Planning Commission Meeting Minutes_pc.Aug 2013

7 August 2013 | Approved: 4 September 2013

Chairman Challstrom called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Brenda Gumula, Peter Nagrod and Freda Temple. Also in attendance were Mayor Georgette Cole and architect Ralph Hurst.

Approval of Agenda

Peter Nagrod moved, Brenda Gumula seconded that the agenda be approved. Brenda Gumula made mention of an e-mail about a temporary carport from Chris Kirtz. Approved: 4-0.

Approval of the Minutes

Freda Temple moved, Peter Nagrod seconded that the Planning Commission minutes for July 2, 2013 be approved. Approved: 4-0.

Public Appearances

Charlie Challstrom addressed the e-mail from Chris Kirtz. He stated that he would not present on Chris’ behalf but perhaps a discussion would be appropriate. He went on to explain that Chris contacted him directly about the proposed temporary carport. He provided Chris with the newest ordinance that states a permit is necessary for building any structure. The Commission discussed the use of a T.U.P. (temporary use permit) and concluded that this type of structure did not qualify. After a lengthy discussion about car covers, foam, County requirements, enforcement, temporary vs. permanent and municipal infractions, the Commission concluded that Mr. Kirtz should apply for a building permit for his temporary carport.

Building Permit Applications

122 Chestnut Avenue – Ralph Hurst presented the Commission with a boundary survey for this property. The Commission accepted the boundary survey and attached it to the plans. This permit is now complete. Peter Nagrod will sign all the documents at the end of the meeting and Mr. Hurst will pick them up tomorrow.
202 Grove Avenue – Ralph Hurst presented the Commission with a boundary survey for this property. The Commission accepted the boundary survey and attached it to the plans. This permit is now complete. Peter Nagrod will sign all the documents at the end of the meeting and Mr. Hurst will pick them up tomorrow. There was a brief discussion about the unusual placement of a marker associated with this property at the intersection of Oak Street and Chestnut Road. The Commission also discussed a shed on the property that appears to be too close to the property line. It was decided to make note of this in the building permit files for this address.
404 Grove Avenue – This project has been tabled until the spring.

Ordinance 2013-05 – Follow up Discussion/Step 2

Charlie Challstrom reported that Zoning Text Amendment Ordinance 2013-05 underwent a revision by Town attorney Suellen Ferguson. He explained the Commission’s role in a proposed ZTA, the process errors that were made and handed out a document outlining the ZTA process. Mayor Cole then explained the meaning of the Commission’s acceptance of a ZTA application. This will be brought to the Town Council for re-enactment at their 12 August meeting.

Charlie Challstrom brought up Step 2; encroachments and non-compliance, as a follow up to ZTA Ordinance 2013-05. The Commission discussed encroachments on Town land, encroachments on private land (in setbacks), grandfathering, non-compliant structures and the notation of such, problems with the current Schedule of Standards in Article VII, zoning by lot size vs. RR-1 & RR-2 zoning, and how to educate potential buyers about expansion capabilities. The Commission decided that this subject would be more adequately addressed at a separate work session to develop criteria for evaluating properties for non-compliance with a preliminary goal of education, reassurance and consistency in recording.