Stephens City council approves development-plan amendment, appoints Steven Happek to council

Stephens City’s Town Council approved an amendment to a South Frederick LLC development plan that relocates a sewer pump station and sanitary utility lines, a change officials said could allow properties along Route 11 to connect to town sewer services if they choose.

Councilman Linden A. Fravel Jr. moved to approve the amendment, which the council carried with Ayes from Ronald Bowers, Linden A. Fravel Jr., Joseph Hollis and Regina Swygert-Smith; Vice Mayor Nauman was absent. The council described the change as improving access for adjacent properties to municipal sewer infrastructure.

The council also took two appointments. Fravel moved to appoint Steven Happek to the council seat vacated by Kelly Thatcher; that motion passed with the same four Ayes. Councilman Joseph Hollis moved to appoint Pete Fravel to the Planning Commission seat vacated by Steven Happek; that motion passed with Ayes from Bowers, Hollis and Swygert-Smith, and an abstention from Fravel.

Finance Committee Chair Joseph Hollis asked the council to write off uncollected 2013 taxes; Hollis moved the write-off and Councilman Fravel seconded. The write-off motion carried with votes in favor from Bowers, Fravel, Hollis and Swygert-Smith; Vice Mayor Nauman was absent.

Manager Mike Majher told the council there has been an inquiry about using the GEO Finishes building at 5187 Main Street for automobile repairs, but he said no formal planning submission has been filed and a change in permissible uses would be required under current zoning.

The council approved committee minutes and adjourned at 5:29 p.m.