Planning Commission

MORGANTOWN PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 6:30 p.m. September 14, 2017 Council Chambers COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Peter DeMasters, Bill Petros, William Blosser, Tim Stranko, Sam Loretta, Ron Dulaney, Jr. and Michael Shuman COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Carol Pyles STAFF PRESENT: John Whitmore, AICP I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: DeMasters called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and read the standard explanation of the how the Planning Commission conducts business and rules for public comments. II. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS: DeMasters recognized James Giuliani of 256 Prairie Avenue who expressed that the zoning ordinance needs reviewed and updated, specifically regarding the codes relating to accessory dwellings, non-conforming structures, signage, and density and height. Giuliani stressed the need for enforcement and consistency by Code officials. III. MATTERS OF BUSINESS: A. Approval of the July 13, 2017 meeting minutes. Petros moved to approve as presented; seconded by Blosser. Motion carried unanimously with Shuman abstaining due to their absence. B. Approval of the August 10, 2017 meeting minutes. Stranko moved to approve as presented; seconded by Shuman. Motion carried unanimously with Dulaney abstaining due to his absence. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: A. MNS17-09 / G & G Rentals / 356-358 Kingwood Street: Request by Robert Jay Guminey, on behalf of G & G Rentals, for minor subdivision approval of property located at 356-358 Kingwood Street; Tax Map 36, Parcel 170; R-1A, Single- Family Residential District. A motion to approve failed to obtain a majority vote at the 13 JUL 2017 hearing with DeMasters, Pyles and Petros voting “aye” and Blosser, Dulaney and Loretta voting “nay”. A motion to approve failed to obtain a majority vote at the 10 AUG 2017 hearing with DeMasters, Stranko and Petros voting “aye” and Blosser, Loretta and Shuman voting “nay”. Morgantown Planning Commission Page 1 of 3 September 14, 2017 Minutes DeMasters noted that no new information has been presented and therefore they could continue with the voting. Stranko moved to approve MNS17-09 with Staff recommended conditions; seconded by Petros. Motion failed 3-4 with Blosser, Dulaney, Loretta and Shuman voting nay. DeMasters noted that a reason for why the petition was voted down is necessary and asked for explanation from those members that voted nay. Loretta expressed that the Planning Commission should support the ordinances and the creation of two (2) non-conforming lots is going against the ordinance. Dulaney agreed and expressed that the ordinances need re-visited. Blosser agreed and expressed the petition would have benefited the neighborhood but did not conform with the present codes and ordinances Loretta asked if the denial of the petition will affect the extension that was granted for the store located on one of the parcels. DeMasters stated they would have to discuss the details with the Staff and noted the petitioner would be receiving something to explain their rights should they wish to appeal. V. NEW BUSINESS: A. MNS17-12 / Swager / 93 Richmond Avenue: Ray Swager for minor subdivision approval of property located at 93 Richmond Avenue Tax Map 41, Parcels 35 and 36; R-1A, Single-Family Residential District. Whitmore presented the Staff Report and stated that Staff would be representing the petitioner. There being no comments or questions by the Commission, DeMasters asked if anyone was present to speak in favor of or in opposition to petition. There being none, DeMasters declared the public portion closed and asked for Staff recommendations, which were read by Whitmore. Stranko moved to approve MNS17-12 with Staff recommended conditions; seconded by Shuman. Motion carried unanimously. VI. OTHER BUSINESS A. Committee Reports • Collaborative Planning Advisory Committee: Whitmore stated the Committee would be meeting on Thursday, September 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the Westover City Council Chambers. • Traffic Reports: No report. • Green Team: No report. • Staff Comments: Whitmore referred to a memo in the meeting packet and stated there would be a mixed-use development workshop that will be held prior to the October Planning Commission hearing. Morgantown Planning Commission Page 2 of 3 September 14, 2017 Minutes VII. FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMISSION: None. VIII. ADJOURNMENT: 6:47 p.m. MINUTES APPROVED: October 12, 2017 COMMISSION SECRETARY: _____________________________ Christopher M. Fletcher, AICP Morgantown Planning Commission Page 3 of 3 September 14, 2017 Minutes