Laytonsville Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes-January 19, 2004

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 Howes, Ruspi, Techter and Sterling were present. Also attending was Mayor Willard Oland.

Commission member Ruspi made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 15,2003, meeting as presented. Commission member Howes seconded. The minutes were approved.

The Chair opened discussion of advertising costs associated with the application process of the HDC. The Mayor commented that the HDC should consider these costs along with the application fee already established. The Mayor stated the need to provide a notice of hearing with newspaper advertisement. He suggested adding the cost of advertisement based on the cost of the project. Commission member Sterling stated her opposition to adding these costs to the homeowner as they may become cost prohibitive to the process. Commission members acknowledged that new development in the historic district could require more than one advertisement per project. The members discussed several options of passing this cost on to the applicant. The Mayor stated the town council will reconsider the fee schedules in July. He suggested the HDC send its recommendation for consideration at that time. The members reached consensus that adding the cost of advertising should be tied to the cost of the project. Ms. Sterling made a motion to amend the HDC application for work permit to include estimated costs. Mr. Techter seconded. Motion approved. Ms, Sterling made a motion to recommend the Mayor and Council consider adding the cost of advertising to the fee when the project exceeds a $30,000 estimate.

Mr. Techter seconded. Motion approved. The Chair will send a letter to the Mayor and Council with this recommendation.

Old Business

Ms. Wenger presented various forms and procedures for discussion and review. After discussion the following motions were made:

• Mr. Techter made a motion to accept the "Motion Cheat Sheet." Ms. Ruspi seconded. Motion approved.

• Mr. Techter made a motion to approve the applicant "Decision Letter." Ms. Howes seconded. Motion approved.

• Mr. Techter made a motion to approve the Historic District Commission Procedures. Ms. Howes

seconded. Motion approved.

Ms. Ruspi recommended adding approval dates to all guidelines, forms, and procedures adopted by the HDC.

New Business

The Chair introduced a letter of information for property owners in the historic district. This letter would give a short overview of the commission and the historic district. It will serve as an interim source of information until a more comprehensive package is provided. Mr. Techter suggested an Application for Work Permit be attached to the letter. Other minor changes to the letter were recommended. Mr. Techter made a motion to accept the letter to residents. Ms. Ruspi seconded. Motion approved.

Ms. Wenger has requested and received a copy of the design guidelines for the City of Gaithersburg, and distributed copies to commission members. Gaithersburg has catalogued the features of the historic homes in their districts. Photographs will assist the HDC with a similar approach in Laytonsville. It was also suggested that the commission members do a walk around the historic district. Ms. Sterling reported on the progress of photographing all the houses in the historic district.

Ms. Wenger reported that the town attorney has sent a letter to the property owner and resident of 21412 Laytonsville Rd., regarding the satellite dish. This matter has not been resolved. It was observed that there are at least two other dishes visible from the public way in the historic district. One on the education building of St Bartholomew Church is no longer in use. Rev, Pollack has agreed to consider removing this dish, weather permitting.

Committee Members

Ms. Sterling reported that she will attempt to write an overview and process summary for the homeowner information package the commission will develop. Mr. Techter once again expressed his desire to see some way of defining the historic district. Some of his thoughts include period lighting and signs, incorporating "Cracklin Tavern" as a theme. Ms. Ruspi thought trees are another way of defining the area. Ms. Ruspi shared her concern about the use of mailboxes on the town sidewalks.

There being no other business, Mr. Techter made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Sterling. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15 p. m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Phyllis Sterling, Secretary