Work Session Meeting minutes of the Town Council
Work Session on June 16, 2009
As reviewed, approved and accepted by the Town Council on July 7, 2009
Mayor Oland opened the Work Session at 7:35 p.m. Council Members Kris Bradsher, Jim Ruspi and David Preusch were present. Council Member Elect Dan Prats was present. The Clerk was present. Engineer Jim Ruff was present; Town Planner, Stan Benning, was present. Five citizens were present.
Mayor Oland stated that the purpose of the Work Session was to review the alignment of the proposed Route 108 By Pass; the status of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission water project; and the Rolling Ridge Subdivision – Historic Review authority.
Proposed Route 108 By Pass: Mayor Oland reviewed the alignment of the proposed Route 108 By Pass as it enters into Parcel 865 in the Town. Mayor Oland introduced Jim Ruff, Robert H. Vogel Engineering, Inc., the Town Engineer. Jim Ruff reviewed the history of the proposed By Pass and the 1997 Preliminary Plan for the Fulks South subdivision prepared by Rodgers & Associates that shows the alignment of the By-Pass in the same position that it appears on the approved Preliminary Plan which was approved by the Town Council on March 1, 2005. There appears a “spread” that was left that conceptually would give the SHA the ability to change the alignment, or change the curve as conditions dictate. On our about 2004-2005, the project was transferred to Macris, Hendricks & Glascock and the same alignment is reflected. Therefore, no change to what was proposed in 1997.
Mr. Ruff noted that the Town’s Zoning Map and the Land Use Map were updated to reflect zoning changes and to reflect the Rolling Ridge annexation. The 1985 map does not reflect the proposed By Pass.
Mayor Oland noted that he, Jay Alfandre (former owner of Fulks South) and Charles White met with SHA and the plan indicated the alignment was one-half way through Parcel 865. In 1990, the alignment was lowered through Parcel 865 at the request of Stan Mills (former owner of Parcel 865).
Council Member Jim Ruspi recapped that the owner of Parcel 865 says that when he bought his property, the maps reflected the By-Pass at the end of the property and the Preliminary Plan showed the By Pass farther inside the parcel.
Mr. Ruff reported that the alignment has been part of the Preliminary Plan that had been submitted to the Town of Laytonsville as far back as 1997.
Council Member Ruspi further indicated that Mr. Harvey questioned whether the Town Council was aware of the position of the By Pass. Mr. Benning stated that the Town Council was aware of the alignment, Mr. Benning also noted that when plans are submitted to the required agencies, standards are often changed. Mr. Benning noted that the By Pass will not be wider than 150 feet going through the Fulks property; the alignment depends on environmental factors.
Council Member Preusch noted that the Zoning Map is an undesigned representation of where the By Pass was to go.
Mr. Ruff noted that records show the alignment of the By Pass has been represented consistently on plans.
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission: Mayor Oland noted that there is a meeting on June 18, 2009 at WSSC’s headquarters with WSSC, Mayor Oland and Tom Natelli. Mayor Oland noted that he had received a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding and that there was no requirement for Mr. Natelli to deliver a deed to WSSC for the proposed water tank. Mr. Natelli is committed to providing $3 million for the water project; Mr. Natelli is required to release $60,000 per lot once the WSSC connection is requested.
Mayor Oland noted the he had been working with Paul Gray, WSSC, and he had prepared a grid showing WSSC main line easements. The spreadsheet was reviewed and it was determined that approximately 7 easements were needed.
Mrs. Sheree Wenger questioned at what point does WSSC need the signed easement for house connections? Mayor Oland to determine answer from WSSC.
A discussion regarding Council Member Elect Dan Prats’ concerns was reviewed.
An Ad Hoc Committee was discussed. It was agreed by consensus that Council Member Elect Dan Prats would serve as the intermediary between the Town Council and Town residents with a Work Group and it was also agreed to establish an informational web page.
Eric Wenger noted that the development of a web page with FAQ and updates would be helpful.
Council Member David Preusch requested a summary page of meeting minutes to be delivered.
Council Member Jim Ruspi agreed with a summary update on paper or web page but noted that anything in print should be reviewed carefully.
Mayor Oland noted that Stan Benning and Jim Ruff had worked with WSSC and could respond to Council Member Elect Dan Prats’ questions/concerns.
Mayor Oland requested an outline from Mr. Prats for the next Town Council meeting.
Other items discussed:
· Timeline
· Trees
· Foundations
· Private property access and disruption
· Traffic
· Street-scape
· Communication
· Coordination
· Sewers/septic
· General Questions
Mayor Oland noted that most questions could be addressed by WSSC. Regarding private property access and disruption: Mr. Ruff noted that most points will be in the contract between the property owner and WSSC; regarding the pipe trench from street to the house, a private plumber is required; regarding access to driveways, SHA will issue a permit to WSSC with a specific traffic plan; regarding street-scape, specifics will be in contract and the contract should be restoring in nature. Mr. Ruff noted that the Town should receive a copy of the WSSC contract. Mayor Oland questioned whether the Town of Laytonsville is a signer on the contract. Mr. Ruff stated that the Town should not be involved in the contract between WSSC and contractor.
Mr. Ruff noted that the Town of Laytonsville only received water supply because of ground contamination. Mayor Oland noted that sewer/septic concerns will be addressed in the Town’s drafted Master Plan.
Rolling Ridge Subdivision – Historic District Review Authority: Mayor Oland noted that there were serious concerns about any impact on the historic Rolling Ridge house. The draft notice prepared by Stan Abrams, Town Counsel, regarding the Public Hearing to designate certain properties, resources and environmental settings as having or protecting resources of historic or architectural significance consistent with the general welfare of the Town, its inhabitants and visitors.
Mayor Oland requested a position paper from the Historic District Commission outlining the purpose of maintaining the HDC’s review authority on properties that impact the historic Rolling Ridge home.
Mrs. Wenger noted that the Maryland National Capital Park
& Planning was opposed to the Town’s annexation because of the significance
of the historic Rolling Ridge home.
Mrs. Wenger noted that Lots 5, 6, and 2 are the closest to the Rolling Ridge Lane and to the historic house and that their environmental settings are
important.
Council Member David Preusch stated that the Town could extend the Historic District Zone. Mrs. Wenger noted that originally the property was zoned RDT and when the Town annexed the property, it was zoned Agricultural.
Mrs. Phyllis Sterling noted that the new homes that are being built in the Rolling Ridge subdivision are non-contributing resources. There is not a working model in the Town’s Ordinances/Plans that deal with non-contributing resources.
Mrs. Jill Ruspi noted that it was very difficult for an individual homeowner to understand the process of designating historic resources.
It was agreed by consensus to go forward with the Public Hearing to designate certain properties, resources and environmental settings as having or protecting resources of historic or architectural significance consistent with the general welfare of the Town.
The Mayor closed the Work Session at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathryn D. Buit
Clerk
June 16, 2009