HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES-AUGUST 18, 2003

The meeting was opened at 7:35 P.M. by Mayor Willard Oland. Also present were Commission members Jill Ruspi, Merritt Techter, Sheree Wenger, and Phyllis Sterling. Richard Dewitt was absent. There was one resident in attendance.

Mayor Oland discussed the following important points:

• Elect Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary

• Commission must adhere to Open Meetings Act

• Must have quorum and set timely meetings

• Commission has discretion in applying rules and regulations

• All Commission terms expire July 1^st in staggered years

• Adopt practice of requiring all speakers to identify themselves before testifying

• Appeals of any decision by the Commission go before the Circuit Court.

Mayor Oland reported that the Laytonsville District Volunteer Fire Department has submitted an application to modify the monopole with additional antennae. A joint hearing with the Board of Appeals is scheduled for September 8, 2003. Notices for this hearing are posted.

Sheree Wenger agreed to serve as Chair of the Commission and Phyllis Sterling agreed to act as Secretary. It was agreed to ask Richard DeWitt to serve as Vice Chair. The Commission members decided to establish the third Monday of every month as their regular meeting time.

The members were provided copies of the Fire Department application, dated August 18, 2003, drawings, and print specifications of the proposed modification. The proposal is for the addition of 3, flush-mounted antennae at the 80 foot level of the existing monopole. Radio equipment would also be placed on the ground at the base of the monopole inside an existing fenced compound. Discussion ensued and it was noted the print reflects an earlier request by Ms. Sterling, at the Board of Appeals meeting of August 4, 2003, that the antennae will be painted the same color as the monopole.

Ms. Wenger discussed the need to adopt procedures for conducting meetings. She suggested we mirror a method already in use by the City of Gaithersburg. The members also discussed the need to develop other guidelines for the proper transaction of business before the Commission. The members agreed to study historic district guidelines of other municipalities such as Gaithersburg, Brookeville, and Washington Grove.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 P.M.

Phyllis A. Sterling Secretary, HDC