Planning and Zoning Commission

MINUTES OF PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING

March 13, 2003

            A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held in City Hall on the evening of February 13, 2003, at 7:00pm.  Members Beaver, Bair, Palmer, and Ferguson; Chairman Wiskeman; Director of Planning and Public Works Beyard; City Attorney Walsh; Town Planner Siders; Technical Planner Fisher; County Planner Moser; and members of the public were present.

            On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Ms. Palmer, the minutes of February 13, 2003 were approved as amended.

            Mr. Beyard presented the Draft Capital Improvements Program for FY 03-04 to FY 08-09.  Mr. Beyard highlighted various projects proposed in the CIP, including the City Hall expansion, police radio system, Pennsylvania Avenue lighting, and various street reconstruction and overlay programs.  Mr. Ferguson asked if the transfer of overlay funds to the Uniontown Road project in FY 02-03 has created a year’s delay in the overlay program.  Mr. Beyard stated that projects have been delayed by a year.  Mr. Ferguson expressed his concern that delays could cost the City more in repairs than in replenishing funds and suggested that the City fund the street overlay program $100,000 over the current level until the projects are back on schedule.  Ms. Bair expressed concern that the intersections of Center & Gorsuch and Center & Cranberry have seen a number of near misses and suggested that money for street lighting be included in the CIP.  Mr. Beyard responded that Center & Gorsuch is not within the City, and that the City has a public works agreement with a local developer to install a traffic light at Center & Cranberry.  Ms. Moser stated that she would investigate plans for intersection improvements at Center & Gorsuch.  Mr. Beyard then reviewed the Wakefield Valley Trail and the replacement of City Playground walls.  In response to a question from Ms. Bair, Mr. Beyard stated that the replacement of playground equipment behind the North field bleachers is planned in the CIP. Mr. Beyard concluded by summarizing the upgrades to the water and sewer plants and the Medford Quarry connection.  On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Ms. Palmer, the Commission sent the draft Capital Improvements Program for FY 03-04 to FY 08-09 to The Mayor and Common Council with comments.

            Mr. Siders presented the Final Plat for Carroll Lutheran Village.  Mr. Siders stated that the plat represents a simple shift in property lines and creates no buildable lots.  Mr. Siders stated that staff recommends approval.  On motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Beaver, the Final Plat for Carroll Lutheran Village was unanimously approved.

            Mr. Siders presented the Simplified Site Plan for Carroll Lutheran Village.  Mr. Siders stated that the plan proposes two temporary cottages to use as models for the sale of a planned new development at Carroll Lutheran Village.  Mr. Siders stated that the cottages would be served with temporary water and sewer connections and would have short-term access off of Luther Drive.  Each cottage would contain approximately 2,600 square feet.  Mr. Siders stated that staff is recommending approval of the plan.  Mr. Gregory Dehne of CSD Architects presented preliminary floor plans and representative graphics of the proposed cottages.  Mr. Dehne stated that the project requires presales to move forward.  Mr. Les Martin of Whiting-Turner noted that the temporary parking lot will be removed upon construction of the full development.  Ms. Bair asked if any smaller units would be constructed.  Mr. Martin stated that some 1,600 and 1,800 square foot units would be constructed.  On motion of Ms. Palmer, seconded by Ms. Bair, the Simplified Site Plan for Carroll Lutheran Village was unanimously approved as presented.  Mr. Roy Chiavacci, a Vice President with Carroll Lutheran Village, indicated that the community has received a great amount of interest from prospective buyers for units in the proposed development.

            There were no Commission Member Reports.

            Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p.m. on motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mr. Ferguson and duly passed.

                                                                         Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                         ERIK FISHER

                                                                        Secretary