APPROVED MINUTES CAB

JULY 10, 2007

7:45PM

The Citizens Advisory Board opened the meeting at 7:45pm July 10, 2007. In attendance are Eric Wenger (Chairman), Pete Stadler and Timothy Shortley.

Thank you Tim Shortley for agreeing to join the CAB. Discussion began by re-capping where the CAB left off in the review process. The review is nearly complete except for certain elements. The Comprehensive Plan needs to be in place by Oct. 1, 2009. The current review is planned to be complete by early 2008 (Jan/Feb).

At the request of the Mayor the committee has been asked to look at the zoning in the Historic District as it relates to the gas station, Barber Funeral Home and ATCO. The Mayor suggested possibly changing the zoning from RH to CH in an effort to offer more flexibility for any future endeavors. Would this however, create more problems than it would solve?

Mr. Stadler inquired whether the HDC has the authority to request that the current owners improve the property. Sheree Wenger (Chair of the HDC) responded that the HDC can not demand that the owner make improvements, unless there is a need for a demolition by neglect order. We can only review plans that are submitted to our commission in preparation for a work permit application. It was noted that any modifications to the current structure or new construction would require a great deal of capital. Any modifications to the property would be reviewed by the HDC. Mr. Stadler asked if the elements of having any future considerations harmonize with the goals of the Historic District be written into the plan. Concerns were raised regarding what may occur once ownership has changed. Mr. Shortley suggested trying to provide a component to allow improvements within certain regulations and standards and within the current town context. Exploration into what would encourage an owner to improve the properties should be pursued. Question as to whether changing the zoning from the current RH to CH should be done, or are you creating more uses that would not be able to comply with county regulations. The very nature of the sites limits the available uses.

Mr. Shortley asked how the town can allow for upgrades within the regulations and with the approval of the town agencies, with limiting factors/flexibility that encourages the current business owners to move their business operations to the planned commercial district at the south end of town. Does upgrading the properties improve the potential that the gas station would be enhanced?

Permitted and special exception uses for the CH zone was read and reviewed. There was a discussion about these uses and how they have been abused in the past. The current dynamic of the town today will change dramatically with the next few years. Consideration must be given to preserving the integrity of the town over the decades to come. Need to be thoughtful regarding the future, and what potential issues may arise.

Article 66B indicates that a Water Resources element will need to be added. Mr. Preusch is the guiding authority on this issue. Septic regulations are a limiting factor within the town.

Next meeting date is scheduled for September 11, 2007.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15pm