2 December 2015 | Approved: 6 January 2016
Chairman Nagrod called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Brenda Gumula, John McClelland, Deborah Mehlferber, and Steve Werts. Others in attendance were HPC member David Stopak, Mayor Joli McCathran and potential property owner Jay Wang (401 Brown St.).
Approval of Agenda
Steve Werts moved to approve the agenda. Brenda Gumula seconded the motion. Chairman Nagrod added parking on Boundary Street to Other Business. Approved, as amended: 5-0.
Public Appearances
Jay Wang, potential owner of 401 Brown Street, presented his plans for an addition. These plans have not been logged-in yet because settlement has not yet occurred. The Commission agreed to look over the plans as a courtesy. The Commission complimented Mr. Wang on his thoughtful, thorough plans. Mr. Wang asked about a carport. There was a discussion about possible options for placement.
Approval of the Minutes
Deb Mehlferber moved to approve the November minutes. Brenda Gumula seconded the motion. There was a brief discussion about bay/bow window measurements.
Approved: 5-0.
Building Permit Applications
401 Brown Street – HPC member David Stopak started a discussion about changing the address of this property to Maple Avenue. In doing so, the carport placement would not be so difficult. The Commission agreed this idea was beyond their scope of work.
Public Ways & Property Permit
WSSC (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission) has applied for a permit to do sewer work on Railroad Street in an area behind 414 Brown Street. The work is scheduled for May 2016. Peter Nagrod moved to approve the Public Ways and Property Permit. John McClelland seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0
Block 11 Survey of Residual Town Land – Update/Status
Chairman Nagrod asked Mayor McCathran if she had any new information. She did not. The Commission discussed recent changes made by Maggie Range, meeting deadlines, property markers that may have been moved, an added fence, newly added cobblestones and the need to act if the deadline is missed in order to maintain credibility. It was decided another letter should be written if deadlines are missed.
203 2nd Avenue
This property now has a new project manager. The company is the same so there is no need to get a new walkway bond.
House Files – Status Report
Brenda Gumula reported the group met once in November and now have completed 43 homes. They paid particular attention to 513 Washington Grove Lane. The group will meet again on December 8, 2015.
Report from Town Council
John McClelland reported the following:
- The purchase of an AED (automatic external defibrillator) for McCathran Hall will happen soon.
- The purchase of alternate listening devices for McCathran Hall is being investigated.
- January 25, 2016 has been the date selected for the Joint Meeting of the Town Council, Planning Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission. This year Maryland Archivist Christian Skipper will attend the meeting to help with the Town Records Retention Plan.
Other Business
Town Zoning Text Amendment Process: Peter Nagrod called the Zoning Text Amendment Process to the Commission’s attention. He also stated he thought members could benefit from a discussion about specific Town processes each month.
Parking on Boundary Street
John McClelland reported severe parking difficulties exist along both sides of Boundary Street. Town residents are putting cones in the road and in their driveways to keep others from parking near their homes. Controlling any parking restrictions here would involve permits and registration. The County maintains the road but the Town apparently owns ½ of it. Deb Mehlferber suggested a meeting with the County. Kathy Lehman offered to call a County Department of Transportation contact and ask for advice.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.
Kathryn L. Lehman, Town Clerk