11 July 2012 | Approved: 1 August 2012
Chairman Challstrom called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Brenda Gumula, Peter Nagrod, Steve Werts and David Young. Also in attendance was HPC member Gail Littlefield.
Approval of Agenda
Brenda Gumula moved, David Young seconded that the agenda be approved. Chairman Challstrom added the election of the Planning Commission Chair to the agenda.
Approved: 5-0.
Approval of the Minutes
Peter Nagrod moved, Brenda Gumula seconded that the Planning Commission minutes for June 6, 2012 be approved. Approved: 5-0.
Public Appearances
There were no public appearances.
Building Permit Applications
- 119 Maple Ave. – Dormer modifications. The resident submitted a building permit application for a modest modification on the Maple Avenue side of the home. The HPC review recommended that this modification be done on the Maple Road side of the home. A discussion ensued. There was a question as to the necessity of this permit application because there was no change in footprint and no real structural change. The Commission appreciates the residents’ thorough actions. Brenda Gumula moved to approve the building permit application for dormer modifications at 119 Maple Avenue. Peter Nagrod seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
- 201 Maple Rd. – Chimney replacement. The resident submitted a building permit application for a chimney replacement that will involve a new foundation at ground level and then a complete rebuild. The Town process requires this permit approval. Peter Nagrod moved to approve the building permit application for a chimney replacement. David Young seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0. Charlie Challstrom reported that Jim Snyder (201 Maple Rd.) plans to go the Board of Zoning Appeals for a second hearing regarding enclosure and expansion of his carport. This time he will ask for a variance. A discussion ensued.
- 411 Washington Grove Lane – The new owner will be doing renovations, including a complete renovation of the kitchen. So far, his renovations will only require a Temporary Use Permit for a dumpster from the Town. He will need County permits for the other items listed.
Towne Crest Redevelopment Update
Charlie Challstrom reviewed the Technical Analysis prepared by attorney David Brown and sent to Area 2 planner Carlton Gilbert. The Planning Board meeting is on September 13th and the hearing with the Hearing Examiner is scheduled for October 5th. The property owner will submit a new plan. I order to avoid any major changes and/or surprises later, the Town hopes to lock in some conditions with this plan as soon as possible. Chairman Challstrom also reported that the Forest Conservation documents have provisions for the Town Planning Commission to submit comments. The removal of “specimen trees” requires a variance. He also stated that if the Town objects to the Forest Conservation plan they must submit comments within 45 days or the plan is approved.
Brenda Gumula moved to disapprove the proposed Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan for the Towne Crest redevelopment project. Peter Nagrod seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
CSX Update
Charlie Challstrom reported that there was no action this month. He went on to point out the excellent summary done by Mayor Cole and published in the July Bulletin.
Report from the Town Council
David Young reported that the Mayor and the Council heard a presentation by Jim Snyder (201 Maple Road) who’s building permit application to enclose his carport was denied by both the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. David also reported that the Council is still working on the streetlight issue.
Other Business
Brenda Gumula moved to nominate Charlie Challstrom to serve as the Chairman of the Planning Commission for another year. Peter Nagrod seconded the motion.
Vote: 4-0 (Challstrom abstained).
Peter Nagrod volunteered to serve as the Permitting Officer for the Commission. Brenda Gumula will continue to do fences.
There was a brief discussion of ways to improve on the reliability of power transmission in Town by PEPCO. Steve Werts had a few good ideas that he will pursue with the appropriate people.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.