Washington’s Historic Preservation Commission is planning to meet with State Historic Preservation Office staff in a workshop Aug. 2.

The workshop’s purposes are to indoctrinate new commission members to their roles and serve as a refresher course for veteran commission members. Discussion about having the workshop occurred during the commission’s May 3 meeting. The commission also discussed possibly meeting with the City Council to determine what the council wants the commission to accomplish in the coming months.

Emily Rebert, the city’s community development planner, told the commission the workshop would provide the SHPO staff to tell the commission “what we can and cannot do.”  The commission develops and enforces guidelines regarding properties in the city’s historic district.

“I think it would be a good idea to meet with the City Council,” Rebert said.

“It might be a good idea for the City Council to be here for the workshop,” commission Chairman Edward Hodges.

The commission discussed having that joint meeting Sept. 6, but did leave the door open for the meeting to take place on another date.

SHPO provides technical assistance to local historic preservation commissions. John Wood with the SHPO’s Greenville office likely would conduct the workshop, according to Rebert. Wood is a restoration specialist. Scott Powers, a preservation specialist and supervisor of the Greenville office, could take part in the workshop. The Greenville office recently provided advice to the commission regarding fences in Washington’s historic district.

The commission, among its duties, issues certificates of appropriateness for major works in the historic district and recommends to the City Council properties to be designated as historic districts and landmarks. The commission also selects recipients of the Rena K. Terrell Awards, which recognize preservation efforts in the city.

The commission is accepting nominations for the next round of awards. Nominations may be mailed to the City of Washington’s Planning and Development Department, Attn: Emily Rebert, emailed to erebert@washingtonnc.gov or submitted by calling 252-946-0897.