3 February 2021 | Approved: 3 March 2021
Peter Nagrod called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, this meeting took place via ZOOM videoconference. In attendance were Commissioners Charlie Challstrom, Jon Cohen, Georgette Cole, Robert Johnson (Alternate), and Deb Mehlferber. Also in attendance were residents Renee Moloznik and Paula Puglisi.
Approval of Agenda:
Georgette Cole moved to approve the agenda. Deb Mehlferber seconded the motion. Charlie Challstrom requested the removal of #5, Review of Article 1 – Animals/Dog Restrictions. Jon Cohen reported the building permit application for screening on the front porch at 317 Brown Street was not received in time to be discussed at this meeting. Approved: 5-0, as amended.
Building Permit Applications:
303 1st Avenue – Fence: Deb reported contacting the homeowner and the fence company. It was determined that a boundary survey will be required for this fence work. The fence company would like to start ahead of receipt of the survey. The Planning Commission believes waiting for the survey is best.
Public Appearances:
Renee Moloznik (122 Grove Avenue) came to get assistance from the Commission with the placement of a propane tank. Suburban Propane needs approval from the Town. The Commission looked at the document showing the placement of the tank. The main concern is that the tank is solely on the resident’s property and the document shows that it is. Charlie Challstrom moved approval of the placement of the tank. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0. The Planning Commission Secretary will write a letter on behalf of the PC Chair which documents approval of this action.
Paula Puglisi (406 Grove Avenue) expressed concern about use of the word “morals” in Article 1 of the Town Code. She said it is inappropriate for this to appear in a government document. Charlie Challstrom stated his research shows the word in the Annotated Code of Maryland and he believes it has more to do with State criteria for licensing than the morals of an individual. Paula would like to see it stricken everywhere. This issue could be visited again when the PC works on other revisions of the ordinances.
Approval of the Minutes – January 6, 2021:
Georgette Cole moved to approve the January Planning Commission minutes. Peter Nagrod seconded the motion. Georgette Cole presented extensive changes to the minutes and will send them to the PC Secretary for inclusion upon approval. Approved: 5-0.
Review of Article 1 – Animals/Dog Restriction:
This item was removed.
404 4th Avenue – Shed Placement:
Jon Cohen explained the current situation. The resident has not submitted a permit application to move the shed as he originally agreed to do. This item will appear in Charlie Challstrom’s Council Report. Robert Johnson reminded the Commission that the resident needs a permit from Montgomery County as well.
Action: This item will appear on the March meeting agenda.
411 Chestnut Avenue – Update on Document From Property Owner:
No document received. Georgette Cole committed to drafting a letter to the former property owner asking for the previously requested document.
Report from Town Council: Charlie reported the following:
- Ordinance 2020-13 – enacted
- Ordinance 2020-14 – enacted
- Ordinance 2020-15 – enacted
- Ordinance 2021-01 – proposed this Zoning Text Amendment
- Resolution 2021-03 – adopted
Consideration of the New Modifications to the PW&PP:
The Commission reviewed and discussed the proposed changes. Charlie Challstrom moved to approve the updated (2/3/21) Residential Aprons Public Ways & Property Permit. Peter Nagrod seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0, as amended. Georgette Cole moved to approve the updated (2/3/21) Public Ways & Property Permit. Charlie Challstrom seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0, as amended.
Comprehensive Plan Work Session Report (formerly called Master Plan) – Update:
Georgette Cole reported the last work session accomplished two (2) things; improvement of maps to be used in the Comprehensive Plan and getting through the entire Section 13 Sustainability. She said the Racial Equity Committee presented language that was helpful and promoted a good discussion. Charlie Challstrom talked about how ambitious the Town plan was and understands the County may use this plan as an example for their own larger plan. He described Section 13 as magnificent. The next meeting will take place on 22 February 2021.
Border Committee – Update:
Chairman Nagrod reported the following items are being discussed:
- New signs
- Identity fencing (2 pieces) along Washington Grove Lane (lake side)
- Pathway to Shady Grove Crossing (Residents from SG Crossing attended the BC meeting)
- Loud cars (MoCo police asking for details; time, frequency, location etc.)
- Task force created to work on the loud car problem
- New e-mail [email protected] to report the vehicles
- Possible appointment of a Council Liaison to the Border Committee
- Speed Cameras on Washington Grove Lane
Other Business:
Charlie Challstrom reminded the Commission about the Budget Work Session on 22 March 2021.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:05PM.
Kathryn L. Lehman, Town Clerk