Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Thursday, October 8, 2020, at 7 PM Virtual Meeting via Zoom and broadcasted live on the City Facebook Page Westminster, Maryland 21157 A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held virtually via Zoom and broadcasted live on the City Facebook Page, on October 8, 2020, at 7 PM. Chair Ross Albers, Commissioner Kevin Beaver, Commissioner Lyndi McNulty, and Councilmember Benjamin Yingling were present. City staff members Mark Depo, Andrew Gray, and Samantha Schlitzer were also present. County Comprehensive Planner Cody Spaid was also in attendance. The following members of the public were present: None. Chair Albers opened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Chair Albers requested a motion to approve the meeting summary from September 10, 2020. Commissioner McNulty motioned to approve the meeting summary. Councilmember Yingling seconded. The motion passed 4-0. Chair Albers opened New Business Item A – 2019 Carroll County Planning Annual Report Approval. Mr. Gray provided a staff recommendation that the Planning and Zoning Commission review and approve the 2019 Carroll County Planning Annual Report as presented by County Planning Staff, and authorize the Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission to sign the attached letter of certification that will be placed in the back of the 2019 Carroll County Planning Annual Report signifying Commission approval. Chair Albers requested a motion to approve the request that City staff draft the approval certification letter. Councilmember Yingling motioned to approve the request. Commissioner McNulty seconded. The motion passed 4-0. Chair Albers opened New Business Item B – Ordinance No. 927 An Ordinance amending Chapter 164, “Zoning”, of the Code of the City of Westminster, Article IXA, “Historic District Zone”, Section 164-51.3, Creation and Composition of Historic District Commission; Appointment and Term of Members; Vacancies,” To Alter the Terms and Composition of the Historic District Commission and to Modify Its Powers. Mr. Gray provided background information and a summary of the proposed ordinance. Chair Albers asked what necessitated the changes outlined in the Ordinance. Mr. Gray replied that the PZC Meeting Summary of October 8, 2020 Page 1 of 2 Ordinance is intended to clean up language in the City Zoning Ordinance and to bring the Historic District Commission (HDC) Rules of Order and Procedure current with the City Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Depo added that the HDC falls under the City’s Historic District Zone, which is part of the Zoning Ordinance, and, therefore, is subject to approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) Commissioner McNulty moved to forward a recommendation of approval of proposed Ordinance No. 927 to the Mayor and Common Council. Commissioner Beaver seconded the motion. Councilmember Yingling abstained from voting due to the matter going before the Mayor and Common Council. The motion passed 3-0 with one abstention. Chair Albers opened New Business Item C – Carroll County Liaison Report. Mr. Spaid thanked the PZC for certifying the Annual Report and City Planning Staff for their assistance. The County is moving forward with more rezoning efforts. And, finally, the County continues work on the Fall amendment to the Water and Sewer Master Plan. Chair Albers opened Planning Commission and Public Comments. Mr. Gray reminded everyone to complete the 2020 United State Census as soon as possible so that Federal funding could be properly allocated to the community. Chair Albers recognized Mr. Gray’s efforts in getting information about the Census out to the community. Commissioner McNulty moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Yingling seconded. The Commission adjourned at 7:09 PM. PZC Meeting Summary of October 8, 2020 Page 2 of 2