1 June 2016 | Approved: 6 July 2016
Chairman Nagrod called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Brenda Gumula, Dave Hix, John McClelland, Deborah Mehlferber, and Steve Werts. Others in attendance were HPC member Mimi Styles, Mayor Joli McCathran, and residents Georgette Cole and Ralph Hurst.
Approval of Agenda:
Deb Mehlferber moved to approve the agenda. John McClelland seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
Election of PC Chair:
John McClelland moved to nominate Peter Nagrod to serve as Chair of the Planning Commission. Steve Werts seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
Public Appearances:
There were none.
Approval of the Minutes:
Steve Werts moved to approve the May minutes. John McClelland seconded the motion. An administrative change was made. Approved: 5-0.
Building Permit Applications:
409 Center Street – Brenda Gumula reported corner markers could not be found for this property. She notified the resident. Another plan was presented but the Commission agreed they cannot approve either plan without a boundary survey. Since dog/animal containment was the provided fence reason, John McClelland suggested an electric fence – as the costs associated with a boundary survey would not be necessary.
202 Ridge Road – Dave Hix reviewed the plans for a multi-level deck. Architect Ralph Hurst explained the different heights, slopes and proposed trellises (over 7 feet) would require a minimum 10 foot setback. Dave Hix moved to approve this permit without the trellis on the lower level. Brenda Gumula seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
Block Corner Survey Area – Propose Next Area:
The Commission discussed surveying priorities for the coming year. They agreed that the East Woods boundary should be surveyed next. A joint effort with the Woods Group was suggested due to budget priorities and recommendations noted in the Bill Bonds Forest Management Plan. This project will require an RFP (request for proposal). The scope of work will also contain the “de-platting” of the East Woods. Peter will talk with the Woods Group and report his findings at the July PC meeting.
Storm Water Management – Update:
John McClelland reported finally connecting with County Representative Don Dorsey. They visited various trouble spots in Town and Mr. Dorsey gave some advice about how to better direct storm water. The storm drains running under Washington Grove Lane that dump directly in to the West Woods are particularly problematic. DOT (Dept. of Transportation) will examine the need to replace the deteriorating pipe under Railroad Street and also contact CSX about their pipe under the tracks. Both pipes need to be lowered for proper drainage and to prevent flooding (and tree loss) in Morgan Park.
Roberts Oxygen Fence – Update:
Chairman Nagrod reported he and Mayor McCathran recently visited Roberts Oxygen. Property Manager Ron Kirby explained they were replacing the chain link fencing with an eight (8) foot cedar fence along part of Railroad Street and along the boundary of #3 Ridge Road.
Bike Path (Shared Use Path):
Chairman Nagrod started the discussion by expressing his concerns and frustrations about the condition of Oakmont Avenue. He is particularly concerned if a linkage for a proposed bike path is considered in this area. The current bike path (Shared Use Path) would use Brown Street extended and connect to Crabbs Branch Way, however, that is some years away. Peter asked the Commission to think strategically about whether the bike path should come through the Grove or use Oakmont Avenue. It seems the path would serve a larger community of people if it were aligned with Oakmont Avenue.
Block 11 Survey of Residual Town Land – Update/Status:
Chairman Nagrod reported the brick walkway is nearly finished. Kudos to Steve Werts!
House Files – Status Report:
Brenda Gumula reported they have finished 4th Avenue and now have a total of 61 properties completed. The scanning piece of the project is up-to-date. It has been brought to the group’s attention that this project title has led to some misconceptions among a few town residents. Changing the name of the project, making greater efforts to educate residents about the project, calling residents before going for a site visit and placing updates in the Town Bulletin about the benefits of this on-going effort were recommended to address potential concerns. Peter asked the Commission to bring new name ideas to the next PC meeting.
Report from Town Council:
nothing new to report.
Other Business:
Steve Werts brought up the fact that with the retirement of Code Inspector Larry Plummer, the Town no longer has a resource for inspections. The home at 203 2nd Ave. had a wall check survey which confirmed the lot line distances but a height check still needs to be done. Steve is willing to do this measurement with the help of another member. The Commission discussed who should find another Code Inspector. The liaison to the Town Council should do this.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:03 PM.