Final Expense Whole Life Insurance

HISTORIC DUMBHUNDRED ACTION COMMITTEE (HDAC)

Minutes of Meeting

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Members and Guests Present

·       Brian Plitnik, President

·       Dan Mullin

·       Kathy Robinson

·       Rod Raymond

·       Rosemary Raymond

·       Anne DeVaughn

·       Laurie Plitnik

·       Larry Banks

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Special Guest: Ray Morris, Mayor of Cumberland

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Opening

President Brian Plitnik welcomed those in attendance and recognized Cumberland Mayor Ray Morris as the committee's special guest.

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Dan Mullin offered to assume the duties of secretary. With the consent of those present, the meeting was recorded to assist in preparing accurate minutes and maintaining a record of committee discussions.

Mayor Morris thanked the committee for inviting him and encouraged HDAC to communicate neighborhood concerns to him by email, particularly when specific questions or matters require follow-up.

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OLD BUSINESS

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1. Street and Weed Cleaning

The committee reviewed the recent weed and street-cleaning work on Columbia Street. Members agreed that the work represented a noticeable improvement and expressed appreciation for the city's response.

Attention then turned to Independence Street and other portions of the neighborhood where additional weed removal and street maintenance are needed.

Larry Banks, who indicated that he has a good working relationship with Devin Burke of the city, agreed to contact him and ask whether similar work could be undertaken on Independence Street.

Members also discussed the importance of keeping HDAC communications focused on matters representing the committee as a whole. Concerns intended to be presented to city officials should, whenever practical, first be discussed by the committee so that HDAC can communicate clearly and consistently.

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2. Follow-Up With Kevin Thacker and City Officials

The committee reviewed its recent meeting with Kevin Thacker and generally considered the meeting productive.

Several neighborhood concerns previously presented to the city remain under review, including street and sidewalk hazards, code enforcement, trash receptacles left on sidewalks, vacant or neglected properties, and other maintenance matters.

Members noted that a damaged signpost on Knox Street had been identified and that the city had placed a cone over the hazard.

A follow-up meeting with Kevin Thacker has been confirmed for Friday, October 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

The committee discussed having HDAC members agree in advance upon the principal issues to be presented at that meeting. Members felt this would provide city officials with a concise, organized list rather than numerous unrelated individual concerns.

It was also agreed that HDAC should acknowledge improvements and completed work when meeting with city officials, in addition to identifying matters that remain unresolved.

The committee expects to develop its list of priorities before the October 30 meeting.

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3. Code Enforcement, Trash and Property Conditions

Members discussed several recurring neighborhood concerns involving rental properties, absentee owners, trash containers left on sidewalks, illegal dumping, weeds and neglected properties.

Mayor Morris discussed the city's approach of initially encouraging voluntary compliance and proceeding to enforcement when necessary. He noted that the city has been working to improve and accelerate its code-enforcement procedures.

The committee discussed concerns involving the properties at 106-108 Independence Street, including trash and dumping around the property. Follow-up with city officials was recommended.

Mayor Morris encouraged residents reporting problems to provide complete information, including the specific street address or block whenever possible, so city personnel can investigate and document complaints effectively.

Members also discussed the desirability of having a limited number of committee representatives serve as primary contacts for particular city departments. This would help avoid several people separately contacting city officials about the same matter.

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4. Dumbhundred Historic District - National Register Nomination

The committee received an encouraging update regarding the effort to have the Dumbhundred Historic District placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The nomination package has been completed and forwarded to the Maryland Historical Trust for the next stage of review.

Members discussed the importance of National Register designation, including the possibility of becoming eligible for additional grants and programs supporting historic properties, neighborhood improvements and preservation projects.

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5. HDAC Facebook Page and Logo

The committee discussed the HDAC Facebook page and the importance of keeping it current with neighborhood information, meeting minutes and other appropriate material.

Dan Mullin presented a proposed HDAC logo incorporating the Town Clock Church, a prominent historic landmark visible throughout much of the neighborhood. Members responded favorably to the concept.

It was suggested that the wording identify the organization by its full name: Historic Dumbhundred Action Committee.

The committee also discussed sharing responsibility for maintaining the Facebook page rather than having numerous administrators posting independently. Members favored having designated individuals manage official postings while allowing other members to submit photographs, articles and neighborhood information for consideration.

Dan Mullin agreed to assist with HDAC social media responsibilities in addition to serving as secretary.

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6. Henderson Avenue Guardrail

The condition of the guardrail along Henderson Avenue was discussed extensively with Mayor Morris.

Mayor Morris explained that City Engineer Bobby Smith is examining what would be required to address the guardrail comprehensively. Because replacement work must comply with current state and federal standards, a complete project could be costly and may need to be undertaken in phases over several years.

