Planning and Zoning Commission

April 12, 2001

A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held in City Hall on the evening of April 12, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. Members Bair, Chiavacci, Palmer, and Albert; Chairman Wiskeman; Director of Planning and Public Works Beyard; Town Planner Tucker; Assistant Town Planner Siders; City Attorney Walsh; County Planner Moser; and members of the public were present.

The minutes of the March 8, 2001 meeting were approved as presented on motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, and duly passed.

Chairperson Wiskeman opened the Public Hearing regarding the Zoning Text Amendment for the new City of Westminster Zoning Map. Mr. Beyard stated that the new Zoning Map will include the recently annexed Miller Property. Chairperson Wiskeman closed the public hearing at 7:04 p.m.

Ms. Tucker presented the re-subdivision plat for the BJ's Warehouse property located at the Westminster Marketplace. Ms. Tucker stated that BJ's Warehouse would like to consolidate the lot and construct a larger warehouse in the middle of the lot. The developer will then create two out parcel pad sites. Mrs. Palmer questioned why it was necessary to re-subdivide the lot. Ms. Tucker stated that BJ's has decided to construct a larger store and this was necessary to accommodate a larger store. On motion of Mrs. Palmer, seconded by Ms. Bair the re-subdivision plat was approved contingent upon agency approval.

Mr. Beyard presented the site plan for the Farmer Supply Site. Mr. Pete Podolak of Leon Podolak and Associates, Mr. Dean R. Camlin of Dean Robert Camlin and Associates, and Mr. Dan Hardy with Tyler Donegan, Inc. were present to discuss the site plan. Mr. Camlin stated the developer is proposing to construct a four story mixed use structure. Mr. Camlin stated that there will be four residential units per story, for a total of sixteen residential units. Mr. Beyard stated that the SHA favored the concept plan and had very few comments that would need to be addressed. Ms. Tucker stated that the traffic exiting the parking deck will be directed to Green St. On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mrs. Albert, the site plan for the Farmer's Supply Site was approved as presented.

Mr. Beyard requested that Chairperson Wiskeman move the recommendation on the Cluster Subdivision Ordinance and the new City Zoning Map ahead of the Capital Improvements Program discussion. Chairperson Wiskeman stated that would be acceptable.

Mr. Beyard presented the Cluster Subdivision Ordinance. Mr. Beyard recommended that the Commission change the compatibility distance requirement to one hundred (100) feet. Ms. Tucker stated that the Commission will still have the discretion to reduce or increase this requirement on a case-by-case basis. On motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Mr. Chiavacci, the Commission approved the Cluster Subdivision Ordinance with staff's recommendation of reducing the compatibility distance requirement to one hundred (100) feet.

Ms. Tucker presented the new City of Westminster Zoning Map dated May 1, 2001. On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, the new City Zoning Map was approved as presented.

Mr. Beyard presented the Capital Improvements Program for FY 2001-02 through FY 2006-07. Mr. Beyard stated the first section is devoted to background revenues and spending and future revenue and spending projections. Table eight highlights prior appropriations. Mr. Beyard stated that Farmer's Supply Site has $2.2 million appropriated and the Carfaro Well has had $2.5 million appropriated. Phase IIA of the Wakefield Community Trail will go to bid on June 1, 2001 and phase III will be constructed by the developer of Stoneridge Overlook. Table 9 General Government Projects highlights the Longwell Center interior renovations. A majority of the expense will be dedicated to the replacement of the gym floor. Table 10 Housing and Community Development Projects include the Locust Lane redevelopment. Currently, this area is not handicap accessible and this project will remedy that issue. Table 11 Police Projects includes three projects; the largest expenditure over the projected years is vehicle replacement. Table 12 Public Works Projects, the City will begin construction on Uniontown Road this summer. Table 13 Recreation and Parks Projects include the renovation of the Carroll Theater. Currently, this project is 85% funded; this project received a $200,000 grant from the MD General Assembly during the 415th Congressional Session. Table 14 Sewer Projects includes funding a new chlorination/dechlorination treatment process. Table 15 Water Projects include meter replacement. The new meters are automated and less prone to error. On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, the Commission recommended sending the Capital Improvements Program as drafted to the Mayor and Common Council.

Mr. Siders stated that the MVA sign requirements for new car dealerships are general guidelines and the MVA defers to local code when considering the number of signs that can be located at a single automobile dealership.
Ms. Tucker invited the Commission to the City Arbor Day tree planting which will occur on April 26, 2001 at Dutterer Park at 8:45 a.m.

Mr. Beyard stated that he and Mr. Siders would be on vacation during the next scheduled Commission meeting. Mr. Beyard stated that the Commission could reschedule its meeting to May 3, 2001. Chairperson Wiskeman agreed and stated that the Commission will meet on May 3, 2001, unless no new business arises, at which time Mr. Beyard can advise the Commission to cancel the May, 2001 Commission meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. on motion of Mr. Chiavacci, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, and duly passed.
Respectfully submitted,

SHAWN SIDERS
Secretary