6 November 2013 | Approved: 4 December 2013
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 was resident Linda Winter. HPC Chairman Bob Booher arrived at 8:25PM.
Approval of Agenda
David Young moved, Peter Nagrod 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 October 2, 2013 be approved. There were a few minor corrections.
Approved, as amended: 5-0.
Public Appearances
There were no public appearances.
Building Permit Applications
- 201 Grove Ave. – The boundary survey for this property has been completed and the marked property corners have been verified. Brenda Gumula moved, Steve Werts seconded that the building permit application for a fence at 201 Grove Avenue be approved. Approved: 5-0.
- 10 Maple Ave. – Chairman Challstrom gave a brief history of this permit application. Peter Nagrod moved, David Young seconded that the building permit application for a fence at 10 Maple Avenue be approved. Approved: 5-0.
For the record, the Commission concluded that no boundary survey was required for this application for the following reasons:
- Three (3) property corners could be located.
- An application for part of this fence had previously been approved, just never built.
- Much of the fence is located well inside the boundary lines.
- There will be no impact on neighbors.
Note – Although the resident missed the submission date by two (2) days, there was no onerous effect on the Commission and no reason to wait until December for approval.
Public Ways and Property Permit Applications
The Commission reviewed a Public Ways & Property Permit submitted by WSSC contractor URS. They are requesting access through the Washington Grove Conservation Meadow Park in order to upgrade a sewer line East of Brown Street extended.
Steve Werts moved, Peter Nagrod seconded that the Public Ways & Property Permit granting access through the WGCMP in order to do sewer work in the Rock Creek Basin be approved. Approved: 5-0.
The Commission reviewed a second Public Ways & Property Permit submitted by WSSC contractor URS. They are requesting access to manholes along Maple Avenue in order to upgrade the sewer line in that area. Peter Nagrod moved, Steve Werts seconded that the Public Ways & Property Permit granting access to manholes on Maple Avenue in order to do sewer work in the Seneca Creek Basin be approved.
Approved: 5-0.
County Zoning Ordinance Proposed Revisions
Chairman Challstrom gave the Commission members a handout concerning the proposed revisions to the current County Code specifically noting any effects to Town boundaries. He suggested that the Town send a letter to the County to convey that the Town is paying attention, doesn’t see any red flags, appreciates their hard work etc… He presented his draft letter to the County Council and asked for the Commissions feedback. HPC Chair Bob Booher suggested adding language stating the Town is pleased to see that the proposed changes reinforce the validity of the existing zoning. Bob also suggested that requests for changes in zoning come to the attention of the public earlier than during the Site Plan Process.
Roberts Oxygen Landscaping/Screening Discussion
Chairman Challstrom gave the Commission members a handout summarizing the meeting with Roberts Oxygen and a few Town representatives on Monday, Nov. 4, 2013. A lengthy discussion about screening and landscaping ensued. Roberts Oxygen will take the Town’s suggestions to their Board for comments.
Non-Compliance – Draft Template to Catalog Information
Brenda Gumula and Freda Temple began their research about non-compliance by checking their own properties. They reported that there are several steps involved and it took a while but in time it will all get faster. They plan to continue their research and hope to present a draft document in December.
Report from Town Council
David Young reported that the Mayor and Town Council unanimously approved the minutes from the Special Town Meeting (10/8/13) and Resolution 2013-08; National Gateway Clearance Improvement Project (3).
Other Business
There was no other business.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.