Laytonsville Historic District Commission

Meeting Minutes-October 16, 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 Shortley, Sterling and Ruspi were present.

Commission member Ruspi made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 18, 2006, meeting. Second by Commission member Shortley. The minutes were approved as presented.

New Business

The Chair opened the hearing on HDWP 09-06 submitted by the Laytonsville District Volunteer Fire Department, (LDVFD) 21400 Laytonsville Rd.

The Chair called on the Secretary to present the facts of the application. The application requests the removal of existing retaining wall and installation of new retaining wall.

The Secretary entered into evidence the following exhibits: pictures of materials to be used, photos of property, plat, notice to contiguous property owners, and hearing notice.

Comments of Applicant

Clark Beall, President LDVFD, indicated existing retaining wall along driveway entrance would be removed and new stone retaining wall would be installed. The wall would be approximately 3 ft. in height and extend to rear of parking lot. The work is being done to remediate soil erosion.

No Public Comment

Commission Members

Ms. Wenger asked about the status of trees along the embankment. The applicant responded no trees would be removed.

There being no further discussion the Chair closed the hearing and called for a motion. Commission member Sterling made a motion to approve the application based on the plans submitted. Second by Commission member Shortley. Motion unanimously approved. Ms. Wenger thanked the applicant and stated a Certificate of Approval would be issued within seven days.

Old Business

The Chair opened discussion of HDWP 08-06 continued from the September 18, 2006, meeting, The purpose of the continuance is to further consider alterations to a window on the front east elevation of the kitchen extension. Applicant, Ray Varkalis, was in attendance. Since the last meeting Ms. Wenger asked Miche Booz, architect, to provide his opinion regarding changes to the window. She met with Mr. Booz at the site. He indicated that since the kitchen extension was a later addition to the house a change in the window size would not be inappropriate. Following discussion Ms. Ruspi made a motion to approve a new window, with 2 over 2 panes, and 6 inches shorter in height. Second by Ms. Shortley. Motion approved. Ms. Sterling abstained. Mr. Varkalis presented a sample corbel. He is seeking approval to use the sample as a replacement on the front porch columns. During renovation he found the original corbels decayed and not usable. By consensus, HDC members agreed the example presented was not representative of the original design. Mr. Varkalis stated he considered other options cost and time prohibitive. Commission members felt more research might produce a replacement more in keeping with the original design. It was agreed to defer a decision until the next meeting.

Stones for the Rolling Ridge historical marker were delivered for consideration. The HDC discussed the examples provided and decided those with more color variation are preferable to those mostly gray in color. Ms. Sterling made a motion to approve the material and final design dated October 16, 2006, for the historical marker and entry sign to Rolling Ridge subdivision. Ms. Wenger will contact Mike Bingley, Elm Street Development, to inform him of the decision. Ms. Wenger informed members a recent tree inventory of Rolling Ridge was provided by Em Street. She found the list was not inclusive and would bring this to the attention of Mr. Bingley.

Commission members discussed the possibility of seeking professional consultation regarding the historic property at Rolling Ridge. To begin this process Ms. Sterling will seek guidance from historic preservationists within the county.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Phyllis Sterling, Secretary