3 August 2016 | Approved: 7 September 2016
Chairman Nagrod called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Brenda Gumula, Dave Hix, John McClelland, Deborah Mehlferber, and Steve Werts. Others in attendance were Mayor Joli McCathran, Council Member Georgette Cole and residents Charlie Challstrom, Kathie Evans,
Bruce Rothrock and Mary Warfield.
Approval of Agenda:
Brenda Gumula moved to approve the agenda. Dave Hix seconded the motion. Chairman Nagrod moved the Dog Park discussion to Public Appearances. Approved: 5-0, as amended.
Public Appearances:
Mayor McCathran reported Bruce Rothrock brought to her attention an area where flooding and mud are a problem after a heavy rain. The problem area is the new brick access path in Block 11. Mayor McCathran asked for PC input in fixing the problem. The conclusion was as long as there is no sod at 203 2nd Avenue, runoff under the gate leading to the new path will continue to be a problem. Steve Werts volunteered to ask the contractor to install a silt fence in the area.
Kathie Evans (317 Brown Street) expressed her concerns about the sale of the house next door (319) and the existing non-compliances. She wanted reassurance that the Commission would not allow any increase of the non-compliances that currently exist, specifically the west wall of the home which sits on the property line. She wants any additions to be done correctly. Chairman Nagrod reassured her the Planning Commission will stay on top of this property. The Planning Commission will have to approve any permit applications for changes to the home.
Aaron Pollard (Highway Christian Church) asked if a church would be a permitted use for the space at 109 Washington Grove Lane in the Commercial Corner or if it would be considered a change of use per the Town ordinances (Article VII, Section 8.2). According to the Town code, a church would be a permitted use in a residential zone but not in the commercial zone, therefore, a special exception through the Board of Zoning Appeals would have to occur. The Commission discussed the following:
- Parking
- Days of operation
- Hours of operation
- Size of the congregation
- Growth potential
Chairman Nagrod stated he, Joli McCathran, John McClelland and Charlie Challstrom would meet to develop a strategy for potentially making a change to Article VII, Section 8.2. They will also consult the Town attorney. Someone from the group will get in touch with Mr. Pollard within a week.
Mary Warfield came for further discussion about a proposed use of Town land for a dog park. Peter Nagrod stated the opinion from last month’s meeting was using Town land for a dog park was consistent with the Town Master Plan. He opined about the next steps. Mary and the Committee should bring the proposal to the Town Council for review.
Approval of the Minutes:
Brenda Gumula moved to approve the July minutes. Dave Hix seconded the motion. The Commission stated page 2, paragraph 1 (referencing definitions for trellis, pergola and shelter) was confusing. Changes were made for clarity. Approved, as amended: 5-0
Building Permit Applications:
407 Acorn Lane: Brenda Gumula presented the new configuration of the fence. The Commission reviewed the plan.
Brenda Gumula moved to approve a building permit application for a new section of fence along Johnson Alley and Acorn Lane at 407 Acorn Lane. Deb Mehlferber seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
109 Washington Grove Lane:
See Public Appearances
Dog Park – Discussion:
See Public Appearances
Sale of Cator Property Lots (17050 Railroad Street):
This property has been subdivided and the lots are on the market. This action is premature because the Plat of Subdivision has not been signed by the Town or recorded in the County land records. Notification must go to the property owner, real estate agent and the surveyor. The Commission discussed the following:
- Extension of Maple Ave. for a walkway connection of the homes
- Homes placed in a specific way on the lots
- Roadway responsibility
- Town purchase of the land
- Official notification to all involved
Mayor McCathran and Chair Peter Nagrod will write an official letter to the property owners about what needs to occur before the lots can go on the market. This letter will go out within the week.
Block Corner Survey Project – Update:
Peter Nagrod and Dave Hix attended the recent Woods Committee meeting. The Woods Committee reviewed the draft RFP (Request for proposal) written by Charlie Challstrom. The Commission and the Woods Committee will work together on this project. Peter suggested large, orange property markers behind residents’ homes (English, O’Connell and Christin) would not be desirable to look at every day.
Brenda Gumula moved to forward the RFP to re-subdivide and mark the East Woods boundary to the Town Council as amended. Dave Hix seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
Block 11 Survey of Residual Town Land – Update/Status:
Peter Nagrod reported the brick walk access path to #6 The Circle, #8 The Circle and 203 2nd Avenue is complete. It is now time to send a letter to Maggie Range (#8 The Circle) concerning compliance.
Washington Grove House Records – Status Report:
An item about this project was put in the August Town Bulletin. The Commission agreed every few months a different item should be in the Town
Bulletin in order to inform residents of PC actions and projects. The group did met twice in July and did three (3) additional houses. This makes total of 66 homes completed.
Report from Town Council:
nothing new to report.
Other Business:
Peter Nagrod reported another conversation with the O’Connor’s title insurance representative concerning the withdrawn permanent easement on the porch at 409 5th Avenue. This subject is no longer a Town issue, it is between the O’Connor’s and the insurance agent.
Peter Nagrod reported residents have presented him with good ideas for border beautification. Steve Werts suggested installing signs at Daylily Lane similar to the colorful ones at other Town entrances.
Peter Nagrod reported the need to stay in touch with representatives from Roberts Oxygen for additional land beautification along the fence line.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.
Kathryn L. Lehman, Town Clerk