Laytonsville Historic District Commission

Meeting Minutes-August 21, 2006

The regular meeting of the Laytonsville Historic District Commission (HDC) was called to order by the Chair, Sheree Wenger at 7:30 p.m. Commission members Howes, Ruspi, Shortley, and Sterling were present. Ms. Wenger welcomed Michele Shortley, newly appointed member, who will be serving a three year term on the HDC. Jill Ruspi has been re-appointed to serve a new three year term.

Commission member Ruspi made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 17, 2006, meeting. Second by Commission member Howes. The minutes were approved as presented.

The following members were selected to serve as officers for the upcoming year:

Sheree Wenger, Chair

Jill Ruspi, Vice Chair

Phyllis Sterling, Secretary

Old Business

Mike Bingley, Elm Street Development, was called upon to further discuss the proposed entry monuments and signs for the subdivision known as Rolling Ridge. He gave a review of the previous meetings with the HDC. At the July 17, 2006 meeting he requested the HDC provide some guidance for a design concept. Mr. Bingley stated he had received the design sketches submitted by the HDC. His proposal is to provide two signs, the subdivision name and the historical marker, using one of the design concepts. The signs, mounted on 12 foot black poles with finial and factory installed brackets, would be placed on either side of the entry to Rolling Ridge. Discussion ensued regarding the use of fencing and landscaping. Mr. Bingley asked for assurance that the discussed plan would be approved. Ms. Wenger indicated the HDC must have a working drawing of the concept subject to review. Ms. Ruspi stated she felt the proposal had come a long way from what was originally proposed and the concept seems closer to what the HDC is looking for. Mr. Bingley agreed to provide a working drawing.

The Town will hold a hearing on proposed changes to the sign ordinance at the Sept 5, 2006, meeting. Copies of the draft sign ordinance were distributed to commission members.

New Business

Ms. Wenger reported an Historic District Work Permit (HDWP) application had been received from Fiber Tower, LLC. The application proposes placing a satellite dish on the existing monopole at the Laytonsville District Volunteer Fire Dept., 21400 Laytonsville Rd. The application is complete and the hearing will be scheduled for the September 18, 2006, meeting. The application for special exception has already been heard and approved by the Board of Appeals.

The HDC provided a consultation to property owners Susan Philips and Neal Bataller, 21513 Laytonsville Rd. They are submitting an HDWP application for repair and restoration of front porch,, addition of an exterior door, replacement of 5 windows, and demolition of a shed attached to the detached garage. Commission members reviewed the materials submitted. Ms. Wenger requested that the property owners provide pictures or drawings of the detail on the front porch columns and provide evidence of the material to be used for the exterior door. She assured the property owners the commission members would make an on-site inspection and she explained the sign posting requirements. The application will proceed to hearing in September provided all requested materials are received.

The Chair recognized Town Council member Frank Bennett. Mr. Bennett stated he intends to request that the authority granted to the HDC to review gardens and landscaping be rescinded.

Ms. Wenger has drafted an end of year report that will be presented to the Mayor and Council.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Phyllis Sterling, Secretary