Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission

CITY OF WESTMINSTER PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Thursday, March 9, 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 March 9, 2017, at 7 PM. Chair Peggy Bair, Council Member Suzanne Albert, Commissioner Kevin Beaver, Commissioner Thomas J. Rio, and Commissioner Lori Welsh-Graham were present. City staff Barbara Sardi and Bill Mackey were present. Carroll County Planning Liaison and Comprehensive Planner Scott Graf was present. The following were present and signed-in: Mr. Dan Murphy, Ms. Shari Saslaw, Mr. Kevin Brown, Mr. Ernie Rafailides, Mr. Brian Augustine, and Mr. Chris Mudd. Chair Peggy Bair opened the meeting at 7:01 PM. Commissioner Welsh-Graham moved approval of the minutes from the meeting of February 9, 2017. Council Member Albert seconded. The motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair opened the public hearing for proposed Annexation No. 68 for Feeser and Ellis. Mr. Mackey presented the staff memo and staff recommendation. Mr. Dan Miller, Esq. and Mr. Dale Feeser spoke at the public hearing. Mr. Feeser noted that there is an expectation that in nine years there would be a parcel of land deeded to the petitioner, which would allow direct access to Meadow Branch Road. Commissioner Welsh-Graham moved to recommend approval, as presented, and that the property remain in the Maryland Priority Funding Area, following annexation. Council Member Albert seconded. The motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair opened the discussion of the revisions to proposed Ordinance No. 869. Mr. Kevin Brown read a statement regarding fixed wireless internet antennas, citing concerns over screening and advocating for transmitters on tall masts. Mr. Brown mentioned that some other municipalities regulate such masts with height limits typically between 15 and 25 feet. Adopted on April 20, 2017 Commissioner Beaver inquired as to how many transmitters would be needed in downtown, if 15-foot high masts were permitted. Mr. Brown responded roughly 15 masts would be needed. Mr. Brian Augustine spoke as a citizen, stating his support for achieving clarity for Mr. Brown. Mr. Tom Bethune spoke, stating his agreement with the Verizon representative (referring to Mr. Brian Augustine}. Mr. Bethune noted that tower-installed devices were designed to resist winds of 100 MPH . Mr. Bethune opined that second and third-tier providers, like his company, should be exempt from regulations based on the size of the antennas installed. Mr. Bethune urged the Commission that local businesses need multiple backups for internet providers. Mr. Brain Augustine spoke as a Verizon representative and provided written suggestions for changes to the language. These changes focused on limiting the restrictions in the proposed revisions. His central concern was the language in the proposed, new section- §164-131.3 D. Mr. Chris Mudd of Venable spoke as a Verizon representative, noting the need to balance the desired aesthetics and the convenience of people in the community. There is currently limited coverage in the downtown. Verizon is proposing a rooftop facility at Longwell and Main Street. Ms. Shari Saslaw summarized prior discussion and previously submitted photographs regarding a proposed faux chimney to screen antennas at Verizon's building at Longwell and Main Street. Chair Peggy Bair described concerns regarding the view from Willis Street properties across the playground. The Willis Street neighborhood is historic with high property values. Residents do not want a proliferation of devices in the view sheds of their homes and historic properties. Commissioner Welsh-Graham expressed concerns over there being multiple antennas with a lack of screening as well as the potential for the proliferation of unscreened devices over time. Commissioner Beaver, responding to comments by Mr. Brian Augustine during Commission discussion, expressed that he did not want to see the Commission approving each antenna. Mr. Bethune, Mr. Augustine and Mr. Mudd raised issues concerning the legibility of devices, review by the State Historic Preservation Office, addressing concerns by the HVAC industry since they would be affected, and their desire that painting be considered as full screening. Council Member Suzanne Albert requested that the proposed, revised ordinance be simplified, citing that people who live in the neighborhoods will see these facilities and will notice them. Commissioner Welsh-Graham spoke of supporting both local business people present in the room and all local businesses and people who live in the community. Commissioner Welsh- Graham also noted that the Verizon antennas were very different from the other antennas. Commissioner Beaver requested re-advertising the screening issue as affecting other industries and expressed support regarding the acceptability of fixed wireless internet antennas painted blue or gray, if HVAC unit replacement would be subject to the screening provisions or only new units and related modernization efforts, and if the addition of federal review would be helpful. Adopted on April 20, 2017 Page 2 of 3 Commissioner Beaver moved to table the item and return the item to staff. Council Member Albert seconded . The motion passed. Chair asked for an amendment to close the public hearing. The motion-maker and the second agreed to the amendment. The motion passed . Chair Peggy Bair opened the next item for the discussion of proposed Ordinance No. 875 regarding solar and wind energy facilities. Chair noted the use of shade devices with solar panels in the parking lot of a school facility. Chair requested that staff check with the Fire Department regarding safety and the County Planning Department regarding any related ordinance in Carroll County. Commissioner Welsh-Graham cited Las Vegas as an example off of-the-grid HVAC units being utilized. Commissioner inquired whether there were standards for spacing such devices. Commissioner Beaver moved to table the item and return the item to staff for additional information. Commissioner Welsh-Graham seconded. The motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair opened the next item for discussion of the proposed freestanding sign age for Best Western at 451 WMC Drive. Mr. Mackey presented the staff memo and recommendation. Commissioner Welsh-Graham moved to approve the sign . Council Member Albert seconded. The motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair opened the next item for discussion of proposed Annual Report materials to be submitted to the County Planning Department. Mr. Mackey presented the staff memo and recommendation. Mr. Graf answered questions and outlined the process of review. Council Member Albert moved to approve the materials. Commissioner Rio seconded. The motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair opened the informal discussion of tiny homes with Mr. Ernest Rafailides. Council Member Albert noted that there was a tiny house currently at Willow. Mr. Rafailides and the Commission discussed the neighborhood, including the church property, grass areas, potential garden areas, a mix of apartments and cottages, and the local market in the area. Commissioner Welsh-Graham moved to adjourn. Council Member Albert seconded. The Commission adjourned at 10:04 PM. Commission Adopted on April 20, 2017 Page 3 of 3