LAYTONSVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
September 21, 2009

7:30pm

Roll Call :

The regular meeting of the Laytonsville Historic District Commission (HDC) was called to order by the Chair, Ms. Wenger, at 7:38 p.m.  Commission Members: Wenger, Howes , Shortley, Ruspi and Hendricks were present. 

Attendance : Phyllis Sterling,  former resident was also in attendance.


Minutes:

The minutes of the August 17, 2009 meeting were not available.

Preliminary Statement by Chair
Was not read as there were no applications for consideration.

NEW  BUSINESS:

Mr. Hendricks began the discussion regarding St. Bartholomew’s application to remove all 9 trees along the north side of the vestry office.  The Leyland Cypress (misidentified on their application) are planted to close to the house and are causing a problem.  The Town tree committee will have to review the application and inspect the trees in question and make their recommendation.  The HDC has no authority over the tree committee, but we can require re-planting if the removal is approved.  Discussion continued on the decision making process the tree committee has established.  The tree committee may determine that the trees may be detrimental and approve the removal of all of them.  The application includes two options, one for complete removal and one for trimming.

Tim and Cindy Olive have submitted an application to resurface the driveway, repair the front fence in kind and remove some bushes along the fence.  There being no conflict with the guidelines the application was approved as a consent docket.

Member Hendricks excused himself from the meeting to inform the committee of St. Bartholomew’s of the discussion that just occurred regarding the removal of the trees.

The residents of 21714 Rolling Ridge Ln., Lot 4 made inquiries at the town hall about the application process for installing a patio and shed.  The applicants have not submitted an application at this time.

Mrs. Ruspi asked that the HDC write a letter to the Mayor and Council offering to replace the fencing along the north side of Judith Schneider’s house that borders the town property.  It is in disrepair and should be replaced. We should also recommend that the storage tank be removed.  No formal motion was made. Mrs. Wenger stated that the town should not use public funds for a private individual.

Mr. Hendricks returned with several representatives of St. Bartholomew’s.  Discussion continued regarding the application to remove the trees. Mrs. Wenger suggested that their committee have a clear understanding of the estimates presented and have a firm explanation of the stump removal.  Example: Does the stump removal include removal of the debris and restoration of the area.  Also that the company should be licensed and have a certified arborist as required by law in order to remove any tree taller that 25 feet.

OLD BUSINESS:

Mr. Kevin Brubacher has not yet responded to the HDC with a maintenance schedule.  They have until November 11, 2009 to submit the information requested.  Mrs. Wenger contacted the MAHDC regarding suggestions on the unsightly plywood that currently exists on the windows.  One idea was to pursue this as a fire code violation.

ADJOURNMENT:  A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Member Hendricks, seconded by Member Howes.  The motion was approved.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm.

Respectfully Submitted by

Sheree Wenger

Chairman