Town of Trappe, MD Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
February 9, 2005
7:30 pm.
Trappe Town Hall
The regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was opened
by Chairperson Edgar Harrison at 7:31 p.m. Planning Commission
members present were Mr. Bobby Quidas, Mr. Jerry Adams, Mr. Don
English, and Mr. Don Haring. Mr. Harrison asked for motion to
approve the minutes. Mr. Adams stated that the minutes were
correct but a statement made by him was incorrect. When the
discussion was being made about the Store renovation, Mr.
Adams had stated that he felt that there would not be an issue
with the parking since the store had been a restaurant before.
Mr. Adams would like to have the statement corrected, stating
that since it had been more like a deli and carry out sub shop
than a restaurant before, he felt that what was now being
proposed would generate more traffic and would cause a parking
problem. Motion was made by Mr. Adams to approve the minutes
as amended. Motion was seconded by Mr. English. All were
in favor.
PERMITS ISSUED:
- T-05-05 - Hans M. Trost & Molly C. Reid - 3838 Main
St. - Renovation
- T-06-05 - Marilyn V. Carter - 3768 Marvel Drive -
Pre built shed, 12 x 20
PERMITS PENDING:
OLD BUSINESS:
Commercial Design Standards - Recommendation to Town Council:
Mr. Hall reviewed with the Board changes that had been made in the
Commercial Design Standards after their review. Included in the
minutes is a copy with corrections highlighted: items in brackets are
additions and those struck thru have been either moved or
deleted. Mr. Harrison asked the Board if they would like to
review tonight or wait until next week to act upon.
Mr. Hall then continued to explain each correction. The only
major move from the general to the specific is amendments to
the last page from page seven.
Motion was then made by Mr. Don English to forward to the Town
Council. Motion was then seconded by Mr. Haring. Everyone
agreed with motion to forward to the Town Council for review.
Sign Ordinance:
Mr. Hall introduced the new sign ordinance which Attorney
Booth had put into legislation form changing the commercial
size of sign from Professional offices from 4 to 6 ft for
commercial signs which is the same size as home occupational.
Motion was made by Mr. Haring to accept the new legislation
change of 4 to 6 ft commercial signs. Motion was seconded
by Mr. English. All were in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
South Fork Subdivision - Howell Point Road:
Mr. Hall reviewed the history of the South Fork Subdivision
owned by Mr. Martin Newnam. The subdivision is located on
Howell Point Road and consists of 5 building lots. The County
has been working on this for sometime and one of the issues
is the first 200 ft. of the road that is accessed by the
development and is in the Town. The rest of the property is
County. The Town several months ago tried to keep this under
their jurisdiction so that there would be no problem with the
density and standards in town if it was ever annexed, but the
County approved the permit for the subdivision anyway. While
working on the final subdivision plat Mr. McCracken, President
of the Trappe Volunteer Fire Company sent a letter to Mr.
Ron Gatton asking that the road be l6 to 18 ft. wide for the
entrance and 12 to 14 ft. wide for clearance of emergency
vehicles.
The big issue was that there is a hair pin turn on the road
that is impossible for emergency vehicles. The Talbot County
after reviewing made the change. Mr. Hall then explained to
the Board the misunderstanding with Mr. Newcomb and the County
concerning the size of the road and the miscommunication about
the size of the road with the Town and the Council.
Mr. Hall then asked the Board since the County was working on
the final plan if the Planning Commission would give Mr.
Harrison the authority to sign in the signature space on the
plat for the Town contingent upon the request of the Trappe
Fire Company standard for the road.
Mr. Harrison felt that if the Fire Company was satisfied with
the road we are too.
Mr. Reid asked if we should not have a letter from the Fire
Company first? Mr. English answered that we already have one
on file.
Mr. Quidas felt that the trees should be kept trimmed so that
there was at least 20ft at all times in height for the trucks
to be able to drive thru without knocking off the emergency
lights. Mr. Harrison stated that this is in the County but
we can certainly make this suggestion. Mr. Hall felt that
he could probably get the County to add this to their
maintenance agreement.
Mr. Harrison asked the question do we feel strongly enough
that there is anything in the 200 ft to delay the process.
This will not be the responsibility of the Town to maintain.
A Motion was made by Mr. English for Mr. Harrison to sign
the plat as soon as we are presented with it with the
recommendation to add the 20 ft clearance on the maintenance
agreement. Motion was seconded by Mr. Quidas. Everyone
agreed.
Highway Commercial Mixed-Use - Floating Zone:
Mr. Harrison said we will not take any action tonight we
will just pass on to next week. We have modeled this closely
after the PN Zone.
Mr. Bud Reid made a complaint that a tractor and trailer was
continually going thru Main Street and had broken one of the
Christmas lights several weeks ago. Do we have an Ordinance
against trucks going through the town and damaging the
streets? We have signs up, Mr. Harrison stated, and we will
notify the Sheriff's Department.
OLD BUSINESS
Old Trappe Store Main Street:
Mr. Adams stated that this is old business but I am concerned
with the Store Uptown Presentation. Mr. Adams is concerned
with the proposed architecture of this building that it will
not do justice to the corner since there is so much wall space
and she is proposing building back in the same way. I would
like to see some of the plans from the architect and have him
talk with us.
Mr. Bud Reid was very concerned with what Ms. Tighe was
planning to do with building number 2 (the warehouse). It
seems in her presentation that she described having multiple
uses in the building. I do not believe she can do this
without having each use approved (by the Council) Mr. Harrison
said yes it does have to be approved after she presents the
uses proposed the Council will then look over each use.
Mr. Harrison said that it is in the C-1 and beyond primary
use needing a special exception for any other uses and all
uses having a public hearing and approval, with neighbors
being notified to speak if they please.
Mr. Reid said lets just get the owner in here and let her
explain just what her plans are and set up the proper steps
for her to follow. I feel she is doing the town a great
favor by fixing this up.
Mr. English said what she is now doing does not need to come
before the Council, she has her permit to replace a door and
now she is just replacing the roof and siding.
Mr. Hall stated that up to now everything has been on board,
but I would like to do some research with our Attorney to
determine just what the proper procedure is.
There was a general discussion on permitted uses and what
would require special exceptions in building number 2 on the
corner.
Announcements:
- February 19th - Trappe Fire Company Dinner at 5:00
p.m. until. $8.00 per person - Meatloaf.
- February 21st - Town Office will be closed for
Presidents Day.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
____________________
Joedy Cecil Town Clerk
___________________
Approved: Edgar Harrison
Chairperson
|
