2 November 2016 | Approved: 7 December 2016
Chairman Nagrod called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Brenda Gumula, Dave Hix, John McClelland, Deborah Mehlferber, and Steve Werts. Others in attendance were Mayor Joli McCathran, Council member Georgette Cole, HPC member Mimi Styles and residents Tom Appleby, Charlie Challstrom, Kathi Higdon-Kershaw and Susan Van Nostrand. Also present were property owners Shirl & Steven Harrison (17050 Railroad Street).
Approval of Agenda:
Brenda Gumula moved to approve the agenda. John McClelland seconded the motion. Chairman Nagrod moved the Appleby fence permit to Public Appearances.
Approved: 5-0, as amended.
Public Appearances:
112 Chestnut Avenue: Brenda Gumula presented the fence permit review. The fence does not comply with Section 3.327, Fences, in Article VII Zoning, of the Town Ordinances. It exceeds the allowable height. The recommendation is to deny the permit. Tom Appleby explained he installed the original fence for his father-in-law (Frank Rynex) 40 years ago with permission from the Town at that time. It was a handshake deal and there is no paperwork to reference. Mr. Appleby has two (2) options for his fence:
- Move the fence back 7 feet (rear setback of an accessory building).
- Go to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance.
Brenda Gumula moved to deny the building permit for a 6 foot, dog ear fence on 136 feet of the rear lot line at 112 Chestnut Avenue. John McClelland seconded the motion.
Denied: 4-0; Steve Werts abstained. Tom will apply for a variance.
15 The Circle: Susan Van Nostrand came on behalf of property owner Taunton Paine to ask about the Town process for a partial demolition and a rebuild. She also inquired about re-pitching a fairly flat roof. The Commission reviewed the survey and house location. They determined there was room for a rebuild provided the addition stayed within the required height, setback, and lot coverage limitations. They advised going to the Historic Preservation Commission with preliminary plans and photographs first. Susan thanked the Commission for their help.
Cator Property Lots (17050 Railroad St.) – Update: Shirl and Steve Harrison presented documents to show they were obtaining a bond for the reforestation of the property. The Commission explained their next steps would be to deliver the bond to the Town at which time Chairman Nagrod will sign the Forest Conservation Plan.
Approval of the Minutes:
Brenda Gumula moved to approve the October minutes. Dave Hix seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0. The Town Clerk will send fully executed copies of the October minutes to Kathi and Shirl on Thursday.
Building Permit Applications:
Discussion only. Application did not meet the deadline for review.
201 Brown Street: Brenda Gumula explained the plan, showing the existing fence and the proposed new fence. The plan shows the fence at 5 feet high. This will have to be lowered to 4 feet because of a setback issue. A boundary survey should be included as well. Brenda and Peter will write and informational letter to the property owner.
Border Committee:
Peter Nagrod reported the first meeting of this group will occur on Tuesday or Thursday. The Commission discussed the issue of a safer place for Daylily Lane residents to cross Washington Grove Lane. Mayor McCathran reported she met with representatives from Montgomery County Dept. of Transportation to help with the problem. She will be discussing this with the Council at the next meeting.
Washington Grove House Records – Status Report:
Brenda Gumula reported the group met twice in October. A total of 79 homes plus the Woman’s Clubhouse have been completed. Total = 80.
Report from Town Council:
John McClelland reported a discussion about a parking problem along Grove Road between Railroad Street and Brown Street. He offered to work on revised language for Article III, Sections 3 & 5. Mayor McCathran reported the Montgomery County Police will enforce a no parking on parkland policy. The Commission discussed the following:
- Use of Agent of the Property documents to get enforcement
- Police enforcement
- Parking in parkland at McCauley Street and Grove Road
- Proper notice
- Use of signs
John McClelland will write up a plan for new no parking signs with a focus on the Morgan Park area.
Other Business:
203 2nd Avenue: As a follow up to Ed Roberts’ concern about the fence at Eva Polston’s, Peter talked to Ed and cleared up the confusion about placement.
HPC Permanent Easement Reviews: John McClelland suggested the HPC work on the reviews of the properties specifically listed in the ordinance now. The idea was favorably met. The HPC Easement reviews will be filed in the WG House Records.
#8 The Circle: Mayor McCathran reported although the steps on Town land have been removed, new steps have been built and an area screened-in all without a permit. John McClelland stated this could be a problem because the screened area would be counted in the lot coverage and the property is at its maximum limit.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:53 PM.
Kathryn L. Lehman, Town Clerk