7 December 2016 | Approved: 4 January 2017
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 Council member Georgette Cole, HPC member Wendy Harris and residents Bruce Crise and Maggie Range. Mayor McCathran was in attendance sporadically because of another commitment.
Approval of Agenda:
John McClelland moved to approve the agenda. Steve Werts seconded the motion. Chairman Nagrod removed 112 Chestnut Avenue from the agenda. Brenda Gumula asked to change the word “variance” to “ordinance” in item seven (7). Approved: 5-0, as amended.
Public Appearances:
Bruce Crise (208 Chestnut Ave.): Bruce asked the Commissioners for guidance about adding living space for his in-laws and a garage to his home. He asked about the following:
- Attached and unattached dwelling on his property
- Attached and unattached garage with living space
- Plumbing in an accessory building
John McClelland offered to e-mail Bruce with applicable ordinance information for his project.
Maggie Range (#8 The Circle): Maggie came to the meeting to answer questions about the placement of new steps, lattice work and screening asked in an e-mail from Chairman Nagrod. Maggie explained the steps are the original steps but at a different angle, less than three (3) feet tall, and not quite finished; the lattice is not attached to the house and is there for a vine to climb; and the screened gazebo (temporary structure) is not attached to the porch and has been there for years. David Hix reported (via e-mail) to the Commission that the steps were a safety issue and also wondered why no permit had been obtained. The Commission determined no permit was necessary because the steps are less than three (3) feet in height and they now understand the safety concerns will no longer exist when the steps are completed. Maggie reported the steps and railings should be finished next week. Maggie brought three (3) concerns to the Commission’s attention but before doing so, praised Steve Werts for all his work in the area. Her concerns are as follows:
- A sink hole now exists on the portions of Town land from which the steps were removed.
- When it rains, the bricks are extremely slippery so she put a doormat there to help.
- Where the path stops at the property line of #6 The Circle, she now has a clear view of a fair amount of solid waste in the neighbor’s yard.
Steve Werts will look into the first two (2) issues but the third is between neighbors and the Town government will not get involved.
Approval of the Minutes:
Brenda Gumula moved to approve the November minutes. John McClelland seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
Building Permit Applications:
112 Chestnut Avenue: This building permit application has gone to the Board of Zoning Appeals, therefore, will not be discussed.
201 Brown Street: This resident needs to obtain a boundary survey before this permit could be considered for approval. Brenda Gumula moved to deny the building permit application for a fence at 201 Brown Street. John McClelland seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
Border Committee:
Peter Nagrod reported this new committee held its first meeting on December 6, 2016. They worked on creating their charter and making a priority list for their goals. These goals include:
- Greater inclusion of residents who live on the boundaries of the Town (Washington Grove Lane, Daylily Lane, Boundary Street, Ridge Road)
- Traffic Calming
- Litter
- Town Identity, especially at the entrances (signage & fencing)
Washington Grove House Records – Status Report:
Brenda Gumula reported the group met twice in November. Four (4) more homes were completed. Total = 84. Brenda also started a discussion about the Town’s “geographic” method of zoning (RR-1, RR-2 etc.) vs. zoning by lot size. Based on the research done for the Washington Grove House Records Project, the group is finding the lot size method seems to be fairer. The Commission will look into this item.
Report from Town Council:
John McClelland reported the following:
- Town Council adopted Ordinance 2016-10; Adopting Amendments to Article VII, Zoning, Section 8.21 to Allow Charitable, Religious or Educational Institutions in the Commercial Zone as a Special Exception Approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- The Town received two (2) responses to the RFP for East Woods Marking and Re-subdivision. They both came in at $14,700.00.
- The permanent easement for 409 5th Avenue was approved. John suggested the Historic Preservation Commission complete their part of the remaining permanent easements so they will be ready when/if the resident applies for it.
- Resolution 2016-12, a Charter Resolution to amend the budget, taxation, and indebtedness article of the Town Charter, Section 57, “Purchasing and Contracts”, to authorize the Council to override the bid process in the best interest of the Town and to take advantage of the bids received by other state and local governments through a comparable competitive bid process will be enacted on 12 December 2016.
- Parking along Morgan Park seems to have subsided but, as a proactive action, the PC should initiate this block corner survey now in order to define the road easement.
Other Business:
There was none.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:42 PM.
Kathryn L. Lehman, Town Clerk