Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission

CITY OF WESTMINSTER PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Thursday, January 12, 2017, at 7 PM City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane A meeting of the City of Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held at City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane in Westminster, Maryland 21157, on January 12, 2017, at 7 PM. Chair Peggy Bair, Council Member Suzanne Albert, Commissioner Kevin Beaver and Commissioner Lori Welsh-Graham were present. City staff Barbara Sardi, Andrew Gray and Bill Mackey were present. Carroll County Planning Liaison and Comprehensive Planner Scott Graf was present. The following were present and signed-in: Ms. Gina Felter, Mr. John Snyder, Ms. Charlene Snyder, Ms. Sharon Decesare, Mr. Nick Decesare, Mr. Mark Cheatham, Mr. Jon McConnell, Ms. Debbie McConnell, Mr. Doug Barmoy and Mr. Andy Feeser. Chair Peggy Bair opened the meeting at 7:01 PM. Council Member Albert moved approval of the minutes, as amended, from the meeting of December 12, 2016. Commissioner Welsh- Graham seconded. The motion passed. Mr. Graf briefed the Commission regarding the triennial water and sewer update process. Chair Peggy Bair opened the discussion of the proposed plat for Bolton Hill- Phase Five, which will complete the project. Ms. Sardi presented the staff memo and staff recommendation. Mr. Jim Piet of Woodhaven Building & Development, Inc. commented that mass grading and utilities were in place. Commissioner Welsh-Graham confirmed that the water was available. Commissioner Welsh-Graham moved for approval of the final plat for Bolton Hill- Phase Five. Commissioner Beaver seconded. The motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair opened the discussion of the proposed site plan of a new industrial building for The Strouse Company. Ms. Sardi presented the staff memo and recommendation for approval, noting occupancy is contingent on completion of Items in Agreement A-918, Modification No. 3. Adopted on February 9, 2017 Ms. Sue Chambers, President of The Strouse Company, stated that the proposed new building would allow the company to employ more people with 25 new jobs over the next three years. Ms. Chambers noted the company added 15 employees over the last year at its current facility. Council Member Albert moved approval relative to the contingency and including the signage. Commissioner Welsh-Graham seconded. The motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair opened the discussion of the proposed ordinance to allow a new use, Indoor Dog Training and Event Facility, as a special exception in the "1-R" Restricted Industrial Zone. Mr. Mackey presented the staff memo and staff recommendation for careful consideration. Mr. Clark Shaffer, representing the applicant, Ms. Marta Coursey, presented an overview of the applicant's position in support of the proposed text amendment to add the use to the Code. Ms. Calvert of Townson, Maryland spoke in support of the text amendment, citing the current popularity of dog training classes and events. Ms. Calvert shared that she purchases various items from local businesses as part of her visits to the current facility located in the County. Ms. Felter of Westminster, Maryland spoke in support of the text amendment, citing her experiences with therapy dogs being utilized by the school system for special needs children. Ms. Felter also shared that she purchases various items from local businesses after classes. Mr. Decesare of New Windsor, Maryland spoke in support ofthe text amendment, citing his experience with Ms. Marta Coursey and dog training classes at the currently operating facility. Mr. Decesare noted other facilities that had allowed such events were no longer able to do so. Mr. McConnell of Finksburg, Maryland spoke in support of the text amendment, noting there are high levels of demand for this use in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware as well as Maryland . Ms. Snyder of an area north of Bachman' s Valley Road spoke in support ofthe text amendment, noting she used to travel a long distance for classes. Ms. Snyder stated she is also an employee. One member of the public passed around photographs on her cell phone. Another member of the public stated that he had purchased a home in Westminster because of an event he had attended. Another member stated that events were on weekends, decreasing parking conflicts. The Commission inquired about the size of the facility. The applicant's representative and the applicant stated it would be a new building of about 40,000 square feet on a five-acre site. The Commission expressed its concerns over the loss of industrial land and opportunity costs. In response to inquiry about challenges at the applicant's current facility located in Carroll County, the applicant replied that parking and the need for a ramp to enter the building are challenges. Adopted on February 9, 2017 Page 2 of 3 Mr. Clark Shaffer offered closing summary comments, requesting a favorable recommendation. Council Member Albert moved approval so the application could move forward. Commissioner Welsh-Graham seconded. The motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair opened the discussion of review of the 2009 Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Mackey briefly summarized the staff report for septic tiers. Mr. Gray presented the requirements and a proposed approach for the mid-cycle review required by the Maryland Department of Planning. The Commission discussed the former reviews including comparisons to other plans from cities such as Cumberland and Hyattsville. The Commission requested a similar approach be utilized. Carroll County Liaison Graff mentioned the County moved in a new direction, since the 2007 Westminster Environs Community Comprehensive Plan, noting that some towns are including extra-jurisdictional land uses as part of their planning efforts. Chair Peggy Bair opened discussion of comments, inquiring about the tenant in the Flower Box space. Commissioner Welsh-Graham noted the space would be occupied by Pomeroy Jewelers. Chair Peggy Bair asked for information about the Tiny House movement. Commissioner Welsh- Graham cited examples in Georgia at a retirement community, which are called Granny Pods. Chair Peggy Bair requested an update on Pinkard Properties. Council Member Albert confirmed that there has been no action date, since the last time this was discussed by the Commission. Council Member Albert moved to adjourn. Commissioner Welsh-Graham seconded. The Commission adjourned at 8:39 PM. oning Commission Adopted on February 9, 2017 Page 3 of 3