Planning and Zoning Commission

August 9, 2001

A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held in City Hall on the evening of August 9, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. Members Bair, Palmer, and Ferguson; 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 July 12, 2001 meeting were approved as amended on motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, and duly passed.

Chairperson Wiskeman opened the Public Hearing regarding the Fourth Amended Development Plan for Carroll Lutheran Village. Ms. Tucker provided a brief overview of the development history of Carroll Lutheran Village. Ms. Tucker stated that this plan varies from previous development plans, as Luther Drive is no longer planned to extend to Bell Road. Additionally, this plan utilizes the neo-traditional town plan design which incorporates a grid street pattern with alleys located behind the homes. Ms. Tucker stated with the deletion of the extension of Luther Drive, staff recommends that the driveway to the garden plots be extended to Bell Road at the point where Luther Drive was previously planned to intersect. This driveway connection would provide alternate access for emergency vehicles. Mr. Ferguson asked what the width of the streets will be. Ms. Tucker stated it is unclear at this time, and that the issue will be resolved during the site plan review process. Mr. Beyard presented Mr. Geary Milliken with Carroll Lutheran Village. Mr. Milliken stated this addition to Carroll Lutheran Village will meet the projected growth. Mr. Ferguson asked if the local fire department and State Fire Marshall's office have had a chance to review the plans with respect to the proposed access points. Mr. Milliken stated yes they have discussed the plans with those two agencies and both are comfortable with the proposed access points. Chairperson Wiskeman closed the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. and stated the Commission would receive written comments until 4:30 p.m. on August 20, 2001.

Ms. Tucker presented the Westminster Area Master Water and Sewerage Plan Amendment for The Maples, Inc. Ms. Tucker stated the City recently annexed this site and it is currently in the W-7/S-7 "No Planned Water and Sewer Service" Category. This amendment will change that classification to the W-5/S-5, which is the 7 to 10 year category indicating that development is expected to occur in the next seven to ten years. This planning category allows infrastructure improvements to be programmed into the CIP and funded prior to development occurring on the property. Mr. Ferguson asked if development of this property was anticipated in the immediate future, would the City not allow it because of this classification. Mr. Beyard replied that the City would support the development, however, the developer would have to provide all of the infrastructure improvements at their expense. Ms. Tucker noted that at the time the property would connect to public water and sewer, the Master Water and Sewerage Plan would have to be amended once again to place the site in the W-5/S-5 "0 to 6 Planned Service Area" category. On motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Ms. Bair, the Master Water and Sewerage Plan Amendment for The Maples, Inc., was approved as presented.

Mr. Beyard presented Zoning Text Amendment No. 01-03 Housing for Older Persons. This ordinance provides for multi-family housing for older persons as a special exception in the "R-7,500" Residential Zone. Mr. Beyard stated that staff recommends some minor revisions to the ordinance which include changing the density from fifteen (15) units per acre to sixteen (16) units per acre as well as calculating allowable units based on gross acreage prior to any dedications as opposed to net acreage which was presented during the public hearing. These revisions promote the in-fill development intent of the ordinance, which implements the goals of the 1998 City of Westminster Comprehensive Plan. On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, TA No. 01-03 was approved as presented.

Mr. Beyard presented Mr. Martin Hill and Mr. Jim Piet with Masonry Homes and Mr. Jonathan Mayers with Macks & Macks, Inc. Mr. Beyard stated that Masonry Homes and Macks & Macks, Inc., have been working together to determine an efficient road network that will service the future residents of the Koontz Property and Emmert Property. Mr. Hill stated that he would like to terminate the residential portion of Meadow Branch Road into a cul-de-sac, to ensure that truck traffic to the black top plant will not travel through the neighborhood. Mr. Hill also addressed the intersection of Krider's Church Road and MD Route 97. Mr. Hill stated this intersection has poor site distance and the County is considering eliminating this intersection. Mr. Beyard asked Mr. Hill if he has any plans to request a rezoning of the property from "R-20,000" Residential to "R-10,000" Residential. Mr. Hill stated he did not intend to request that zoning change, rather, he will request that a small portion section in the northeast corner of the property be rezoned to Industrial. Mr. Beyard stated that both of these developments will be utilizing the Cluster Subdivision standards that were recently adopted by The Mayor and Common Council.

Under Commission Member Reports, Ms. Bair stated that she was concerned that the landscaping at the Town Mall of Westminster adjacent to the recently installed signs had yet to be completed. Mr. Wiskeman asked if staff could draft a letter inquiring when landscaping of the area around the signage would be complete. Mr. Beyard stated he would have a letter drafted and sent to the Town Mall management.

Ms. Bair also inquired about the Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeal's case that is being advertised on MD Route 140 in front of T.S.C. Mr. Beyard stated that the property is not within the City, and that the owner, Len Stoler, is applying for a conditional use of the site from the County Board of Zoning Appeals. Ms. Bair asked if City staff could draft a letter to the Carroll County BZA in support of improvements to Leidy Road, with the condition that no access is provided onto MD Route 140. Mr. Beyard stated City staff will draft a letter addressing the Commission's concerns.

Ms. Bair stated that she has been a member of the Maryland Citizens Planning Association (MCPA) Board for four years and because of other commitments, she will no longer be able to serve on the Board. Ms. Bair stated that the City would need another representative on the Board and stated either a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic District Commission, or Board of Zoning Appeals could serve as a board member. Ms. Bair stated if anyone is interested in serving, they can contact her at home to discuss the matter further. Ms. Bair also mentioned that the (MCPA) Annual Meeting will occur on October 12, 2001 in Cumberland, MD if anyone is interested in attending.

Mr. Beyard asked the Commission if they could check their schedules and determine if the September Commission Meeting could be rescheduled to September 6, 2001 as opposed to the original date of September 13, 2001.

Mr. Beyard invited the Commission to The Mayor and Common Council meeting on August 27, 2001, as the Carroll County Department of Planning will be giving a presentation on the proposed Westminster and Environs Transportation Plan.

Mr. Beyard stated that the Department of Recreation will be sponsoring an outdoor movie series which will begin on August 24, 2001.

Ms. Tucker stated that the Carroll County Department of Planning will be hosting a farewell Open House for Mr. Steven Horn. Ms. Tucker stated Mr. Horn has accepted employment with Frederick County and will be leaving the County.

Mr. Beyard introduced Mr. Stanley Ruchlewicz, the City's new Economic Development Specialist.

Chairperson Wiskeman adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

SHAWN SIDERS
Secretary