Keedysville Planning and Zoning

August 10, 2009 7:00 P.M.

Attending members: Tim Robertson, Don Weigel, Randy Burns, Rick Bishop, and Matt Hull

Also attending: Mary Robertson, Richard & Catherine Parks, Barry Levey, David Brumage, Shannon French, Carl French, James Geraghty and Tim Fagan

The minutes from July's meeting were read and approved.

Old Business: The Public Hearing for the proposed substation off Coffman Farms Road will be held on Thursday, August 20th at 6:30 PM at Town Hall. The committee will issue an advisory opinion that will recommend approval.

This meeting was adjourned at 7:10 PM.

Public Hearing for Comprehensive Plan Update: Catherine and Richard Parks were present to aid in the discussion in the second of several mandatory hearings. This document needs to be completed by October 1, 2009, but an extension can be requested. There will be 9 CD's sent to various county officials and agencies. These agencies will compile comments and send them to the Town as recommendations. Several citizens added to this discussion:

Shannon French: She was concerned about increased density and off street parking. Also, she has a personal concern with her property, buffer zones and building changes. She also pointed out that the plans were vague and wanted to know who made the decisions. Don stated that right now there would be no changes but that the plan allows for change depending on the future. She also wanted to know if there were provisions for green building. She was told that at this point in time the only policy is to encourage green building with the new technology.

Carl French: He wanted to know what the time frame turn-around is when the CD is sent for review. Catherine said the time frame is 60 to 90 days. It will be online at the State website for all to see. He also wanted to know about the zoning density per acreage and those possible changes. Catherine told him that the Comprehensive Plan would be used and the Zoning Ordinances would have to change with many steps involved for a density change. Carl also wanted to know if the Town had an emergency plan in place and volunteered his services should they be necessary. Matt said that currently the Town utilizes the County's emergency plan.

Barry Levey: He wanted to know if the water resource element of the plan would be received by the correct agency. Catherine told him that it would and that comments will get back to the Town on areas of the plan that need to be fixed.

Tim: He wanted to know when the Committee would recommend implementation of the Plan. Catherine told him that this would happen next month when the next workshop occurs. He said that Committee members will need to do their homework and have priorities assigned on the Implementation Section for the next meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 7:53 PM.