HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-23-LZ TOWN OF ULYSSES
LAKESHORE ZONING COMMITTEE
MINUTES
02/23/11
APPROVED 03/09/11
Present : Chairperson Don Smith, Members- Krys Cail, Terrill Cool, Rod Hawkes,
George Tselekis, John Wertis
Excused : David Kerness
Mr. Smith called the meeting to order at 7 : 00 pm . He asked the members if they had read
the minutes from 02/09/ 11 , the member stated they had read them. He asked if the
minutes were acceptable . The members stated the minutes were accepted as written.
Mr. Smith noted he would like to review the vegetation section as prepared by
Mr. Hawkes, if they can get through that he would like to review the entire document. He
asked Mr. Hawkes to lead the discussion as he was not present at the last meeting.
Mr. Hawkes agreed and noted where they had left off at the last meeting.
Mr. Tselekis stated he was not at the last meeting however he questioned the rationale,
was it really necessary to have the lengthy description as is in the document currently.
Mr. Hawkes stated he was definitely "not married" to the wording used, he had used
other Towns wording thus was open to suggestions .
The members discussed why the lengthy wording would have been used, they reviewed
the wording and could reclassify most of the benefits into categories . The value of trees
could be stated in a condensed version vs . itemizing the contents .
Mr. Tselekis MADE the MOTION, Mr. Hawkes SECONDED the MOTION, they
condense the paragraph to state the Town values the benefits of trees due to erosion
control, aesthetics and wildlife habitat .
The VOTE was unanimous, changes APPROVED .
Mr. Smith stated he felt this section was very restrictive and questioned if this is how this
Board wants to go . Especially the replacing trees on a tree to tree basis for any removed.
Would they replace with a tree of comparable size?
Mr. Tselekis stated the document is well intentioned however he was concerned
regarding the required use of a town forester to issue permits . According to this document
the use of weed killer is banned . He has a patch of Japanese Bamboo he has to remove on
a yearly basis, this would require a yearly permit for him to remove the plant . Number 7
states no trimming trees or vegetation, there are also infractions and is this per tree or per
branch. He supposed individuals could clear cut trees , grass, however he could not see
why anyone would do this . He appreciated this for new building however does not think
it is necessary for current landowners .
Ms . Cail stated they would probably not want to do this however due to bad forestry
plans a person could end up having this type of destruction on their property. She stated
this could be controlled with limiting commercial removal . However, she is concerned
about restricting this as well . She noted it might be a viable alternative to have a generic
forestry management plan, e. g. invasive species could be removed . She has noted
increased growth of poision ivy, she does not see the need to get a permit to remove it .
The members continued the discussion noting Sumac and invasive species, allergic
plants, most of the lots in this area are already built on, however there is acreage to be
developed . Approach for restrictive language in place, however if there are forestry
management plans they could allow. The use of a generic plan would also benefit . The
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DEC have assisted some of the residents develop forestry management plans . However,
with budget cuts this may not be an alternative. The biggest risk area would be the
Girl Scout Camp , homes change ownership a resident may decide they want a better view
of the lake. It was noted the Town has witnessed 100 year old trees being removed as
well as huge sections of trees being taken done that are in a UNA. Alex has dealt with
citizens being dismayed that there are no restrictions in place. The discussion led to the
General Regulations Section being too restrictive, over regulating beyond what Ulysses
can realistically enforce.
Mr. Cool MADE the MOTION, Mr. Hawkes SECONDED the MOTION to remove the
General Regulation Section.
Ms . Cail NAY
Mr. Cool AYE
Mr. Hawkes AYE
Mr. Smith AYE
Mr. Tselekis AYE
Mr. Wertis NAY
Ms . Cail stated she would like to retrain Number 3 and 5 and move these to the permitted
uses . The members discussed leaving the removal of trees for firewood as well as
commercial uses . An individual may have a tree that needs to come down however
selling the tree would assist the land.
The discussion of removing a tree being all right if used for firewood, what would be the
detriment of having a new owner come onsite and remove all the trees for a lake view .
The discussion led to erosion of cliffs, ultimately run off onto the adjoining landowners
property with possible damages . It was noted they needed Mr. Rachun.
Mr. Cool MADE the MOTION, Mr. Hawkes SECONDED the MOTION to put number
3 and 5 of the General Regulations and relocate them to Permitted Uses section.
Ms . Cail AYE
Mr. Cool AYE
Mr. Hawkes AYE
Mr. Smith AYE
Mr. Tselekis AYE
Mr. Wertis NAY
The members agreed they would like to have Mr. Rachun review these areas . It was
requested that Mr. Rachun be in attendance at the next meeting if at all possible . The
members discussed the section that regulates due to aesthetics, ecological damages, how
would this be enforced or regulated . A clarification would be appreciated from Mr.
Rachun. The reviews would entail the Planning Board, how would the Board regulate this
is a concern. The use of a forester would be costly, is this something the Town wants to
entail .
Mr. Hawkes stated he would incorporate the changes into the document and forward to
them members .
Mr. Smith stated once he receives the changes he will revise the draft and send to the
members with the changes . He will also request Mr. Rachun be in attendance at the next
meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8 : 30pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Carlisle Peck
Secretary
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