Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes-November 17, 2003

The regular meeting of the Laytonsville Historic District Commission (HDC) was called to order by Chair Sheree Wenger at 7:30 p.m. Commission members Techter, Ruspi, and Sterling were present. Commission member Joann Howes was absent.

Commission member Techter made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 20,2003, meeting. Commission member Ruspi seconded. The minutes were approved as presented.

Ms. Wenger gave an update on letters sent to property owners and tenants of property located at 21606 and 21412 Laytonsville Rd., regarding the placement of satellite dishes. The satellite dish at 21606 Laytonsville Rd. has been moved. It is no longer visible from the public way. Ms. Wenger reported that three letters were sent to the property owner at 21412 Laytonsville Rd, The last being delivered on November 13, 2003, requested a response in seven days, either by phone or in writing. There having been no response the Chair will refer the matter to the Mayor for further action. The Commission members discussed enforcement issues. Section 105 Article h of the Historic Area Zoning Ordinance states the Mayor is responsible for enforcement on behalf of the HDC.

The Chair distributed copies of the following guidelines and procedures for review:

Hearing /Meeting Procedures Discussion

The members reviewed specific guidelines for meeting proceedings. They include: Roll Call, Minutes, Statement by Chair, Call Case, Closing Record, Call for Motion, Discussion, Vote. Discussion included quorum requirements, and absences of commission members during meetings. A complete packet of information pertaining to an application will be distributed to each member of the HDC prior to any hearing. The Mayor has requested a copy of any correspondence forwarded by the HDC. The HDC will adhere to putting all decisions in writing within 7 days of the hearing,

Motion For Recommendation Discussion

This procedure gives specific language for recommending approval or denial of any work permit during a hearing process. The members discussed using the Secretary Of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation as part of any motion. It is thought that using these standards may give a defensible position to any action of the HDC.

Work Permit Discussion

Ms. Wenger presented a new format of the work permit application. Minor changes were recommended to this format Ms. Wenger will continue to perfect the application.

Historic District Commission Procedures Discussion

These procedures will be used to define the roles and responsibilities of the HDC members. The members discussed the requirements for notices of hearings, and scheduling of hearings after application is submitted. The Mayor and Clerk have agreed it will be the duty of the Clerk to collect all necessary information from anyone making an application for a work permit. The HDC will try to adhere to holding hearings on its regularly scheduled meeting, the third Monday of each month.

Historic District Commission Guidelines Historic District Property Owners Guidelines

The Chair presented guidelines that may be used when considering an application for a work permit. Also distributed were guidelines that could be presented to property owners in the historic district. Ms. Wenger asked members to review these guidelines and forward remarks and comments.

Review of New Construction Projects in Historic District

The HDC anticipates becoming involved in the design review process of new construction on the Natelli subdivision, on those lots within the Historic District, The developer has submitted a preliminary subdivision proposal to the Town. Before design work begins on this project the HDC should become involved. Ms. Wenger has invited Stan Benning, land planner for the Town, to the December meeting of the HDC.

The Chair stated she has been in communication with the Maryland Association of Historic District Commissions (MAHDC). She has received information, and it was distributed to the members, regarding their membership and educational offerings, Basic membership dues are $50. The Commission will ask the Town government to fund the membership dues. Ms. Ruspi made a motion to join the MAHDC. Mr. Techter seconded. Motion unanimously approved. Ms. Ruspi suggested the HDC make use of educational offerings.

Other discussion by the members concerned the Town's tree and sign ordinances. Guidelines developed by the HDC should be compatible with these ordinances. Also discussed was the need to provide the Mayor and Council with an annual report. Ms. Sterling recommended the Mayor and Council be provided guidelines and procedures adopted by the HDC.

Ms. Ruspi asked for clarification of work proceeding at 7200 Brink Rd., and plans for future work on walkway at Town Hall. She also stated her desire to paint the front door of her home sometime in the future. The Mayor and Council issued a building permit for work at 7200 Brink Rd. It is assumed the walkway at the Town Hall is not visible from the public way.

The next meeting of the HDC will be held December 15, 2003.

Phyllis Sterling made a motion to adjourn. Merritt Techter seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Phyllis Sterling, Secretary