MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: David J. Deutsch, City Manager
SUBJECT: Status Report/Council Poll
DATE: October 11, 2007
Status Report
1. Superior Car Wash Special Exception
On Tuesday, October 23, 2007, the Bowie Advisory Planning Board (BAPB) will
hold a public hearing on Special Exception (SE) #4565 for a proposed detail
car wash in vacant space located at 3329 Superior Lane, where a car wash
previously existed more than 15 years ago. The City Council public hearing
is scheduled for November 19, 2007, the first full meeting after the elections.
At the last public hearing for the car wash held on February 27, 2007, the BAPB unanimously voted to table action on the SE, until such time as the applicant provided the following: a more detailed site plan on parking/queuing issues; a queuing analysis; architectural drawings of renovations to the car wash; and more information on environmental issues related to noise, air, and water pollution. The applicant has since amended their application to preclude an automatic, drive-through car wash service. The service will be for car detailing only and an appointment will be necessary. The amended Special Exception also addresses noise and water pollution questions and states that the applicant is planning to power wash the building and repaint the existing sign to improve the appearance of the building.
2. Generator/Lighting Vehicle for Emergency Management/Special Events
The BVFD has offered to give the City a fully functional generator/lighting
vehicle. This truck is fully owned by the BVFD and has been in use by their
organization for eight years. It has a 30-foot extendable light tower and
two attached swivel light banks, a diesel powered generator, and numerous
storage bins for equipment and supplies. It is now an excess vehicle in
their inventory due to the purchase of two state-of-the-art lighting/oxygen
trucks by the County, one of which will be stored and maintained at Company
19. The vehicle has been inspected by our City mechanics and is in excellent
condition. Chief Lee Havens is an avid proponent of emergency preparedness
and management. Since the resale value of the vehicle on the open market
is negligible due to its age and limited functions for a fire department,
he felt that by donating it to the City for use in emergency management
and special events, we could reap the benefits of use and ownership for
the small storage and maintenance costs involved. Staff proposes accepting
the vehicle for use as an emergency management resource, special events
support, and other public safety uses (see
attachment).
3. 12219 Fleming Lane BAPB Hearing
On Tuesday, October 9th, the Bowie Advisory Planning Board (BAPB) held a
public hearing on BV-3-07 for a 0.75% (98 square foot) variance to increase
the lot coverage above the 30% maximum allowed in the R-55 (One Family
Detached Residential) zone. The subject property is located at 12219 Fleming
Lane.
No residents signed up to speak at the public hearing. At the conclusion of the hearing, the BAPB voted to accept the staff recommendation of DENIAL of the variance. The motion to deny passed by a vote of 5-2 (Mr. James Golato and Mr. Ray Loftin opposed). Mr. Terry Rogers and Ms. Deidre Trass were excused.
A resolution is awaiting Chairman Skotz’s signature and will be transmitted to you next week. The applicant, Mr. Lyle Schmidt, indicated to staff that he plans to file an appeal.
4. 12200 Rockledge Drive BAPB Hearing
On Tuesday, October 9th, the Bowie Advisory Planning Board (BAPB) held a
public hearing on BV-4-07 for a variance to allow for a driveway in the
front yard area where one is not allowed in the R-R (Rural Residential)
zone. The subject property, owned by Sam and Rita Bogley, is located at
12200 Rockledge Drive
No residents signed up to speak at the public hearing. At the conclusion of the hearing, the BAPB voted for the staff recommendation of APPROVAL of the variance. The motion to approve passed unanimously. Mr. Terry Rogers and Ms. Deidre Trass were excused. A resolution is awaiting Chairman Skotz’s signature and will be transmitted to you next week. Assuming there are no appeals by parties of record or requests for oral argument from City Councilmembers, this application may be placed on your Consent Agenda of November 19, 2007.
5. Zug Road Update
The Code Compliance staff is continuing to work with the County to make sure
all businesses on Zug Road have valid Use and Occupancy Permits and are
in compliance with County Property Maintenance Codes. The attached
chart outlines the current status. Staff will continue to monitor the situation.
6. Old Town Bowie Revitalization
As part of ongoing efforts to implement the Master Plan For The Redevelopment
of Old Town Bowie, staff held an informational meeting today with merchants
and commercial property owners about gateway and interpretive signs.
Old Town Bowie merchants and commercial property owners had an opportunity
to review components of the sign plan. Staff gave a brief presentation
to the attendees to explain the extent of the plan. This gave the ten merchants
and property owners present a good indication of what is to come and reminded
them about information previously presented to them.
The attendees expressed overall enthusiasm, but did help identify one concern.
They want to make sure that all the commercial shops will be accounted for
on the orientation maps. The attendees felt that the sign plan will be something
to expand upon in the future to provide signs located outside of the Old
Town Bowie area to help tourists find Old Town Bowie.
Staff continues working with the contracted vendor, Interpretive Graphics,
to complete the sign design process.
7. 2007 Election
Candidates include: Fred Robinson, Mike Lyles, Richard Dahms – Mayor;
Jimmy Marcos, Pauletta Handy – District 1; Diane Polangin, James Golato,
Kevin Conroy, Katie Costello – District 2; Todd Turner, Mary Ellen
Winlund, Henri Gardner – District 3; Isaac Trouth, Troy Stewart – District
4; Leon Buck, Jr., Geraldine Valentino-Smith, Dennis Brady – At-Large.