Laytonsville

Historic District Commission

Meeting Minutes-May 16, 2005

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, and Sterling were present. Commission member Techter was absent. Also present was Mayor Oland and resident William Ludwig.

Commission member Ruspi made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 18, 2005, meeting. Second by Commission member Howes. The minutes were approved as presented.

The Chair opened the hearing on Application for Work Permit HDC 01-05, submitted by the Town of Laytonsville, for property located at 21607 Laytonsville Rd.

· There were no conflicts of interest or disclosures.

· The Secretary was called upon to present the facts of the application. The application states the work is for the demolition of two outbuildings.

· The Secretary also entered into evidence the notice of hearing, notice to property owners, photographs and copy of plat.

Comments of Applicant

Mayor Oland Discussed the deteriorating unsafe condition of the two outbuildings. He commented that the Town’s insurer is concerned about the liability issues of the unsafe conditions. The buildings were inspected by Hank Handler, a restoration expert, on February 4, 2005. He found the buildings to have no redeeming value and one building on the verge of collapse.

No Public Comment

There being no other discussion the Chair closed the record and called for the motion. Ms Ruspi moved to approve the application based on the testimony and without stipulations. Second by Ms. Howes. Motion unanimously approved.

A Certificate of Approval will be issued within 7 days.

The Chair opened the hearing on Application for Work Permit HDC 02-05, submitted by William Ludwig, for property located at 7119 Brink Rd.

· There were no conflicts of interest or disclosures.

· The Secretary was called upon to present the facts of the application. The application states the work is for a fence and a 12x24 pre-built accessory building.

· The Secretary entered into evidence the following exhibits: plat, notice of hearing, notice to property owners, photographs of property, photograph of proposed building, sample of wooden fence picket, and color samples.

Comments of Applicant

William Ludwig Mr. Ludwig briefly discussed the project. He requested a modification to the original application to make the structure 14x24. The fence would be white wooden pickets and be 3 feet in height. The building is vinyl siding and colors selected are blue with white trim and green shingles.

Public Comment

Mayor Oland Stated no objections to the proposal

Commission Members

Ms. Wenger Asked if placement of building met Towns minimum side yard requirement.

Ms. Sterling Asked about the status of an existing outbuilding on the property and changes in driveway.

Applicant Response

Mr. Ludwig Indicated placement of building meets side yard requirement and expects no changes to driveway or existing outbuilding.

There being no other discussion the Chair closed the record and called for the motion. Ms. Sterling moved to approve the application based on a review of the plans in accordance with guidelines and subject to the following: 14x24 accessory building with blue vinyl siding, white trim and green shingles, 3ft high white picket fence as depicted in drawings with two gates. Ms. Howes seconded. Motion unanimously approved.

The Chair thanked those attending. A Certificate of Approval will be sent within 7 days.

New Business

· The appointment terms of Commission members Howes and Wenger is due to expire July 1, 2005.

· The Town has increased the deposit fee for signs used to advertise hearings to $300.00.

· The Application for Work Permit has been modified to require applicant signature on both sides of permit.

Old Business

· Ms. Wenger stated she has had a discussion with Scott Whipple of the Md. Historical Trust in regard to the process of establishing contributing and non contributing resources. Mr. Whipple indicated there is a survey process. He suggested a meeting with a representative of the Trust whose responsibilities include this process. Ms Wenger will coordinate a meeting.

· Ms. Sterling also contacted Mr. Whipple in regard to historic designation of cemeteries. He suggested locating guidelines already established by the City of Rockville. Ms. Sterling reported she found Rockville has a comprehensive set of guidelines for a privately owned cemetery within the city. Ms. Ruspi believes it is important to learn and have a record of those buried in the St. Paul Cemetery.. Ms. Sterling will try to contact St. Paul Church to learn the administrative functions and how records are kept for the cemetery.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Phyllis Sterling, Secretary