Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission

CITY OF WESTMINSTER PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Thursday, July 13, 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 Thursday, July 13, 2017, at 7 PM. Chair Peggy Bair, Vice Chair Kevin Beaver, Council Member Benjamin Yingling, and Commissioner Lori Welsh-Graham were present. City staff Bill Mackey and Andrew Gray were present. Also, City staff Barbara Sardi was present as a member of the public. The following were present and signed-in: Ms. Nokomis Ford. Chair Peggy Bair opened the meeting at 7:04 PM. Chair Peggy Bair requested a motion to approve the proposed revised Agenda for the meeting, noting the addition of an item under Section V. Commissioner Welsh-Graham motioned, Vice Chair Beaver seconded, and the motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair asked for a motion regarding minutes. Commissioner Welsh-Graham moved approval of the summary of the meeting on June 8, 2017. Vice Chair Beaver seconded. The motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair opened Old Business for discussion by the Commission. Chair Peggy Bair initiated the discussion of Item E regarding the proposed Ordinance No. 875 relating to Solar and Wind Energy Facilities. Mr. Mackey summarized that the Ordinance approved flush-mounted units to roofs only in residential areas, with other options available outside of those areas. He included examples of regulations from Carroll County, Hagerstown, and Cumberland to use as models to draft language for use in the City Code. Commissioner Welsh-Graham requested that language also be included in the City’s Development Design Preferences manual, citing examples related to existing screened wireless technology facilities. Chair Peggy Bair requested that staff incorporate highlighted portions of the examples provided and draft language for the Commission to review and approve at a subsequent meeting. Commissioner Welsh- Graham agreed, specifying that the examples from Carroll Count regarding only using necessary wires and no artificial light unless required by FAA. Chair Peggy Bair initiated the discussion of Item A regarding the County Liaison Report and Bike-Ped Map. Ms. Andrea Gerhard introduced Ms. Nokomis Ford to present the findings of several surveys and outreach events for the Bike-Ped program. Ms. Ford relayed that a proposed County-wide document would address existing bike-ped infrastructure as well as future plans in one document. This will also allow the County to be more competitive for grant funding. The proposed map would include destination spots, recreational trails, and other facilities. The map would indicate facilities as existing, under-construction, being planned and/or future projects. The map would also indicate which facilities are for pedestrians and/or bicyclists. Chair Peggy Bair asked if staff concerns were addressed through the County’s review. Mr. Gray stated that the only remaining issue was the route that indicated where bicyclists would be utilizing the Route 140 ramps to access the network. Mr. Gray had suggested finding an alternate route. Council Member Yingling also suggested adding the locations of McDaniel College and Carroll Community College to the map. Chair Peggy Bair opened the discussion of Item B regarding the proposed site plan for Sheetz Retail Store on MD 140. Mr. Mackey explained that the applicant was ready for approval but had requested more time to evaluate options with Sha for the site plan. Commissioner Welsh-Graham inquired whether or not the water allocation issued would remain in place for the project until the next meeting; Mr. Mackey affirmed. Chair Peggy Bair requested a motion to table Item B for the meeting on August 10, 2017. Vice Chair Beaver motioned, Commissioner Welsh-Graham seconded, and the motion passed. Vice Chair Beaver commented on the temporary suspension regarding the processing of water allocations. Commissioner Welsh-Graham asked if the approved developments of Bolton Hill, Stonegate, and Wakefield Valley projects were still allowed to proceed; Mr. Mackey affirmed. Vice Chair Beaver suggested close monitoring of the situation by staff to avoid another moratorium; Chair Peggy Bair agreed. Chair Peggy Bair initiated discussion of Item C regarding the Mid-Cycle Review of the 2009 Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Gray made a presentation and summarized the implementation and current status of the major ideas in each chapter of the plan. Chair Peggy Bair complimented Mr. Gray on his work on the review. Chair Peggy Bair opened Planning Commission and Public Comments. Mr. Mackey presented the construction drawings for the project at 132 W Main Street. Mr. Mackey noted the design changed from what had been presented to the Commission, citing that the architect was not involved in the changes. Commissioner Welsh-Graham asked if the owner had been contacted yet; Mr. Mackey stated that the issue vey recently arose and contact had not been made. Council Member Yingling proposed contacting the property owner as soon as possible to request an explanation for the changes made to the project. Chair Peggy Bair polled the Commissioners for their attendance at the next two meetings. On August 10, Chair Peggy Bair and Council Member Yingling would not be available. Mr. Mackey noted that he would contact the Sheetz representatives about schedules in August and September. Commissioner Welsh- Graham noted that she would not be available for the regularly scheduled meeting on September 14. Mr. Gray mentioned that the Westminster Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance request regarding a replacement sign at the Best Western, requiring the new sign to confirm to the height and area of the existing sign. Mr. Gary noted approval of five variances at 66 Liberty Street for a plat without construction. Commissioner Welsh-Graham motioned to adjourn the meeting. Vice Chair Beaver seconded. The Commission adjourned at 9:47 PM. Page 2 of 2