8 January 2014 | Approved: 5 February 2014
Chairman Challstrom called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Brenda Gumula, Peter Nagrod, Freda Temple, Steve Werts and David Young. Also in attendance were HPC member Mimi Styles and residents Ralph Hurst, Ann Philips, Bruce Rothrock and Ryan Young.
Approval of Agenda
David Young moved, Brenda Gumula seconded that the agenda be approved. Approved: 5-0.
Approval of the Minutes
Brenda Gumula moved, David Young seconded that the Planning Commission minutes for December 4, 2013 be approved. Approved: 5-0.
Public Appearances
There were no public appearances.
Permit Applications
Chairman Challstrom made reference to a recent meeting with local WSSC (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission) representatives concerning work on Grove Avenue to solve a sewer problem at 203 2nd Avenue. No permit for this work had been obtained because the workers knew nothing about the new requirement. The Commission Secretary presented a revision of the Public Ways & Property Permit with two (2) additions; an area to note any tree disturbances (came as a result of WSSC mtg.) and an area for the Town approval stamp and signature. The Commission discussed the permitting process and clarified what would be done for emergency situations. Chairman Challstrom stated that the meeting with local WSSC people gave him confidence about adherence to our new permit requirement.
Continuation of Block Surveys
Chairman Challstrom referred to his e-mail response to Ryan Young, Emily Brown, Ann Philips, Ken Shapiro, Carol Samour and David Harmon’s concern about Survey Associates inability to complete their individual boundary surveys. Survey Associates cited that block corners have not been set and existing markers have been found to be "seriously out of agreement one with the other". Charlie reviewed the history of the Town block corner project and handed out a packet of information to each member. He walked through the handouts with the Commission. A lengthy discussion ensued.
Steve Werts moved to authorize Snyder & Associates to go ahead with Block 6 for the next block corner survey and to ask Snyder & Associates to consult with the Town on the completion of corners in Blocks 13 and 15. Vote: 5-0.
Development of Compliance Checklist
Brenda Gumula distributed the revised document (Compliance Checklist). The Commissioners will complete a checklist for their own properties as "homework" for discussion at the next meeting.
Report from Town Council: David Young reported the following:
- The Mayor and Town Council listened to resident’s concerns about use of the Roberts Oxygen property and the recent pruning that has taken place along the North fence line.
- Recommendations from the Bridge Advisory Group were given to the Mayor and Town Council for approval.
Other Business
Chairman Challstrom reported that the joint meeting with the Town Council, the Planning Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission will take place on January 27, 2014. Possible agenda items include; Bridge Advisory Group recommendations, annexation of the Washington Grove Conservation Meadow Park, extending the Historic District boundaries to areas in Town annexed after the National Register of Historic Places designation, bike path location, early HPC reviews, and a records management plan for the Town Archives.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:18 p.m.