7 June 2017 | Approved: 5 July 2017
John McClelland called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Dave Hix, John McClelland, Deb Mehlferber, Steve Werts, and Georgette Cole. Others in attendance were Mayor Joli McCathran, Council member Pat Klein, Council member Audrey Maskery and residents Charlie Challstrom and Ralph Hurst.
Approval of Agenda:
Georgette Cole moved to approve the agenda. Dave Hix seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
Public Appearances:
Mayor McCathran reminded the Commission that the Master Plan update process is about to begin. Chairman Nagrod will lead this Planning Commission effort. She referenced the minutes of the February 2017 Joint Work Session where items were assigned to various committee/commission members. The goal is completion by the Joint Work Session in 2018. The Mayor would like this item to remain on the PC agenda throughout the process.
Mayor McCathran reported the subject of a process for proposed uses of public land was discussed at the Woods Committee meeting on Monday, June 5th. She mentioned two (2) handouts that could be used for the process discussion at the joint meeting of the TC, PC, HPC, and Woods Committee on June 19th. There was a discussion about the purpose/focus of the joint meeting. John McClelland stated the purpose should be to establish if any type of development (dog exercise area, zip line etc.) is in conflict with the Woods preserve efforts and/or the application to amend the historic register nomination. There was additional discussion about the following:
- Feasibility of creating a dog exercise area anywhere in the woods
- Current Master Plan does not ban or accept this use
- The need for a well thought out process
- The State process for proposed use of public land
- Six (6) proposed locations, how they were selected and if they should still be considered
- What is the plan if the Woods Committee can’t come to an agreement about the proposed dog exercise area?
Approval of the Minutes:
Georgette Cole moved to approve the May minutes. Deb Mehlferber seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
Building Permit Applications:
205 Washington Grove Lane – Dave Hix reported the proposed carport would be non-compliant on the side between this property and #203. The proposed setback is 5 feet. The required setback is 10 feet. Meeting the 10 foot setback would locate the carport in the middle of the property. Audrey asked if the Commission would consider an ordinance change. They discussed the following:
- The possibility of an ordinance change based on the findings of the research of the Washington Grove House Records group
- Historical correctness in locating an accessory structure closer to the side than the center
- Going to the Board of Zoning Appeals
- Accessory building setbacks and main building setbacks should be different
In conclusion, the Commission will be looking at this in the next 60 days. For now, the permit cannot be approved.
125 Grove Avenue – Dave Hix explained the proposed addition. Architect Ralph Hurst helped with the explanation. After a full review by the Commission, Dave Hix realized he had misinterpreted some data. The plan is not over in lot coverage. He will re-do his analysis based on Article VII, Section 3.329. The resident still needs a boundary survey before the permit application can be approved. Ralph Hurst will re-draw the plans. This item will be tabled for now and be taken up again in July.
Border Committee:
Nothing to report this month.
Cator Property Development – Update –
Georgette Cole reported a conversation with the contractor concerning the requirement of applying for a silt permit with Montgomery County. Deb also reported property owner Shirl Harrison told her she was having difficulty finding sycamore trees. The Commission advised she not plant any trees until the fall when they have a much better survival rate.
Washington Grove House Records – Status Report:
Deb Mehlferber reported the group met twice in May. A total of 115 homes have been completed.
Report from Town Council:
John McClelland reported all his updates appear in the current Town Bulletin.
Other Business:
There was no other business to report.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:29 PM.
Kathryn L. Lehman, Town Clerk