3 September 2014 | Approved: 1 October 2014
Chairman Challstrom called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Brenda Gumula, David Hix, John McClelland, Peter Nagrod and Steve Werts. Also in attendance were Councilor Georgette Cole and HPC member David Stopak.
Approval of Agenda
John McClelland moved, Steve Werts seconded, that the agenda be approved. Chairman Challstrom added permanent easement requests and height inspection at 404 Grove Avenue to the agenda. He removed 201 Maple Avenue because no updated plans have been submitted.
Approved: 5-0, as amended.
Approval of the Minutes
Brenda Gumula moved, Peter Nagrod seconded, that the Planning Commission minutes for August 6, 2014 be approved. Approved: 5-0; as amended.
Public Appearances
There were no Public Appearances.
Building Permit Applications
- 404 Grove Avenue – A height inspection was performed by Inspector Larry Plummer and the home passed. There was a discussion about the method used by the Town to determine height (averaging) and the need for a definition of a "principal point".
Public Ways and Property Permit Applications
Chairman Challstrom reported receipt of another request for a PW&PP from Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC). There is a 60% sewer blockage at 413 Center Street that needs attention. It is not yet an emergency. Peter Nagrod moved, John McClelland seconded, that the PW & PP for work at 413 Center Street be approved. Approved: 5-0.
The WSSC project on Maple Avenue is on hold while the contractor waits for delivery of enough liner to complete the job with as few seams as possible.
Chairman Challstrom asked for verification concerning the process for expedited/time-sensitive Public Ways & Property Permits. The Commission verified the requirement of two (2) PC members for consultation and sign-off for this situation.
Building Standards Compliance Checklist – Status Report
Brenda Gumula reported the group is working away on this. It is a slow process. They are currently working on the eight (8) properties named in the new Ordinance 2014-03; Authorize Permanent Easements for Main Buildings Initially Constructed in Part on Land Owned by the Town. They are also working on a fillable PDF, search criteria, Excel spreadsheet and filing these documents in two (2) places (a binder & the house files). The Commission also discussed the purchase of a laser tool to measure the height of homes and trees.
Council Report
John McClelland reported the following;
- Mayor and Council discussed the rule prohibiting parking within 25 feet of a STOP sign and other intersection obstructions. Georgette Cole talked to Mimi Styles and Steve has done a bit of pruning at Grove Road & Center Street. The bushes at Grove Road and Brown Street have been cut to four (4) feet.
- Maple Lake water was tested and it passed. The issue with Montgomery County Police enforcement at the lake is still unresolved. Mayor McCathran is working with the Town attorney. Town Maintenance has placed concrete and rock in the gully near the gate to Maple Lake in order to slow the erosion. It appears to be working.
- The new website is progressing.
Permanent Easements Requests
Charlie Challstrom reported Eva Polston (203 2nd Ave.) is working with an architect on plans to rebuild her home and will be applying for the easement soon. Jane Seegal (315 Grove Ave.) submitted her request. Although Jane turned in four (4) boundary surveys for the property along with a clear identification of the area, they do not constitute the required Identification Plats which legally describe the metes and bounds of the area for which an easement is requested. Charlie will write a letter to Jane. The Commission then discussed the need for the Town to have a surveyor clearly identify Town-owned land (a 4-foot alley) near 203 2nd, 6 The Circle and 8 The Circle. Charlie Challstrom will contact Snider and Associates for consultation and surveying. John McClelland recommended pictures be taken of 203 2nd Ave. and 315 Grove Avenue. The HPC may take this on as part of their procedures for reviewing requests for permanent easements.
Other Business
- Geothermal Heat Pumps – County Permits Required – The Commission discussed County permitting requirements. Georgette Cole brought up 211 Ridge Road and a possible violation of sediment control rules. Residents need to be reminded of the Public Ways and Property Permit requirements when considering this type of addition to their homes as installations may impact Town land. Charlie Challstrom will follow-up with the company doing the work at 211 Ridge Road and with Montgomery County Permitting Services.
- PC Worksession – PC Worksession is scheduled for September 17, 2014, 7:30PM.
- Information to Applicants Document – Brenda Gumula presented some changes to this document as a result of the work on non-compliance. She will work with Kathy Lehman to integrate the changes into a revised document for residents.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m.