4 April 2018 | Approved: 2 May 2018
Peter Nagrod called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Commissioners Georgette Cole (Alternate), Dave Hix, John McClelland, Deb Mehlferber and Steve Werts. Also present were over 24 residents and Mayor McCathran.
Approval of Agenda:
John McClelland moved to approve the agenda. Deb Mehlferber seconded the motion. Chairman Nagrod added Public Ways and Property Permit for the Proposed Dog Park as #5. Approved: 5-0, as amended.
Public Appearances:
Paul Patrone, new owner of 117 Grove Avenue, presented his plans for foundation work on his home. Although he does not need a Town permit for this work, he needs the Town to stamp his County permit in order to get through their process. The Commission discussed the proposed work and provided some guidance to Paul concerning permits. The HPC reviewed the proposed foundation work as well. Paul will come back with foundation drawings and the permit application will be stamped at that time.
Approval of the Minutes:
Steve Werts moved to approve the April minutes. Dave Hix seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
TC’s Request for the PC to Review and Approve or Not Approve the Dog Park Working Group’s Site Recommendation for the Location of the Dog Park:
Peter Nagrod moved to accept the location recommended by the Dog Park Work Group. John McClelland seconded the motion. The Commission listened to several comments from the public. Chairman Nagrod expressed how impressed he was with Marc Hansen’s leadership and the hard work done by the Group. Steve Werts recused himself from the discussion and the vote. Alternate Georgette Cole voted.
Vote: 5-0.
Public Ways and Property Permit for the Proposed Dog Park:
After some discussion about the timing and necessity of this action, it was decided to table this permit until after input from the Town Council. The Commission recognizes the need for consistency with the Town Master Plan and the requirement for approval of the project by the Town Council.
Building Permit Applications:
There were no building permit applications this month.
203 2nd Avenue Permanent Easement – Update on Porch Steps:
Ralph Hurst will be drawing the plans for the new steps. They will be approx. five feet wide and the grading will be changed. One tread will be outside the overhang similar to the original building permit.
Report from Town Council:
There was no report this month.
Update of Draft Ordinance 2018-02; Ordinance to Establish a Process for Sale of Surplus Properties for Main Buildings Constructed in Part on Land Owned by the Town of Washington Grove, and the Three (3) Companion Ordinances Listed Below After Legal Review by Town Attorney:
- 409 5th Avenue
- 315 Grove Avenue
- 15 The Circle
The report from the Town attorney stated the enabling ordinance (No. 2018-02) must be in place first in order to ensure equal treatment of residents. Joli McCathran read an e-mail from the Town attorney. The Commission discussed the attorney’s amendments to the draft Ordinance. John McClelland moved to adopt Ordinance 2018 as presented. Steve Werts seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
Bob Booher started a discussion about the HPC’s role in the process for sale of surplus properties. He expressed concerns about vague language, compliance, use of terms lacking definition, covenants, and flexibility. John McClelland said the same language was used in the sale of surplus properties as is found in Article IV, Section 10; Easement Process. The ordinance will go to the Town Council for review.
Master Plan – Update:
A separate work session for the Master Plan will take place on April 18, 2018 in the Old Council Room. Georgette Cole will coordinate.
Washington Grove House Records – Status Report:
Georgette Cole reported 188 properties have been completed.
Other Business:
Charlie Challstrom stated it is appropriate for the Commission to give some respect to the Dog Park Work Group for their recommendation of the location for a proposed dog park. Approval of a Public Ways & Property Permit will lock down the location and the Group deserves this action. He urged the Commission to embrace and endorse the Work Group’s product by approving the Public Ways & Property Permit. The PC reviewed the handout on MD Land Use Code 3-205 and concluded the vote taken earlier in the meeting correctly confirmed the use of location 3A for the dog park.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Kathryn L. Lehman, Town Clerk