Call to order at 7 pm
The following
people attended:
Jan Gardner (Frederick County Commissioner), Jim Carpenter, Mike Boyer,
Marshall Wisner, Gene Keller,
Harold and Deborah Snell, Tony Poffenberger, Andy Lynn, David Phillips (SHA), David Coyne (SHA),
Dennis German (SHA), Brick Remsburg, Bill Hemp.
Introduction
District Engineer David Coyne explained the purpose of the meeting
and reviewed the history of Streetscape.
Discussion
There were many comments about frustration over the lengthy Streetscape
process and belief that it was not going anywhere. Mike Boyer related
his discussion with property owners who would not support the latest SHA
design because they would loose on-street parking. Since SHA has said
that 100% buy in from affected property owners was required, the project
seemed at an impasse. Andy Lynn asked if 100% buy in was still a
requirement. David Coyne said that the State could purchase temporary
easements that would give the State the right to do the construction and
that the easement would expire after construction was completed. The
State has the power of eminent domain to purchase temporary easements.
David Coyne suggested writing a letter to all
property owners for a meeting to discuss and vote on the SHA design.
Property owners could vote on the plan at the meeting or by submitting a
ballot. Failure to vote would count as approval.
Commissioner Gardener and the SHA engineers
emphasized the importance of a high level of support from affected property
owners. Higher support levels would improve our chances of competing
for funds with other projects.
Approved actions.
Tony Poffenberger made a motion to adopt a requirement for a 2/3 majority
approval of SHA design plans among all affected property owners, with one
vote allowed per parcel (including vacant lots). After discussion, the
motion was unanimously approved by all in attendance.
It was agreed that SHA would draft a letter
to property owners to call a meeting to vote on the SHA design. Jim
Carpenter will circulate the draft to the Task Force for comments before it
is sent.
Next Task Force Meeting. To be determined.
Meeting
adjourned at 8:20