4 May 2016 | Approved: 1 June 2016
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 HPC member Wendy Harris, Mayor Joli McCathran, and residents Georgette Cole, Charlie Challstrom, Lisa York and Steven Wessels.
Approval of Agenda:
Steve Werts moved to approve the agenda. Deb Mehlferber seconded the motion. Chairman Nagrod asked for item 6 (Resolution 4-77 language revision) to be removed and added O’Connor update – Easement to item 10 (Other Business). Approved: 5-0, as amended.
Public Appearances:
Steven Wessel and Lisa York (413 Washington Grove Lane) came to ask about any restrictions that may exist concerning the construction of a gas-fired kiln with a roof on top to be located in their yard. Wendy Harris gave them information about the Historic Preservation Commission. The group discussed treating a structure like this as an accessory building. There is nothing in the Town Code that specifically addresses the placement of a gas-fired kiln.
Approval of the Minutes:
Brenda Gumula moved to approve the April minutes. Deb Mehlferber seconded the motion. A few administrative changes were made. Approved: 5-0, as amended.
Building Permit Applications:
409 Center Street – A building permit for a fence was turned in after the two-week deadline for submission. The Commission gave it a quick look. The application was given to Brenda Gumula who will check the property markers. This application will come up for approval at the June meeting.
PC Report for Town Meeting:
Chairman Peter Nagrod will give an annual report of Planning Commission activities at the Town Meeting on May 14, 2016. It was suggested he include something about the House File project.
Brenda Gumula asked about the money in the proposed FY 2017 budget for surveying. There was a discussion about the following:
- The adequacy of the proposed amount
- Priorities – RR-2 and Town perimeter
- Town land near the Cator property and property owned by CSX (beside Railroad Street)
- Private surveys
- Charlie Challstrom’s marker map
- Surveying the Western boundary line in the West Woods
- Surveying the East Woods boundary near Voigt (300 Ridge Road)
- Spending current budget monies
- Re-doing a missing marker in The Meadow
Someone asked if the will to complete this survey project still existed. Most agreed it did and John McClelland suggested completing the Town perimeters. They also discussed getting rid of the lot and block development grid in the East Woods. The Commission decided to make this a priority. Charlie Challstrom reminded Chairman Nagrod about the annual report due to the State by the end of June.
Block 11 Survey of Residual Town Land – Update/Status:
Chairman Nagrod reported the rebuild at 203 2nd Avenue is well underway. Steve Werts reported on the change in the placement of the water line for this property. Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission decided to run the new line for 203 2nd Avenue in the front (2nd Avenue) of the home rather than the rear (Block 11 brick walkway).
House Files – Status Report:
The group met twice in April. They have finished 1st Avenue and are currently working on 4th Avenue. The spread sheet is approximately 50% completed and they have begun using Claire Kelly’s collection for additional house history information.
Report from Town Council:
John McClelland reported a meeting with County storm water experts netted some good information. They examined the run-off areas in the East Woods from Washington Grove Lane. The current storm water management method is inadequate. The County suggested creating drop down pools to help slow the speed of the water. The Town will likely receive some financial help in defraying the cost of creating these pools. The following areas were looked at as well:
- Acorn Lane – currently the worst kind of storm water management (trench). Another candidate for step down pools
- Wade Park – terracing and berms with plants were suggested for the area
- Brown Street & Railroad Street areas – The county expert said this is where the true headwaters of Seneca Creek are located. The County pipe under Railroad Street is completely rotten and will be replaced. During the replacement, the pipe will be lowered in order to eliminate the backup which occurs in Morgan Park when it rains.
There was a brief discussion about the Montgomery County Water Quality Protection Fund. All Town residents pay for this yet, it seems, receive nothing.
Other Business:
Chairman Nagrod reported being contacted by a title company about the permanent easement proposed for the porch at 409 5th Avenue. Peter replied to the company stating this was a matter involving the O’Connor’s and the title company.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:38 PM.