LAYTONSVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES
October 15, 2007 – 7:30 p.m.

Roll Call :

The regular meeting of the Laytonsville Historic District Commission (HDC) was called to order by the Co-Chair, Ms. Ruspi, at 7:28 p.m.  Commission Members Howes, Prats, Shortley, and Alternate Commission Member Henricks were present.  

Attendance :

The meeting was attended by Ms. Phyllis Sterling, guest.

Minutes :

Co-Chair Ruspi asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes. Commission Member Shortley requested that the sentence reading “Commission Member Shortley volunteered to make changes as reflected in the marked up copy and redraft noted sections” be changed to “all Commission Members volunteered to review and make changes to the Guidelines.”   A motion to accept the minutes of the September 17, 2007, meeting with the reflected revision was made by Commission Member Howes and seconded by Commission Member Shortley.  The minutes were approved as amended.

Preliminary Statement by Chair

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

Old Business :

Mr. Mike Fraley (Four Seasons Sunrooms):  Due to a conflict, Mr. Fraley was not able to attend the meeting.  Mr. Fraley will attend a future meeting. Commission Member Hendricks asked if the Board of Appeals had taken any action regarding Mr. Fraley’s request for an exception at their meeting in October. The Board of Appeals has not as yet approved the exception and imposed six conditions which need to be addressed by the Board’s meeting on December

Guidelines:  A notation was added to the record of the meeting that Co-Chair Ruspi to check with Charles to make sure he has a full marked up copy. Co-Chair Ruspi explained specific sections of the guidelines which were based on information obtain from other districts. The HDC reviewed specific sections of the Guidelines.  Design of the graphics for the guidelines was also discussed. Annex 1 of the Minutes list the changes which were discussed. Phyllis Sterling has original disk of guidelines.

New Business :

Historic Signs for Laytonsville:  The guidelines were distributed to the Commission Members.

Defensible Decisions:  The Commission Members viewed the video presentation.

Reading Material:  Suggested reading material for Commission Members was discussed and will be displayed in the Town Hall.

Final report from Susan West-Montgomery:

Adjourn :

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:50 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,


Nadine Tarwater

ANNEX 1

LAYTONSVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Revision of Guidelines – Suggested Changes

Title page: took out HDC

Design guidelines: where to obtain and available on website

Front page – include current date of when adopted

Table of Contents – alphabetical

Design Elements should be in alphabetical order to conform to Table of Contents
Work requiring HDC separate to other work/building permits
Write out Historic District Work Permit
Guidelines:

Demolition by neglect (inserted info)
Masonry (new more defined)
Satellite antennas
Sky lights
Signs (included)
Mail boxes should be added (is our review necessary)

Appendices:

The standards for preservation; 8 reasons for a historic district and zoning map for the town of Laytonsville (need to find citation for repriting).

Introduction:

Might need to be rewritten. A settlement known as Cracklin Town existed in the area in 1789. Most homes (leave out commas), insert historic district. – need to go over this section again.

Should something be included about town forming its own government and being incorporated, providing a historic context. Primary focus not to give history of the town but create guidelines.

General Design Elements:

Might need header page; red text reflective of proposed changes; have been adopted or to be adopted; they are just comments; tells people what the guidelines are applicable to; how guidelines are to be used; and what is not needed. What does not need a permit is moved to the front so that people do not have to read entire document before knowing. Should it be called general guidelines; perhaps overview; add heading the application process. Introduction is vague. Part one is Background; second heading Overview. Move general design elements.

Ordinary Maintenance:

Definition of ordinary maintenance was discussed. The ordinance reads: “Routine maintenance is work that does not alter the exterior materials or features of the side of the structure and has no material effect on historical or archeological or architectural significance of the historical site of the structure including tree trimming on private property.” Both Gaithersburg and Montgomery County have good examples of ordinary maintenance definitions and how to approach notification which need to be checked out. (Notification of ordinary maintenance – what is the purpose; who is responsible for accepting the notification?) Change wording that residents need to notify Chair of HDC regarding ordinary maintenance. Take out Town Clerk. How will residents notify the Chair? Notify HDC Chair in writing; letters mailed or dropped off at Town Hall. However, if not enumerated below, property owner should contact Chair of HDC.

Add cleaning of outside surfaces.

Ordinary maintenance is:

1. Exterior painting; repair or replacement when materials features, colors, or finishes are not changed.

2. Repair or replacement of roofs, gutters, siding, external doors or windows, trim lights or other accoutrements features with like materials or like design.

3. Minor landscaping that will not substantially affect the character of the property and its surrounding. (note: tree committee – check in landscaping section).

4. Paving, repair using like materials, like design.

5. Painting on non-masonry surfaces using substantially the same color. (redundant with 1; confusing).

6. Routine cleaning of outside surfaces of windows, decks, and siding.