1 August 2018 | Approved: 5 September 2018
Peter Nagrod called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Commissioners Charlie Challstrom, Georgette Cole, Dave Hix, and Deb Mehlferber. Also present were resident Diane McCauley and architect Robyn Renes. Mayor John Compton arrived at 8:35 p.m.
Approval of Agenda:
Georgette Cole moved to approve the agenda. Charlie Challstrom seconded the motion. The Commission added Dwelling Unit Enforcement under Other Business.
Approved: 5-0, as amended.
Public Appearances:
Chairman Nagrod moved the Building Permit Applications to this place on the agenda. There was a brief discussion about permanently placing Building Permit Applications as the second item on the agenda. This change will start in September.
105 Grove Avenue – Deb Mehlferber explained the placement of the fence and the recent acquisition of a boundary survey by the resident. Deb Mehlferber moved to approve the proposed fence at 105 Grove Avenue. Georgette seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
127 Grove Avenue – Dave Hix explained the proposed addition and the details of Article VII, Section 3.141 which is the basis for allowing the proposed setbacks. Robyn Renas answered a few questions about the plans. Charlie Challstrom moved to approve the proposed addition at 127 Grove Avenue. Deb Mehlferber seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
Approval of the Minutes:
Charlie Challstrom moved to approve the July minutes. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
Building Permit Application:
See Public Appearances
Report from Town Council:
Charlie Challstrom reported on the following:
- Draft minutes of the Town Council meeting are now available on the Town website.
- Two (2) proposals for a stand-by generator at McCathran Hall were reviewed by the Town Council. A decision will be made at the August 13th meeting.
- A Resolution for the Rules and Regulations for the Dog Park will be amended and reviewed at the August 13th meeting. Rob Gilmore will work on the confirming resolution.
- Speed bumps on Chestnut Road will be installed after a proper Bulletin notification.
- The Mayor is including the request for a speed table on Railroad Street with his request for a new pedestrian crossing and an “on-demand” stop light.
- The State Highway Administration is doing a road study on managed lanes for 270 and 495.
- Ordinance 2018-02 became effective on July 11, 2018.
Railroad Street Safety Request for Crossing and new Light – Update:
- Charlie Challstrom reported a response about a new street light on Railroad Street from PEPCO could take 90 days.
- Darrell Anderson, Charlie Challstrom, and Steve Werts will work on finding new types of street lights.
Ordinance 2018-04 (Zoning Text Amendment) – Review/Amendments/Updates:
Charlie Challstrom presented an updated version (July 28, 2018) to the Commission for review. They discussed the amendments.
Ordinance 2018-05 (Building Permit Regulations) – Review/Amendments/Updates:
Charlie Challstrom presented an updated version (July 28, 2018) to the Commission for review. They discussed the amendments.
The Commission decided the language in an e-mail sent by Charlie (July 28, 2018 5:08 PM) could be submitted to the Town Council for the public record.
Charlie Challstrom moved to endorse moving ahead to the Town Council with both ordinances (2018-04 & 2018-05) including the July 28th e-mail as testimony for the public record. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
Request to Buy Town Land:
The Commission reviewed a request from Jane Seegal (315 Grove Avenue) to buy the Town land under her side porch and under the northwest corner of her home. There was a discussion about the bump-outs (northwest corner), height (PC will check) and materials (HPC will handle). Conclusion: no problem with the bump-outs or the porch. This item will be on the agenda for next month.
Draft Procedures for Sale of Town-Owned Land – Review/Send to Town Council:
This item is a process in progress.
Master Plan – Set Date for Work Session:
The Commission will have a Master Plan Work Session on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 7:30 PM. Georgette Cole will prepare the agenda. She distributed a sample of what a section of the Master Plan looks like.
Washington Grove House Records – Status Report:
Georgette Cole reported all 225 properties have been completed. There is still database work to be done and some updating of forms.
Other Business:
Dwelling Unit Enforcement – Charlie Challstrom distributed a packet of information to the Commission. Mayor Compton reported 107 Pine Avenue is now on the market. A bedroom, bathroom, and full kitchen were seen at the recent open house. The property is a dual dwelling which is a violation of Town ordinances. The Commission and the Mayor discussed the following:
- Potential problems with the current language
- Definitions of dwelling unit, family, housekeeping group
- Possible additions to Master Plan Update; Accessory Dwelling Units, Mother-In-Law Suites, Parking limitations and Rental Licenses.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:28 PM.
Kathryn L. Lehman, Town Clerk