Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission

CITY OF WESTM INSTER PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Thursday, June 14, 2018, 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 June 14, 2018, at 7 PM. Chair Kevin Beaver, Vice-Chair Ross Albers, Esq., Commissioner Tom Herb, Commissioner Tiombe Paige, Commissioner Tom Rio, and Councilmember Ben Yingling were present. City staff Andrew Gray, Bill Mackey, and Samantha Schlitzer were also present. A sign-in sheet was provided at the meeting; no one signed in. Chair Beaver opened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Commissioner Herb made a motion to approve the minutes from May 10, 2018. Vice-Chair Albers seconded. The motion passed. Chair Beaver introduced New Business Item A - County Liaison Report. Ms. Moser stated that there were no items to report this month. Chair Beaver introduced New Business Item B - Proposed l51 Amended Site Plan for Knorr Brake at 1 Arthur Peck Drive. Mr. Gray provided background information and an overview of the item, adding that the proposed parking facility appears to be identical to the original site development plan approved in 2012. Staff recommended Commission approval with the condition that proposed landscaping be consistent with Section 164-57 of the City Code and the City Landscape Manual. Mr. Andrew Stine of Development Design Consultants explained the landscape plan and presented printed plans for the Commission to review. Discussion ensued regarding the amount of trees and planting units required along Arthur Peck Drive. Mr. Mackey stated that staff will meet with the applicant to review requirements. Council member Yingling moved to approve the proposed, amended site development plan for Knorr Brake with the condition that the required landscaping elements be provided. Vice-Chair Albers seconded. The motion passed. Chair Beaver introduced New Business Item C - Proposed Final Plat and Construction Plans for Stonegate, Section II. Mr. Gray provided background information, an overview, and the purpose of the proposal, which included creating 21 new lots. Martin Rickel! of CLSI presented printed materials for Commission review that detailed the plans for the property. Ms. Kelly Shaffer of Shaffer & Shaffer, LLP introduced herself as counsel for the property owner, Mr. Richard Kress, who was also present. Vice-Chair Albers requested a motion to approve the proposed plat and construction plans for Stonegate, Section II with the condition that the applicant comply with the design related to one special force main, as required by the City's Public Works Department. Commissioner Rio seconded. The motion passed. Chair Beaver introduced New Business Item D - Proposed ist Amended Site Plan for Chick-Fil-A at 144 Englar Road. Mr. Mackey presented letters of comment from Ms. Moser, recommending approval of the project. He then provided additional background and review of the project. Staff recommended Commission approval of the proposed site plan, as presented. Mr. Alex Scheffer of Bohler Engineering provided visual materials of the proposed site plan changes. Vice- Chair Albers requested clarification of the purpose of the awnings. Mr. Scheffer stated the awnings were to protect employees from the elements as they took orders. The Commission asked questions related to the existing crosswalks and asked the engineer to review crosswalks connecting the pedestrian areas for safety. Commissioner Rio moved to approve the proposed, amended site plan. Commissioner Herb seconded. The motion passed . Chair Beaver introduced the newly-appointed alternate member of the Commission, Ms. Tiombe Paige. Ms. Paige is a downtown business owner and active member of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. Chair Beaver opened the Planning Commission and Public Comments section . He began with the informal discussion of the proposal for Len Stoler Chevrolet located near Leidy Road, Hemlock Lane, and Baltimore Boulevard. Ms. Shaffer, counsel for the property owner, stated that in discussions with City staff, it was recommended that an informal review be requested with the Commission regarding the proposal. Mr. Jim Mathias of Development Design Consultants explained that Len Stoler had sold the property where the dealership is currently located, and is moving the business to the proposed new location. The dealership must re-open within two years per its contract with Chevrolet. Mr. Robert Charles of Levin Brown & Associates presented national architectural standards for all Chevrolet franchise locations. Mr. Andrew Stine presented the landscape design plan, stating that modifications to the Landscape Manual would be requested to keep visibility compliant w ith national standards while also meeting City requirements. He confirmed that the plan meets Carroll County Stormwater Management requirements . Mr. Brian Martin of Paragon Engineering explained the photometric plan, including the 30-foot light poles, in relation to reflection from the on-site vehicles impairing visibility for drivers on Baltimore Boulevard. Chair Beaver opened the floor for discussion of the Commission's Preliminary Draft Rules and Regulations. Page 2 of 3 Mr. Mackey requested consideration to amend the agenda to add an informal discussion of a proposed patio at Mediterraneo restaurant, 132 West Main Street. Discussion ensued regarding the applicant's proposed landscaping. The Commission inquired about what type of plants would be used; using taller plants near the building versus shorter plants near walkways; the survivability of potted plants; a planting list for the Commission's review; and, whether a building permit would be needed for the work. Chair Beaver opened discussion of Commission's Preliminary Draft Rules and Regulations. Mr. Mackey provided background information regarding the creation of the rules. Mr. Mackey mentioned that during the upcoming zoning code revisions planned for FY19, the code will likely be streamlined and simplified. Any code changes would also need to be reflected in the rules, as well as the recent addition of an alternate member to the Commission. Mr. Mackey requested general feedback from the Commission on the draft. Councilmember Yingling suggested reviewing guidelines from other jurisdictions and to continue shaping the rules and regulations so they would be specific to the City of Westminster. Mr. Mackey added that the Commission currently relies on the City Code for meeting structure. Councilmember Yingling added the necessity of rules of conduct for guests, presenters, and Commission members, and that standards of decorum should be specifically outlined in the rules and regulations to prevent unprofessional behavior and allow for a method of removal for disruptive behavior. Vice Chair Albers requested agenda items include clarity and purpose as to what was expected of the Commission. Chair Beaver suggested including presenter names, so the Commission and meeting attendees were prepared for those wishing to speak. Councilmember Yingling provided an update on water reuse discussions during the Maryland Municipal League summer conference. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan gave Councilmember Yingling and the City of Westminster his full support for the water reuse proposals. Mr. Gray conveyed the upcoming Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on Tuesday, July 10 would review two cases. [Editor's Note: the meeting date was later changed to Tuesday, July 17, 2018.] BZA Case# 18-03 is for a change of non-conforming use from a multi-family use to an office use at 153 West Main Street. BZA Case #18-04 is an appeal regarding a determination by the City of Westminster's Director of Community Planning and Development, related to a proposed use at property located at 11 Wimert Avenue, which is proposed as a crisis, care, comfort, and support center for pregnant women and families of newborns. Councilmember Yingling moved to adjourn. Commissioner Rio seconded. The Commission adjourned at 8:53 PM. Adopted July 12, 2018 Page 3 of 3