LAYTONSVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

September 17, 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 7:32 p.m. Commission Members Howes, Prats, Ruspi, and Shortley were present.

Attendance:

The meeting was attended by Mr. Charles Hendricks, Alternate and Ms. Phyllis Sterling, guest.

Minutes:

Chair Wenger asked if there was a motion to accept the minutes of the August 20, 2007, meeting. The motion was made by Commission Member Ruspi and seconded by Commission Member Shortley. 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:

NV Homes: Circumstances regarding Lot 6 have changed (closest to Rolling Ridge). The Gabraltar model required a 3 car garage which is too large. A compromise was reached which included a detached garage. The houses to be built on the lots which are located inside the historic area of the town cannot be priced as high as those located on other lots due to their smaller sizes. NV Homes wants to change the model which was approved for this lot. Although this is outside of the historic commission area, the Mayor gave purview to the HDC in order to protect the integrity of the area. NV Homes would like to change it to the Darthmouth model which would be more suitable. Although NV Homes provided this information to the HDC, they were not prepared to meet with the HDC at this time.

Mr. Mike Fraley (Four Seasons Sunrooms): The signs have been placed at the property located at 21516 Olney Laytonsville Road providing notification of the Special Exception request to the Board of Appeals. Mr. Fraley will not be able to take possession of the building until January. Currently, Mr. Fraley’s suggestions regarding the remodeling of the building are not consistent with HDC guidelines. The HDC is working with Mr. Fraley to reach a compromise so that the property meets his business needs and continues to maintain the historic value of the town.

Guidelines: The HDC has been working on revising the current guidelines. Commission Member Shortley volunteered to make changes as reflected in the marked up copy and redraft noted sections. A list of changes will be put in the guidelines which would provide some suggestions on what types of changes will be accepted but will not be itemized or detailed to the point that the guidelines become cumbersome or can be misinterpreted.

The HDC will revise its working procedures to include “at the desk approvals” which are requests made to the HDC that meet all the guidelines and do not need formal discussion but can be approved during normal meetings. The specific process on how to review and clear “at the desk approvals” will be studied further. Chair Wenger will be asking the Town Council for an extension to the 120 days deadline for preparation of the guidelines since the revisions require extensive redrafting.

Rolling Ridge: The papers were signed last Thursday and Brian Davila will be maintaining the house. Electricity is going to the house but no box as yet. It will be eight to ten months by the time the project gets off the ground. Bushes have been trimmed; grass has been cut; windows and door are secure; the fence is working.

NV Homes is also preparing to install their signs on Warfield Road.

New Business:

Historic Signs for Laytonsville: The Mayor would like the HDC to design signs for the Historic District of the town upon entering and exiting Laytonsville. These signs would be in addition to the current town signs. The historic district starts at the Fire Station and ends around the Rolling Ridge area. The Commission Members will compare various historic signs throughout the county and other historic areas to gather ideas on various materials, designs, etc. to be used. The budget for the signs needs to be presented for the 2008-2009 town budget.

Adjourn:

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:34 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Nadine Tarwater