1 July 2003 | Approved: 5 August 2003
Chairman John McClelland called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. In attendance were Commissioners Darrell Anderson, Bob Evans, John McClelland, Bud O’Connor and alternate Jim Leng.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes for June were approved as corrected.
Oxbridge Development
John McClelland introduced for discussion a proposal from Mayor John Compton regarding the eleven homes proposed by Oxbridge behind the WSSC properties on Ridge Road. The Mayor wanted the PC to consider annexing that section of houses, ending the road prior to the cul-de-sac and creating a road off of Ridge to access those houses. The PC responded that the Council and PC should support the Town directive to limit density in the development and to discourage ANY access to Ridge Road by the Oxbridge Development.
Parking on Town Property
John McClelland initiated a discussion regarding the use of Town parks and/or forest preservation areas for parking. Jim Leng suggested inviting residents of that area to a special Town Meeting to find out what action (if any) they would like the Town to take. John McClelland requested that Darrell Anderson take the idea to the Town Council.
Procedure for Ordinance Violation
John McClelland reported that the residents of 406 Grove Avenue have enclosed their open porch with screen without a Building Permit. He reported that he has left a message at their residence but that the call has not been returned and that he has written a letter to the Mayor. Bud O’Connor expressed related concerns regarding the proposed ordinance changes relating to open porches. As a result, John McClelland moved that the proposed change to Section 3.329 Open Porches be revised to eliminate the verbiage "added to structures existing as of the effective date of this ordinance". All Commissioners were in favor of the motion.
HPC
Bud O’Connor presented a completed HPC for 8 The Circle for review by the PC. The Commissioners noted the length and detail of the review and expressed concern that an outside consultant (Trescott) was hired by the HPC at the Town’s expense. The Commissioners question the hiring of outside contractors at the Town’s expense to do this kind of review.
Report from Town Council
Darrell Anderson reported that no action had been taken as yet by the Town Council at 104 Maple Road. John McClelland reported that when the Town attorney actually visited the property he reacted with disbelief that the situation had progressed as far as it had and that the Town should take action. As a result of the Town attorney’s opinion, Jim Leng moved to ask the Town Council reevaluate their decision and take legal action against the owners. All Commissioners were in favor of the motion.
Jim Leng asked Darrell Anderson to take to the Town Council a request that the Council and the Town recognize Irene Carrato for her years of service on the Planning Commission.
Missy Yachup – Secretary
The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.