Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission

CITY OF WESTMINSTER PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Thursday, April20, 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 April 20, 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 Administrator Barbara Matthews, City Finance Director Tammy Palmer and City staff Bill Mackey were present. Also, City staff member Barbara Sardi was present as a member of the public. Chair Peggy Bair opened the meeting at 7:02 PM. Council Member Albert moved approval of the minutes from the meeting of March 9, 2017. Commissioner Rio seconded. The motion passed . Chair Peggy Bair opened the first item for discussion of the proposed FY2018 Capital Budget. City Administrator Barb Matthews presented the staff report and a summary of the proposed capital improvements program. Ms. Matthews noted major changes from last year, including a proposed bond issue for substantial roadway repaving. Ms. Matthews related that a recent review of City-owned roads, using the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), indicated that 55% of the City's pavement is in poor or failed condition. The proposed capital expenditure for the upcoming fiscal year would support repaving on East Main, Uniontown, and in The Greens. City Finance Director Tammy Palmer explained that Highway User Revenue funds and Open Space funds, as well as certain capital-related debts, were previously not included under the capital budget. These categories are now being included in the capital budget for clarity. Ms. Matthews concluded the presentation, noting that there was a police computer system upgrade as well as projects for improvements to the Longwell facility in the capital budget. Commissioner Welsh-Graham asked about the process for the bond issue and if there was any ramifications for the taxpayer, regarding the debt service for the roadway repaving projects. Adopted on May 11, 2017 Ms. Matthews responded that the City would be comparing rates between a State program for local governments and private banks. The proposed budget includes no tax raises to support it. Ms. Palmer noted that with the combination of both the low price of petroleum-based products and the low cost of borrowing money, this is the ideal time to issue a bond for repaving roads. Commissioner Welsh-Graham moved approval. Commissioner Rio seconded. The motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair opened the next item for discussion of proposed Ordinance No. 878, regarding amendments to the 1-G General Industrial zone. Mr. Mackey presented the staff memo and recommendation. There was discussion about the fairness of different sets of restrictions for properties in different zoning districts. In response to inquiry, it was confirmed in Code that the use of goats would be permitted, since agricultural uses are a permitted use in the 1-G district. Commissioner Welsh-Graham moved to recommend approval, with the comment (made by Commissioner Beaver) that in the future the City may want to consider consolidating this zoning district with Restricted Industrial. Commissioner Rio seconded. The motion passed . Chair Peggy Bair opened the next item for the discussion of a proposed, replacement building sign for Chenowith at 39 Manchester Avenue. Mr. Mackey presented the staff memo and recommendation. There was discussion regarding internal illumination ofthe proposed sign. Council Member Albert moved to approve the sign . Commissioner Welsh-Graham seconded. The motion passed . Chair Peggy Bair opened the next item for discussion of the proposed Annual Report by the County Planning Dept. Mr. Mackey presented the staff memo and staff recommendation. If approved, an item requesting signature of a letter by t he Chair would be scheduled next month. Council Member Albert moved to approve the Annual Report. Commissioner Welsh-Graham seconded. The motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair opened the comments for Planning Commission and the public. Commission members discussed the installation of wireless facilities on poles throughout the City. A recent presentation by Mr. Anirban Basu of Sage Policy Group was discussed, noting that Mr. Basu had mentioned the need for affordable housing for young professionals. The current conditions on Main Street and programs to address those conditions were discussed. Finally, a date was set to celebrate Suzanne Albert's service as the Commission's Ex Officio member of many years. The Commission adjourned at 8:28PM. Commission Adopted on May 11, 2017 Page 2 of 2