of Resaca request for the installation of three benches to the Gordon County Board of Commissioners for approval; seconded by Jeff Henderson. All voted aye.
Chairman Padgett stated Friends of Resaca will be cleaning and painting the rusted silhouettes black. Jeff Henderson made motion for the HPC to approve the painting of the silhouettes; seconded by Betty Ann Surdykowski. All voted aye.
Gordon County has received a grant in the amount of $35,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission. A consultant firm has been hired to plan the connection of the Fort Wayne Site to the Resaca Battlefield Site via the river corridor with walking and bike trails. Chairman Padgett, John King (County Administrator), Jim Ledbetter (County Attorney) and Don Holley (Director Parks & Recreation) have discussed the possibility of placing a boat/canoe ramp on the edge of the Fort Wayne property.
Chairman Padgett informed HPC members of Confederate Cemetery clean up day on October 8, 2016.
Chairman Padgett informed HPC that Fox Abbott Cemetery, located on Highway 53 at the edge of the city limits, has been heavily vandalized.
Adjournment
Chairman Padgett stated next scheduled meeting is Monday October 3, 2016 @ 5:30 p.m.. Alvin Long made motion to adjourn; seconded by Jeff Henderson. All voted aye. Meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:39 p.m.
