7 November 2018 | Approved: 5 December 2018
Peter Nagrod called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Commissioners Charlie Challstrom, Georgette Cole, and Dave Hix.
Approval of Agenda:
Georgette Cole moved to approve the agenda. Charlie Challstrom seconded the motion. Approved: 4-0.
Building Permit Applications:
116 Ridge Road: Dave Hix presented a thorough, detailed analysis of lot coverage and setbacks for this property. For this he used the 1979 Snyder survey. The Commission reviewed a new boundary survey (2018) and the proposed dormers. Dave Hix moved to approve the plans for additions at 116 Ridge Road. Charlie Challstrom seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0.
Public Appearances:
There were none.
Approval of the Minutes:
Charlie Challstrom moved to approve the October minutes. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Georgette Cole expressed concerns about a lack of language in the referencing the connections of the fence to the proposed carport at 215 Washington Grove Lane. Georgette and Charlie will discuss this with the resident and confirm the location of the fence. Vote: 4-0, as amended.
Report from Town Council:
Charlie Challstrom reported on the following:
Maple Lake Bridge Replacement: The Council approved the Maple Lake culvert and bridge replacement project as planned by Steve Werts. The immediate work has included larger diameter metal pipes and reinforced concrete to create the new bridge. The follow-on efforts will involve an engineering evaluation of the stormwater runoff from Washington Grove Lane and erosion in the ditch.
Road Resurfacing Project: The Council approved issuance of a Request for Proposals which includes specifications for priority roadwork for nine road segments in Town.
Town Hall Generator Project: After review of additional material, the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) approved installation of the Town Hall generator. The new Generac generator is in place, and the connection work is expected to begin later this week.
Town Hall Floor Beam Reinforcement Project: After discussion of an updated strategy for the termite infestation treatments, the Council approved reissuing the RFP for the Town Hall floor beam reinforcement project with a revised response time before the January Council meeting.
PC Alternate: The Council approved the Mayor’s appointment of Jon Cohen as an Alternate Member of the Planning Commission.
Railroad Street Safety: Mayor Compton reported receipt of a reply from Montgomery County about Railroad Street safety. Although Railroad Street does not appear to meet the County’s qualification criteria for installation of speed humps, the County has initiated a safety evaluation.
Report from Maryland Planning Commissioners Conference: The first morning of the conference at the Gaithersburg Holiday Inn included foundations of planning, law and ethics, comprehensive planning, and growth management tools. This “Planning Commission Education Course” is required for all PC Members and Alternates, and is also available on-line on the Planning.Maryland.gov website. That afternoon had a panel discussion of “New Urbanism” and then a bus/walking tour of the Spectrum, Kentlands, Crown, and Washingtonian developments. The second day included “A Better Maryland” collaborative work session on this evolving plan intended to provide a framework for a thriving economy and environmental stewardship. I really enjoyed the interaction with our planning colleagues from all over the State.
Washington Grove House Records – Status Report:
Nothing to report.
Other Business:
215 Washington Grove Lane: Recent Title company inquiries associated with change of ownership of 215 Washington Grove Lane have reminded us of the encroaching fence on Town property along Center Street. With this triggering activity, the Planning Commission can make a recommendation to the Mayor to initiate removal of the encroaching fence. Charlie Challstrom moved to recommend the Mayor initiate removal of the portion of the fence encroaching on Town property. Dave Hix seconded the motion. Charlie will get a signature from Chairman Peter Nagrod and send the document to the Mayor and Council. Vote: 4-0.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
Kathryn L. Lehman, Town Clerk