Laytonsville Historic District Commission

Meeting Minutes-January 15, 2007

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.

The HDC did not meet in December. Commission member Ruspi made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 20, 2006, meeting. Second by Commission member Howes. The minutes were approved as presented.

The Chair opened the hearing on HDWP 10-06, submitted by the Mayor and Town Council, for Town Hall property located at 21607 Laytonsville Rd.

· There were no conflicts or disclosures.

· The Chair called on the Secretary to present the facts of the application. The application calls for the construction of a steel hip-end pavilion 20ft. x 44ft.

· The Secretary entered into evidence the following exhibits: hearing notice, notice to contiguous property owners, plat, product brochure with drawings, vendor proposal, and samples of roof and posts material.

Comments of Applicant

Mayor Oland and Councilman Frank Bennett were called upon to describe the project. Mayor Oland stated the pavilion would be located in the rear of the Town Hall. He indicated a metal structure was recommended for less maintenance. The pavilion would be constructed over a cement foundation.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

Commission members

Ms. Ruspi inquired if additional features would be added to the pavilion, such as trash receptacles, tables and benches. The Mayor responded there are no plans to add additional features at this time.

The Chair closed the record and called for a motion. Ms. Ruspi made a motion to approve the construction of the selected pavilion, based on inspection of the property and plans submitted, and stipulated the plans meet form, proportion, and material that are in harmony with the surroundings and general guidelines of the HDC. Second by Ms. Howes. Motion unanimously approved.

The Chair opened the hearing on HDWP 11-06, submitted by the Mayor and Town Council, for the Town Hall located at 21607 Laytonsville Rd.

· There were no conflicts or disclosures.

· The Chair called on the Secretary to present the facts of the application. The application requests the replacement of the front porch wood decking with composite material.

· The Secretary entered into evidence the following exhibits: hearing notice, notice to contiguous property owners, drawing, plat, printed information about the material, and a sample of the material.

Comments of the Applicant

Mayor Oland stated the request is to replace existing tongue and groove decking with a composite material. He stated the porch is deteriorating and dangerous. He also noted that the porch has been repainted and sections have already been replaced.

No Public Comment

Commission Members

Ms. Wenger indicated the HDC guidelines give direction to replace wood with in kind material. She stated composite material is not in keeping with the guidelines or the historic nature of the house. She also mentioned that the HDC has set a precedent on two recent applications for porches to require in kind replacement.

Ms. Shortley stated she has observed the use of composite material on the porch of an older home and would rather see the porch replaced with wood.

Ms. Sterling maintained that existing materials on the Town Hall are original and no substitute materials currently exist. She stated the guidelines direct the use of in kind materials where appropriate and the historical significance of the home overrides the maintenance value of composite materials.

Ms. Ruspi read the guidelines for Stoops, Steps, Railings, Porches and Decks.

Ms. Wenger read applicable sections of the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

Following the discussion and hearing the consensus of the HDC members, to replace the porch with wood, Mayor Oland withdrew the application. A work permit is not required for ordinary maintenance when materials are not changed.

The Chair closed the hearing.

Old Business

The Chair called upon Ray Varkalis. Mr. Varkalis is seeking a modification to HDWP 08-06, for property located at 21520 Laytonsville Rd. The request includes a landscape plan and the addition of a 5ft x 13ft. deck to the rear of the house. Mr. Varkalis explained the deck, exiting the french doors, would be constructed in composite material and step down to a brick patio. The landscape plan calls for the addition of plantings to screen air conditioning units and oil tank on north side of home and plantings to screen cellar door on south side of home. The plan also calls for removal of remaining stockade fence and planting of Leyland cypress trees along the north property line.

Ms. Ruspi observed that decks add mass to the home and she is not convinced of the appeal they present. Ms. Shortley stated that while the proposed deck would not be too visible she is generally not in favor of decks on old homes. She would rather see other uses, such as patios. Ms. Shortley also indicated her concern for setting precedents in regard to the construction of new decks in the Historic District. Ms. Wenger suggested a decision on the deck be deferred to provide an opportunity to visit the site.

Ms. Sterling made a motion to approve the modification of HDWP 08-06 to include a landscape plan as submitted. Second by Ms. Shortley. Motion unanimously approved.

New Business

A consultation was conducted with Martin Berman, property owner of 21524 Laytonsville Rd. Mr. Berman removed a rear deck on the home and plans to re-build the deck. He stated he may do other modifications to the structure. Ms. Wenger indicated he should submit an application for a work permit for any work he is considering. He agreed to follow through with the work permit process.

Ms. Wenger informed the HDC members a work permit application has been submitted for property located at 7119 Brink Rd., and will be on the February agenda. She also informed the members Elm St. Development will request a modification to their fencing plan in the Rolling Ridge subdivision.

The HDC and Mayor Oland entered into a discussion regarding the condition of the home known as Rolling Ridge. Ms. Wenger reported that the house is completely open and severely vandalized. The environmental conditions are causing deteriorating conditions in the interior. Ms. Sterling visited the property on January 14, 2007 and found exterior doors destroyed and most window panes broken. Mayor Oland recommended the HDC prepare a list of concerns regarding the neglect and he would forward the letter to the Town Attorney for possible action.

The Mayor reported that the sidewalk construction on Brink Rd. is now complete.

Ms. Sterling reported on her discussion with an historic preservation planner in regard to Rolling Ridge. The following initiatives were outlined as possible requirements for any application for a work permit on this property:

· An evaluation by a historic landscape architect and an arborist

· “As-built” architectural drawings and plans

· Evaluation of existing conditions by a professional

Ms. Sterling indicated the requirements should be conveyed to the applicant early in the process and the HDC should work to develop a partnership with applicant. Commission members discussed providing information about the Historic District to the sales office at Rolling Ridge. The HDC agreed by consensus to follow through with these recommendations.

There being no further business Ms. Ruspi made a motion to adjourn. Second by Ms. Howes. Motion approved and the meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Phyllis Sterling, Secretary