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1 June 2011 | Approved: 6 July 2011

Commission Chair Eric Gleason called the meeting to order at 7:35. In attendance were Commissioners Samantha Beres, Peter Nagrod, Joe Clark and Steve Werts. Also in attendance were Bob Booher, Charlie Challstrom and David Stopak.

Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved by the Commission. Approved: 5-0.

Approval of Minutes

Peter Nagrod moved to approve the minutes from May 4, 2011. Steve Werts seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.

Building Permit Applications

  • Regarding 110 Grove Avenue – The Planning Commission acknowledges that demo work at this residence started within the six months of the permit issue date and that he is making efforts to get a County permit. However, the owner still needs to provide a County permit to the PC before he starts that actual project (If you enclose a porch you must get a County permit). The PC will write Mr. McClelland a letter, if necessary, stating that under Article IV it is his responsibility to provide a copy of the permit and the potential consequences in not doing so – an infraction of $1,000 a day.
  • 415 Grove Avenue – Steve Werts measured the height of the roof at 19′ 4″. This property was required to come down to under 20′. The Planning Commission will still have the inspector come to measure the height to make it official.

Public Appearances

Bob Booher from the Historic Preservation Commission came to discuss scheduling of reviews so that we can expedite reviews where possible. Chair, Eric Gleason suggested that Commissioner Samantha Beres be in contact with their review person. Mr. Booher said that Mimi Styles is typically the HPC’s review person. He also pointed out that the HPC meeting is two weeks before ours, so any applications they review are available by our next meeting. David Stopak stated that the best thing would be for residents to come to the HPC first (as early as when plans are being created) for a consult. The HPC thinks it would be a good idea to make the HPC solely a consultative group and not part of the permitting process, and rather a pre-requisite to getting a building application.
Eric Gleason’s only concern with separating the processes is that if the HPC’s comments are non-binding, residents may not take the recommendations seriously.

The following idea was discussed

If an early review (not to be confused with an early consultation) has happened with the HPC, then residents may submit to the PC three weeks prior for a review at the next upcoming PC meeting. The HPC would have ample time to either have their reviewer look at it or to review it at their meeting. If the HPC consultation has not happened early, an 8 week lead time is necessary to allow the HPC ample time for review and then going through the full permitting process.
It was determined that instead of amending the timeline, the group will consider amending the process requirement: to make the HPC review a pre-requisite to applying for a building application. The HPC will develop a draft and present it to the Planning Commission. Joe recommended the Planning commission incentivize the process – to go to the HPC early and obtain a grant for tax break. The PC should at least ask people to be aware of the HPC offer to consult. The Planning Commission will ask Kathy to provide the HPC with a building application packet.

Town Council Update

Joe provided a verbal update of Town Council meeting: the use of and landscaping around McCathran Hall; the purchase of a lawnmower. The Town Council will be working with the Maryland Municipal League on the responsibilities of public officials.

Planning Commission Priority List

Charlie Challstrom presented a report on the Deer Park Bridge area and issues surrounding. (See report below). The Planning Commission moved to approve the recommendation to have Snyder do a survey with monuments and description of parcels along Railroad Street bordering the Deer Park Bridge using current fiscal year funds if possible.

Other News

Commissioner Eric Gleason announced the sad news that he will be moving out of town and therefore resigning from the Planning Commission. A replacement chair will be determined in the near future.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

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