7 May 2014 | Approved: 4 June 2014
Chairman Challstrom called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Brenda Gumula, Peter Nagrod and Steve Werts. Also in attendance were Mayor Georgette Cole, Councilor Joli McCathran and residents Rob Gilmore, Bud O’Connor, Eva Polston, Bruce Rothrock and Jane Seegal.
Approval of Agenda
Steve Werts moved, Brenda Gumula seconded, that the agenda be approved. Chairman Challstrom added Deer Park Bridge, WSSC Permits and PC Training under Other Business. Approved: 4-0.
Approval of the Minutes
Peter Nagrod moved, Brenda Gumula seconded, that the Planning Commission minutes for April 2, 2014 be approved. One clarification was made. Approved, as amended: 4-0.
Public Appearances
- Bruce Rothrock (407 Acorn Lane): As part of his repair project on the side of his home along Johnson Alley, he will have to excavate part of the roadway. He inquired about the Public Ways and Property Permit. It was determined that this work would require the new permit. Bruce explained what needed to be done and presented a drawing to the Commission. He also explained that the road may need to be closed for some of the time. A discussion about notification, Town process, road closure problems, road width, asphalt vs. concrete, assigning a commissioner to work with Bruce and drainage ensued.Brenda Gumula moved, Peter Nagrod seconded, to authorize issuance of a Public Ways and Property Permit based on the involvement of at least one (1) Commission member as the plans go forward. Approved: 4-0.
- Rob Gilmore (121 Chestnut Ave.) – Rob would like to build a free-standing tree house or clubhouse for his children. He asked if a permit was necessary and about the requirements. He stated the size could be 10 x 20 with or without a roof. Charlie Challstrom directed Rob to Article VII; Section 9 Schedule of Standards in order to find the proper setback requirements and other details. He also stated that this would be a building permit application for an accessory building and reminded Rob of the two (2) week deadline for submission. Charlie also stated that Rob’s project would likely require a permit from Montgomery County as well. Rob may decide to scale back this project.
- Bud O’Connor (409 5th Ave.): Bud came to the Commission with questions about fence replacement. He stated that his neighbor’s home would be on the market soon and he wanted to clear up any border issues now. He was concerned about where to locate the fence. He was told that normal practice, when unable to get a neighbor’s sign off, was to install the fence approximately 6 inches off of the property line.
Building Permit Applications
- 201 Chestnut Ave. – Fence: Brenda Gumula reported that all markers were located and the proposed replacement fence is entirely on the Hansen’s property.
Brenda Gumula moved, Steve Werts seconded, that the building permit for a replacement fence at 201 Chestnut Ave. be approved. Approved: 4-0.
Draft Ordinance to Authorize Permanent Easements for Main Buildings Initially Constructed in Part on Land Owned by the Town
Charlie Challstrom stated this version seems to conform with all of the changes sent to Town Attorney Suellen Ferguson. There was a discussion about the following;
- Identification of the eight (8) homes with parts of the main building on Town owned land.
- Giving up Town land and reasonable expectations of that action.
- What to do about conflicting surveys.
- Boundary vs. House Location survey.
Bud O’Connor stated this was great work but it should be more restrictive. He went on to say that anyone who applies for this should be required to have a Boundary Survey done within one year of the application and pictures should be required for the record. He also stated he had three (3) boundary surveys done on his property and they are all in conflict with one another. It should be written that no other use and no enhancements (including enclosing a porch) would be permitted. There was a brief discussion about screening and health concerns. Chairman Challstrom said the intent is to move forward with the ordinance and the Council would like and benefit from a recommendation from the Planning Commission.
Peter Nagrod moved, Steve Werts seconded, that the Planning Commission recommend action by the Town Council on Ordinance 2014-03. Vote: 4-0.
Building Standards Compliance Checklist
Brenda Gumula reported that additional work/research on this is scheduled for 28 May 2014. They plan to start with the eight (8) homes listed in Ordinance 2014-03.
Report from Town Council
- Charlie Challstrom reported that Council Liaison David Young resigned and is moving the Pennsylvania. He turned in his final Annual Report for the Town Meeting.
- Deer Park Bridge – Charlie reported that he was able to clear up confusion about the Railroad Park annexation for one (1) of the surveyors on this project. He clarified ownership and the Town’s jurisdiction. Signs for the project will go up on June 1, 2014 and the bridge will close on June 14, 2014. County endorsement of the 15% slope was mentioned.
- WSSC on Maple Ave – This project is running a bit behind schedule per Joanna Hiebler from URS.
Other Business
Charlie Challstrom reminded the Commission of the State-required Planning Commission training. It was suggested that members do this in a group by the end of June 2014.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.