6 April 2016 | Approved: 5 May 2016
Chairman Nagrod called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Dave Hix, John McClelland, Deborah Mehlferber, and Steve Werts. Others in attendance were HPC member Gail Littlefield, Mayor Joli McCathran, and residents Georgette Cole, Charlie Challstrom and Marida Hines. Also present were Tatianna Bell, representing John Bell owner of the Commercial Corner and Freddie Riqueno representing Nueva Vida along with two (2) others from the group.
Approval of Agenda:
David Hix moved to approve the agenda. Steve Werts seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
Public Appearances:
Tatianna Bell explained the Florist in 109 Washington Grove Lane would be leaving the space soon. Nueva Vida (associated with Alcoholics Anonymous) would like to use this space for their daily meetings. The meetings would take place from 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM every day. Freddie Riqueno made a presentation to the Commission. The Commission decided this use would fit under the “Business Office” category of approved uses for the Commercial Corner. At issue is the stop time. The current ordinance requires businesses to cease operations at 9:00 PM, therefore, a change to the ordinance is necessary. In order to keep the process moving, Mayor McCathran proposed a special three (3) month permit allowing the 9:30 PM stop time. The tenants will move in on May 1, 2016 and the special permit will expire on July 1, 2016. John McClelland volunteered to write the ordinance change and send it to the Council. Ms. Bell and Mr. Requeno were advised of the Business License process as well. John McClelland moved to approve the change in business hours. Steve Werts seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
Approval of the Minutes:
Deb Mehlferber moved to approve the March minutes. Steve Werts seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
Building Permit Applications:
204 Ridge Road – Dave Hix reviewed the permit application for screening an existing porch stating the setbacks and coverage parameters were acceptable. Dave Hix moved to approve the permit application for screening a porch at the above address. Deb Mehlferber seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
Resolution 4-77 – review language for clarity:
This resolution deals with private gain on public land and specifically addresses tennis lessons. Mayor McCathran would like a resolution with language covering more than just the tennis courts. The Commission determined this was really a Council matter. John McClelland will bring this to the Council.
Block 11 Survey of Residual Town Land – Update/Status:
- The fence at 319 Grove Avenue has been relocated to the owner’s property
- Some of the brick sidewalk has been completed
- The brick walk will continue to #6 The Circle
- No additional brick work will be completed until Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission completes the waterline for 203 2nd Avenue
Mayor McCathran reported a new bond for walkway restoration (2nd & Grove Avenues) has been issued as well as a new Public Ways & Property Permit. Both are associated with the rebuilding of 203 2nd Avenue.
House Files – Status Report:
The group met twice in March. They worked on the spread sheet and added a copy of the detailed survey of the alley in Block 11 to all affected properties. Fifty-six homes have been completed.
Report from Town Council:
John McClelland reported the following:
- In-house patching/road repairs have been completed
- Woods Group work day removed significant ivy from the trees
- John and other Town representatives met with storm water specialists from Montgomery County to consult about some on-going problems in Town
- HB1101 (closed swimming lake) passed 45-0 and will be effective on July 1, 2016
Other Business:
Chairman Nagrod asked if there were any updates concerning the drainage problem at 409 5th Avenue. There were none.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.