Members emphasized that the matter involves both neighborhood appearance and, more importantly, public safety.

Mayor Morris acknowledged the concern and noted that public-safety considerations receive priority when the city evaluates competing capital needs.

Related discussion included pedestrian access across the railroad tracks and the city's longer-term consideration of improved connections between the Amtrak station and downtown Cumberland.

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7. Neighborhood Property Improvements

Members noted encouraging renovation activity at several neighborhood properties, including work underway at 100 Columbia Street.

The committee discussed the importance of recognizing responsible property owners and investors - including those from outside the area - who purchase deteriorated properties and make meaningful improvements.

Mayor Morris reported that the city has successfully returned a number of properties to productive use through rehabilitation and related programs.

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NEW BUSINESS

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1. Secretary and Social Media Responsibilities

Dan Mullin agreed to assume the duties of HDAC Secretary and to assist with the committee's social-media presence.

The secretary will use meeting recordings, when authorized, to prepare written minutes and maintain a more complete record of committee discussions and action items.

Meeting minutes may also be posted on the HDAC Facebook page so members and neighborhood residents who are unable to attend can remain informed.

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2. Future Meeting Location

Because Anne DeVaughn will be moving from the area, HDAC will eventually need a new regular meeting location: Community Cafe: 127 North Centre Street.

The current location will remain available for the September meeting, giving the committee additional time to evaluate alternatives. 

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The next regular meeting of the Historic Dumbhundred Action Committee is scheduled for
Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM, at the current meeting location:

​Community Cafe: 127 North Centre Street.

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Possibilities discussed included Unbottled on Columbia Avenue; a neighborhood church with an available meeting or fellowship room; the community room at Martin's; and other suitable locations within or convenient to the Dumbhundred neighborhood.

Members expressed a preference, when practical, for holding meetings within the neighborhood itself.

No permanent location was selected. Members will investigate the alternatives and revisit the matter.

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3. Neighborhood Property Survey

The committee discussed the possibility of conducting an informal walk through the Dumbhundred neighborhood to identify properties that appear vacant, deteriorated or in need of attention.

Such an effort could help HDAC better understand neighborhood conditions and distinguish isolated problems from broader patterns requiring attention.

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4. City Home Rehabilitation Programs

Mayor Morris provided information about several City of Cumberland programs that may assist qualifying homeowners.

Programs discussed included roof replacement or repair; aging-in-place improvements; accessibility improvements such as ramps and walk-in showers; windows and doors; and other qualifying residential rehabilitation work.

Mayor Morris noted that the city recently received additional funding and is examining ways to expand eligibility so that more Cumberland residents may qualify.

Homeowners insurance is generally an important eligibility requirement for participation in these programs.

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The committee discussed obtaining the city's informational materials and sharing them through the HDAC Facebook page so neighborhood residents can learn what assistance may be available.

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Remarks From Mayor Ray Morris

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Mayor Morris thanked HDAC members for their involvement and expressed appreciation for residents who take an active role in improving their neighborhood.

He emphasized that neighborhood organizations can be valuable partners with city government by identifying priorities, communicating specific concerns and helping connect residents with available programs.

The Mayor encouraged HDAC to continue its work and indicated his willingness to maintain communication with the committee.

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ACTION AND FOLLOW-UP ITEMS

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1.         Larry Banks will contact Devin Burke regarding weed/street-cleaning needs on Independence Street and other street-related concerns discussed at the meeting.

2.         HDAC will continue following up with the city regarding conditions at 106-108 Independence Street, including trash and dumping.

3.         Members will develop a concise list of priority matters for the October 30 meeting with Kevin Thacker.

4.         The committee will include both completed improvements and unresolved concerns when preparing its city follow-up.

5.         HDAC will continue monitoring the National Register nomination for the Dumbhundred Historic District.

6.         Dan Mullin will assume secretary duties and assist with management of HDAC's social-media presence.

7.         The proposed HDAC logo will be revised to use the organization's full name, Historic Dumbhundred Action Committee.

8.         Members will investigate possible future meeting locations.

9.         Information concerning Cumberland's homeowner rehabilitation and aging-in-place programs will be obtained for possible distribution through HDAC and its Facebook page.

10.   The committee will continue advocating for improvements to the Henderson Avenue guardrail, with particular emphasis on public safety.

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Next Meeting

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The next regular meeting of the Historic Dumbhundred Action Committee is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2026.

The September meeting will be held at the current meeting location.

President Plitnik and the committee thanked Mayor Ray Morris for attending and for participating in the discussion.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Dan Mullin

Secretary

Historic Dumbhundred Action Committee