3 February 2016 | Approved: 2 March 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 HPC Chair member Wendy Harris, Mayor Joli McCathran, Georgette Cole, Bud O’Connor, Carolyn O’Connor and Charlie Challstrom.
Approval of Agenda
John McClelland moved to approve the agenda. Brenda Gumula seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
Public Appearances
Bud and Carolyn O’Connor (409 5th Avenue) came to ask the Planning Commission for help with a drainage issue they believe to have been caused by the Town at the time Wade Park was cleared out and Political Hill was rejuvenated a year and a half ago. Since the work in Wade Park, the O’Connor’s get water in the basement with every storm. They dug a 65 foot long trench and added a drain but still the water comes. They believe the Town’s actions have completely changed their environment. Chairman Nagrod stated the Town should investigate this situation. Steve Werts explained the manhole cover in that area which once contained many holes, was replaced with a solid cover by WSSC. The change occurred because of new storm water management regulations and happened at the same time the Wade Park work was done. The Commission discussed the following:
- Changes in the Town’s hydrology in general
- WSSC’s action of changing the manhole cover
- Putting a pipe under Dorsey Street
- Equality in Town actions regarding water run-off on to private land
- Calling the County and asking for help with natural storm water management ideas
John McClelland, Audrey Maskery and Steve Werts will meet to identify other problem areas. John McClelland will call Montgomery County after that meeting.
Approval of the Minutes
Brenda Gumula moved to approve the January minutes. Deb Mehlferber seconded the motion. Some changes were made. Approved, as amended: 5-0.
Building Permit Applications
There were no permit applications.
Block 11 Survey of Residual Town Land – Update/Status
The Commission discussed the current status, particularly the status of the stairs at #8 The Circle. A good faith effort towards compliance with other items has been made by the resident but the steps remain unchanged. Peter Nagrod asked if the Planning Commission should recommend the mandate of a 60 day deadline for completion or let Maggie pick a reasonable date for completion in order to be more inclusive. Steve Werts suggested the deadline be postponed until the walkway can be completed by Town Maintenance.
John McClelland moved to recommend to the Town Council that a deadline of 60 days to remove the stairs at #8 The Circle start after the completion of the brick walkway by the Town. Peter Nagrod seconded the motion. A letter will be sent to the resident. Approved: 5-0.
PC/TC/HPC Joint Work Session – review
After a brief discussion, Dave Hix volunteered to be the PC liaison for the team working on the Town’s retention plan for archival materials. There will be a member from each group serving on this team and Marilynn Frey will be in charge.
Peter Nagrod reported the joint meeting showed him the importance of all groups working together and supporting each other.
Mayor McCathran brought up the discussion about e-mail communications. She volunteered to do more research on the subject.
House Files – Status Report
Brenda Gumula reported a couple of meetings had occurred. The spreadsheet format is well on its way and Charlie Challstrom set up Google docs. for the group. There are now a total of 46 home completed.
Mayor McCathran stated she wrote letters to the trustees and the surviving property owner of 107 Pine to inform them of the illegal apartment in the home. The home goes up for auction on February 9, 2016.
Report from Town Council
John McClelland reported the Bud O’Connor brought a “Your Speed Is” sign to the Council meeting for review. Because of the high purchase price ($4,600) and the need for permanently installed posts to house the unit, Bud was asked to look into the rental of such equipment.
Other Business
Peter Nagrod brought up the RFP written by the Woods Group for surveying the Town’s boundary line behind Maple Lake. He asked why the survey of a straight line could be so expensive. Charlie Challstrom explained it was a special purpose survey involving $1,200 per day, computations and office time. They discussed the number of companies on the bidder’s list and the potential for coming in under the $5,000 threshold.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:47 PM.