Westminster Board of Zoning Appeals

CITY OF WESTMINSTER BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MEETING SUMMARY Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at 6 PM City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane Westminster, Maryland 21157 A meeting of the Westminster Board of Zoning Appeals was held at City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane in Westminster, Maryland, 21157, on April 2, 2019, at 6 PM. Chair Ed Cramer, Vice-Chair Larry Berent, and Board Member Ken Bonner were present. Board Attorney Eric Blitz was present. City staff Andrew Gray and Bill Mackey were present. Ms. Tierney Dedmon of Al Betz & Associates, Inc. was present. At 6:00 PM, Chair Cramer called the meeting to order. Vice-Chair Berent moved to approve the meeting summary of March 5, 2019. Board Member Bonner seconded . The motion passed. Vice-Chair Berent moved to approve the closed meeting summary of March 5, 2019. Board Member Bonner seconded . The motion passed. Chair Cramer reopened the public hearing for Case #19-01 . The Chair restated the purpose of the hearing and read the title into the record. The Chair swore in all parties who wished to testify. The Chair also recapped the last meeting. Chair Cramer asked Mr. Gray if there were any more information from Staff. Mr. Gray presented the Chair and Counsel for the applicant an email from Ms. Deborah Decorse. After review; the Board did not admit the email as evidence. Chair Cramer inquired about certain donations in order to decide if there were any conflict of interest with Board members. Chair Cramer recognized Phillip Wright, counsel for the applicant. Mr. Wright introduced Brad Slinkman, from Westminster Security Company. Mr. Slinkman provided his background and provided testimony including government regulations, industry standards, best practices, and the security system installed at Geared-Up Firearms. Chair Cramer inquired of the applicant about why she felt comfortable with the security system in place. Mr. Wright cross examined Ms. Dressel about the current business location, the community events in which the business is involved, the hours of operation, certifications, the timeframe for a Handgun Qualification license, and training programs and services offered. Ms. Dressel also testified that there would be no new sign age associated with firearm sales, if the request were granted. Mr. Wright introduced Mr. Metcalf who provided his background and provided testimony about possible entryways into the facility, the current security features in place, and the state license requirements. Mr. Wright discussed the location of the firearms and safes. Ms. Dressel added testimony about the high-security showcases. Mr. Wright provided the Board with a letter from State Senator Justin Ready, State Delegate Susan Krebs, and State Delegate Haven Shoemaker which was addressed to Westminster Mayor Joe Dominick and Council President Dr. Robert Wack. Mr. Kevin Wagman mentioned that the applicant has proven that they are good at running a gun safety store and whether this decision would affect any other applications. Mr. Wright provided a closing statement mentioning that the applicant has met their burden of proof and will respect the Board's decision. Chair Cramer inquired about the exterior doors and showcases. Board member Bonner mentioned that the applicant has met what was required in the City Code. Vice-Chair Berent agreed . Board Member Bonner made a motion that the Board grant a special exception for firearm sales at 19 North Court Street. Vice-Chair Berent seconded. The motion passed 3-0. Mr. Gray briefed the Board on two upcoming cases to be heard before the Board in May. Board member Bonner made a motion to adjourn. The Board adjourned at 8:17 PM . ~ /4.M.,- ~ ..~ , 1 ~ t1k-0 . · / Westminster Board of Zoning Ap eals Adopted on July 2, 2019 Page 2 of 2