Laytonsville Historic District Commission

Meeting Minutes-May 21,2007

The regular meeting of the Laytonsville Historic District Commission (HDC) was called to order by the Vice Chair, Jill Ruspi, at 7:30 p.m. Commission members Howes, Shortley, and Sterling were present. Ms. Wenger was absent. Ms. Ruspi introduced Dan Prats. Mr. Prats resides at 7115 Brink Rd. and has agreed to serve as an alternate member of the HDC, pending confirmation by the Mayor and Council.

Commission member Shortley made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 16, 2007, meeting. Second by Commission member Howes. The minutes were approved as presented.

The Vice Chair opened the hearing on HDWP 04-07, submitted by Bill Harvey, for property located at 7120 Brink Rd.

· The Vice Chair read the Preliminary Statement to review the purpose and intent of the hearing.

· There were no conflicts or disclosures.

· The Vice Chair called on the Secretary to present the facts of the application. The description of the work is to remove and replace a fence surrounding a pool, in accordance with Montgomery County Code.

· The Secretary entered into evidence the following exhibits: notice of hearing, plat, notice to contiguous property owners, sign affidavit, and sample fencing material. Also entered into the record a copy of the Montgomery County Code for pool fences.

Comments of Applicant

Mr. Harvey explained he already replaced the fence that was destroyed by wind. He stated it was his intent to have the pool safely secured.

There was no public comment

Commission Members

Ms. Sterling asked the applicant if the fence followed the same footprint of the original and explained that the fence, as newly constructed, did not meet the current guidelines for fences. Mr. Harvey responded that the footprint was the same and he was unaware of the guideline requirement that stipulates fences in side yards should not be forward of the rear corners of the house. Ms. Shortley asked the height of the fence. Mr. Harvey stated the fence was 6 ft. in height. Ms. Sterling stated during a site visit she observed other construction inside the pool fence. Mr. Harvey explained that this construction was a platform built to cover a depression in the ground surface created by draining the pool. He stated he discussed this construction with the Mayor. The Mayor advised him it was all right to proceed with the construction. Ms. Sterling expressed her concern that approving a fence that does not meet the guidelines would set a precedent.

She also indicated awareness of the unusual circumstance and the desire of the applicant to respond quickly to repair the fence.

Ms. Ruspi closed the hearing and called for a motion. Ms. Sterling made a motion that since the fence is already built, and meets the Montgomery County Code for swimming pools, the HDC take no exception to the fence as installed. Second by Ms. Shortley. Motion unanimously approved. Mr. Harvey assented to the motion.

Ms. Ruspi thanked the applicant.

Old Business

Brian Davila appeared before the HDC to further discuss rehabilitation of Rolling Ridge. Mr. Davila presented documents regarding the use of paint on historic brick structures. He feels strongly the brick should remain painted as removal may cause serious and irreversible damage to the integrity of the brick. He also presented historical photographs of the home. Mr. Davila plans to attend another meeting to further discuss his plans for the project, prior to submitting an application for work permit.

New Business

Ms. Ruspi stated an application for work permit has been submitted for a fence at 7200 Brink Rd. The hearing is scheduled for the June meeting.

Ms. Ruspi reported the pavilion to be constructed by the Town will not be the same model as approved by the HDC. A discrepancy occurred in ordering and the roof line is different from the original proposal. Montgomery County permits have been issued. The siting of the pavilion has also changed to avoid encroachment of a possible septic field. The location will be closer to the rear of the Town Hall.

Discussion ensued regarding the May 2, 2007, joint work session with the Mayor and Council. Ms. Sterling expressed disappointment in the missed opportunity to have a productive meeting. She obtained the documentation of those resources in the Town which have already been inventoried. Some of the homes have been altered since the original inventory. Routine maintenance and projects that may not require a work permit was discussed.

A representative from the Maryland Association of Historic District Commissions will attend the July HDC meeting. The purpose of the visit is to determine how the Association may better serve its members. An invitation to dinner and a tour of the Historic District by the HDC has also been extended to the representative.

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

Respectfully Submitted,

Phyllis Sterling