LAYTONSVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

August 20, 2007 – 7:30 p.m.

Roll Call:

The regular meeting of the Laytonsville Historic District Commission (HDC) was called to order by the Chair, Ms. Wenger, at 7:30 p.m. Commission Members Howes, Prats, and Ruspi were present. Commission Member Shortley was not in attendance.

Attendance:

The meeting was attended by two guests: Ms. Dottie Tessier (St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church), and Mr. Michael Fraley (Four Seasons Sunrooms).

Minutes:

Chair Wenger asked if there was a motion to accept the minutes of the July 16, 2007, meeting. The motion was made by Commission Member Ruspi and seconded by Commission Member Prats. The minutes were approved as presented.

Preliminary Statement by Chair

The reading of the preliminary statement was dispensed with since there were no cases on the agenda.

Old Business:

Nominations were put forth for the positions of Chair and Vice Chair. Ms. Sheree Wenger was nominated as Chair and Ms. Jill Ruspi was nominated as Vice Chair. Commission Member Prats moved to appoint Ms. Wenger as Chair and Ms. Ruspi as Vice Chair. The motion was seconded by Commission Member Howes and approved. Chair Wenger also mentioned that Mr. Charlie Hendricks has been contacted to ascertain his acceptance at becoming an alternate for the Commission.

Guidelines: Chair Wenger provided members with various materials to review in order to revise the current guidelines (as was requested by the Town Council) regarding contributing and non-contributing resources. Several modifications to the guidelines as well as how the information is distributed to perspective users, better use of the HDC’s website to include a preface, the guidelines, a map outlining the historic district, relevant forms, etc. were discussed. A work session will be held to review possible redundancies within the guidelines, inclusion of items not permissible, clear instructions so that unnecessary work permit applications are not submitted.

Chair Wenger also informed the HDC that the Town Council had drafted a text amendment definition regarding contributing resources: “Contributing resources: a property or improvements that upon investigation is considered to have significant historical or architectural contributions or attributes of local, state or federal significance.”

There was a question put forth as to what would entail the term “property” (i.e. empty lots, existing structure, etc.). Members of the HDC will be attending the September 4^th Council Meeting to further discuss this matter.

New Business:

Ms. Dottie Tessier representing St. Bartholomew Church addressed the HDC. The Church would like to install a lift to provide ease of access for members with disabilities. It will be located on the side of the Church (behind the pillar of the Church). It will be fully glass encased with a door. The lift will be procured through Premier Lifts and Country Wide Construction will build the enclosure. Ms. Tessier informed the HDC that Country Wide would obtain the necessary permits for the proposed job. The HDC was also advised that an electrical line in the back of the Church will need to be moved since it will obstruct the enclosure. Chair Wenger informed Ms. Tessier that the following items will need to be submitted to the HDC 27 days prior to the scheduling of a hearing:

• One copy of the site plan; with an indication of where the enclosure will be situated:
• Architectural drawings;
• Photographs, samples of material to be used; colors; company brochure, any landscaping proposals;
• Permit fee, sign deposit

Chair Wenger also suggested that a representative of the construction company might wish to be present during the hearing to assist in responding to the HDC’s questions.

Mr. Mike Fraley would like to purchase the property located at 21516 Olney Laytonsville Road and was consulting the HDC for guidance in order to establish a framework for making architectural changes to the present building. Mr. Fraley would like the building to be used as a showroom, office, and warehouse space for Four Seasons Sunroom. He discussed the idea of elevating the roof, adding a storage facility, and providing a parking area. Chair Wenger advised Mr. Fraley that he would need to submit the same information which is listed above. She also informed Mr. Fraley that some concerns would include the possibility that elevating the roof might eclipse the houses next door, as well as the perception that the architectural changes would provide a more modern aspect as compared to the more traditional design of the residential houses located close to the property. Chair Wenger suggested that Mr. Fraley’s submitted information be reviewed by Commission Member Michele Shortley in order to provide him with some recommendations/suggestions on how the designs might be altered in order to maintain the historical design of the town. Mr. Fraley was agreeable to this suggestion. The HDC would provide Mr. Fraley with their suggestions within a two week time period.

Adjourn:

The recording CD ended before the meeting was adjourned. It has been verified that the meeting ended with Chair Wenger insuring that all Commission Members had received copies of the informational documentation. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Nadine Tarwater