Planning Commission Minutes — 2016-01-06

Queenstown Planning Commission January 6th 2016 Meeting Minutes Planning Commission Members Phil Snyder, Hogie Schuster , Don Regenhardt , and Al Hardee were in attendance, as was Town Commissioner George Plumbo and Town Planner, Peter Johnston.

Phil Synder opened he meeting at 7 pm, and announced changes in our meetings format.

George Palumbo gave an update on the sewer plant and said that we are closing on it January 11th 2016.

He said that the town will be asking the University of Maryland to do an updated study on the rates charge for water and sewer.

Representatives from the Waterman Family Partnership, Maureen Waterman , Barry Waterman , and their attorney Joe Stevens presented a review of their Concept Master Plan for the Wheatland project.

Also in attendance was Jay Falstead from the Queen Anne’s Conservation group who presented a list of options they would like to see in this project.

Joe Stevens spoke and said they would like the Town to move forward with growth allocation for the Wheatland’s project. They did pose a question as to who would own the buffer on the project.

Hogie Schuster made a motion that we make an amendment to the 2010 Community Plan to add a floating zone. Phil Synder seconded the motion and a vote of yay by all members was carried.

Also further amendments to the 2010 Community plan was discussed. Peter spoke to some points that we should address. Hogie made a motion to direct Peter to come up with a draft plan and a list of proposed changes to the plan. Phil seconded the motion and the motion carried with a vote of yay from all members.

Bruce Cohee spoke on his project in the town Center. Mr. Cohee needs a few considerations from the Commission:

1) Requesting relief from setback requirement.

2) Ability to subdivide the lot.

Hogie made a motion that we give relief from the setback requirements as presented on the plat show proposed improvements presented by Mr Cohee on the plat of proposed improvements dated November 15th from Kirby and Associates. Al seconded the motion and the motion carried by a vote of yay from all members.

Al made a motion to allow the subdivision of the lot and was seconded by Hogie. A vote of yay from all members.

Another discussion was brought up by Peter on amendments to the community plan. These changes are:

1) Procedure

2) Adaptive use of property

3) Provisions for Administrative Variances

4) Temporary Uses

5) Encroachments

Peter suggested all members review before the next meeting, and that these changes would need to be put up for public hearing.

Mrs. Donna Marsh addressed the commission on her parking plan for her project on Del Rhoades Avenue. The commission voted and the parking plan carried with a vote of yay from all members.

A discussion was raised about the approved uses of the property. They Commission members were in agreement that we should limit the uses to:

1) Plants

2) Produce

3) Ice Cream

4) Indoor Consignment

A motion was made by Phil and seconded by Hogie that we amend the zoning certificate per exhibit 1 subject to the site being improved for a period of 18 months, at which time Mrs. Marsh could reapply for other uses to the commission. A vote was taken and the motion carried with a vote of yay from all members.

Mrs Marsh was directed to finalize her signage and to the return to the commission when she gets it done. Hogie reminded her that we need the proposal for the signage 14 days before the meeting date.

An election of officers was taken. The 2016 officers are:

1) Chairperson – Hogie Schuster

2) Vice Chairperson – Al Hardee

3) Secretary – Betty White

A discussion was raised by Don, as to the Bylaws of the Commission. Peter is going to check with Bryna as to if any changes to the bylaws of the Commission need to be approved by the Town Commissioners.

A motion was made by Phil that we close the meeting seconded by Al at 9:55 Pm Respectfully Submitted by Al Hardee on January 7th 2016