3 April 2013 | Approved: 1 May 2013
Chairman Challstrom called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Brenda Gumula, Peter Nagrod, Freda Temple, Steve Werts and David Young.
Approval of Agenda
Peter Nagrod moved, Brenda Gumula seconded that the agenda be approved. Brenda Gumula asked that four (4) items be added to Other Business; Schank garage update (302 Ridge Road), Public Ways and Property Permit, Lottes platform (330 Ridge Road) State required PC Training online. Approved: 5-0.
Approval of the Minutes
David Young moved, Brenda Gumula seconded that the Planning Commission minutes for March 6, 2013 be approved. The Commission added the word “patio” to Ordinance 2013-02, Section 5(a). Approved: 5-0.
Public Appearances
There were no public appearances.
Building Permit Applications
The HPC completed its review of the permit application for a garage at 315 Brown Street. Peter Nagrod moved, Steve Werts seconded that the building permit application for a garage at 315 Brown Street be approved. Vote: 5-0.
201 Maple Road Request for a Change of Address
Chairman Challstrom explained that Mayor Cole would like the Commission to review the request and forward a report/recommendation for Council action. The Planning Commission reviewed and discussed the history of the 25 ft. strip of Town property along the East side of Maple Road, the PC’s responsibility to determine an address in the case of ambiguities, the use of historic precedence and compatibility to justify keeping the current front yard on Maple Road, previous requests to purchase the 25 ft. strip on the East side of Maple Road, a previous permit for a shed in the rear yard (Cherry Ave.), the two (2) denials by the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Hayward’s Cherry Avenue address. Peter Nagrod stated that after this current request and all previous appeals and denials, he would vote to deny this request. The Planning Commission finalized their report/recommendation to the Town Council (see Exhibit A).
Peter Nagrod moved, Steve Werts seconded that the Planning Commission Report/Recommendation be approved and sent forward to the Town Council for consideration. Vote: 5-0.
Draft Ordinance No. 2013-02; Ordinance to Amend Article IV, "Building Permit Regulations" to Modify the List of Structures for which Building Permits are not Required
The Commission discussed the draft and made a few changes by adding more specific language to Section I(a) and (e) and by deleting some language from Section 5(a). The most significant change is that now a permit will be required for the construction of a deck of any size. This is to keep the Town process in line with the more modern safety standards of Montgomery County. Brenda Gumula moved, Peter Nagrod seconded that the draft Ordinance 2013-02 be sent to the Town Council for consideration. Vote: 5-0.
Report from Town Council
Council Liaison David Young reported that the Council introduced Ordinance 2013-03; Comcast Franchise Renewal, reviewed the current draft FY 2014 budget, voted to have terms of officials more standardized to end in June and accepted bids for the McCathran Hall repair work and the new roofing of the non-octagon part of the building as well.
Other Business
- Schank Garage (302 Ridge Rd.) – Charlie Challstrom reported that a letter reminding Mr. Schank of the accessory building height standards was sent.
- Public Ways and Property Permit – The Commission discussed the need for a joint cover letter from Mayor Cole and Chairman Challstrom to be sent to local public utilities to inform them of this new requirement in Town.
- Lottes Platform – It was decided that Mr. Lottes did not have to obtain a permit to put a platform under his observatory right now. However, the requirements with likely change should Ordinance 2013-02 be approved by the Council.
- State Training for Planning Commissioners – Charlie Challstrom reminded the Commissioners about the online State training. He offered to send the link to everyone. He also reminded the Commission about the invitation from Gaithersburg to attend an all day planning webinar on Saturday, April 13th. He will also send the Commission the link to that online information as well.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:12 p.m.