5 December 2007 | Approved: 2 January 2008
Chairman McClelland called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. In attendance were Commissioners Charlie Challstrom, Joe Clark, Peggy Ebner and Bob Evans.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes for November were approved.
Commercial Business Application
Chairman McClelland presented a business application for a computer/printer service/sales company for the Commercial Corner. Commissioner Challstrom pointed out that the ordinances would possibly allow a primarily sales retail business, but that the service aspect of the business would have to be secondary. Chairman McClelland will contact the owner and explain his options, including the Board of Zoning Appeals process.
104 Maple Road
The commissioners discussed the Town’s responsibilities in regard to unsafe properties. The tenants at 104 Maple Road moved out of the property because of unsafe conditions in the house including flooding on the ground floor, mold infestation and no source of heat (other than a wood stove). The County has sent inspectors to the house and Town officials have met with County representatives to try to get the property owner to fix the problems before allowing a new tenant to move in. The Commissioners agreed that the Town should locate a qualified building inspector in the event the County case is unsuccessful. Chairman McClelland will contact the Town’s current enforcement officer to see if his qualifications would be acceptable for this type of assignment.
107 Pine Avenue Advertisement
The commissioners discussed a draft letter from the Mayor to the realtors representing the owners of 107 Pine Avenue outlining concerns that the Town has regarding a recent advertisement for the property (see Attachment A). The advertisement indicates that the property includes a full apartment with a kitchen which is in violation of the Town ordinance that allows for one single family dwelling unit per address.
103 Brown Street
A discussion regarding the addition at 103 Brown Street revealed that the owners did not build the structure approved on the Town’s and County’s signed plans. The plans show a continuous roofline from the house to the rear of the garage but in reality the roof extends only a few feet stopping at the garage’s deck. In fact, the continuous roofline was the basis for the BZA’s exception to the ordinances regarding the dwelling vs. accessory building issue and ultimately the permitted height. Chairman McClelland will find out if the County has done a final occupancy inspection. He will also compose a letter to the Mayor requesting enforcement of the construction violation.
Permit Application Process
Chairman McClelland asked the Historic Preservation Commission for suggestions on how to change their role in the permit application process be more efficient and seamless for applicants. The HPC had not been able to discuss the issue at their last meeting and so had no input on the subject. Chairman McClelland will solicit their input again with hopes that it will be a topic at an upcoming HPC meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 p.m.