HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.03.14 CPSC Final MinutesComprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3
March 14, 2024
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee
Zoom Hybrid Meeting
Meeting Minutes
March 14, 2024
Approved: April 11, 2024
Committee Members Present: Chair Ann DiPetta, Rose Hanson, Roxanne Marino, Elizabeth Weatherby,
Mo Klein, Karl Klankowski, Diane Cohen, Tai Basilius
Committee Members Present on Zoom: Rebecca Schneider, Alison Weaver
Committee Members Absent: Katelin Olson
Quorum Present
Town Board Members Present: Michael Boggs
Town Staff Present: Niels Tygesen, Mollie Duell
Proceedings
Chair DiPetta called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm at Town Hall.
Approval of Agenda
Motion: Klein motioned to approve the agenda; Weatherby seconded.
Vote: Chair DiPetta, aye; Hanson, aye; Marino, aye; Weatherby, aye; Cohen, aye; Basilius, aye;
Schneider, aye; Klein, aye; Klankowski, aye; Weaver, aye.
Motion Carried.
Approval of Past Minutes
Marino recommended amendments to the draft minutes.
Motion: Marino motioned to approve the meeting minutes from February as amended; Klankowski
seconded.
Vote: Chair DiPetta, aye; Hanson, aye; Marino, aye; Weatherby, aye; Cohen, aye; Basilius, aye;
Schneider, abstain; Klein, aye; Klankowski, aye; Weaver, aye.
Motion Carried.
Privilege of the Floor
Michael Boggs spoke about feedback received at the Association of Towns meeting last month, where
he discussed the RFQ with representatives from planning firms. Concerns centered around the
timeframe and budget. Boggs stated that the firms were familiar with the climate smart communities
grant funding the comp plan update. Some firms expressed that they would submit a proposal.
Old Business Items
A. RFQ Update
Tygesen noted that the extended deadline for consultants to submit a proposal was Friday March 8, and
because a low number of proposals was received a shortlist for interviews should not be necessary.
After the previous meeting, Hanson reached out to gather feedback on why there was a low response to
the RFQ. Hanson reviewed her responses and stated that one concern beyond timeline and budget was
about the environmental review process.
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3
March 14, 2024
Tygesen stated that he had also tried to reach out to gather feedback but could not get through to most,
which seems to indicate that people are too busy. Several firms did respond that they were already too
busy. Another firm said the cost was too low. Two firms had some questions about SEQR review.
Tygesen noted that the deadline can be extended again if needed.
Discussion ensued over the environmental review process. Marino asked if the review and
determination should be drafted before the comp plan. Weatherby explained that the review is done
concurrently with the plan. Tygesen stated that the town can decide not to do a full EIS, but it is
recommended by both the State and Town Legal.
Weatherby spoke about the feedback received regarding pricing, noting that it isn’t a surprise to hear
that this is a concern from potential firms. Schneider asked about the cost relative to the size of towns,
and if rates are proportionate. Boggs explained that town size did not matter as much, just the items
that that grant is asking for.
Tygesen reminded the committee that the grant deadline is 2028.
Chair DiPetta asked if the committee would like to move forward with interviews. Hanson suggested
interviewing the firms to see if there is a good fit.
Discussion ensued over pricing on the two proposals that have been received. Tygesen noted that any
additional costs would need to be approved by the Town Board. Cohen and Klein agreed that the
current proposals should be considered.
Discussion ensued over planning interviews with as many committee members present as scheduling
availability allows.
The committee briefly discussed access issues with SharePoint.
B. Committee Rules
Marino suggested amending the language about meeting times since the schedule has changed
frequently. Weatherby suggested notifying the public through the town newsletter before meeting
dates.
Weatherby spoke about spokesperson duties. The spokespeople are authorized to speak with the public
and media, but they cannot commit the town to anything. Only the Town Supervisor can speak to town
commitments.
Motion: Klein motioned to approve the draft changes to the committee rules as amended; Hanson
seconded.
Vote: Chair DiPetta, aye; Hanson, aye; Marino, aye; Weatherby, aye; Cohen, aye; Basilius, aye;
Schneider, aye; Klein, aye; Klankowski, aye; Weaver, aye.
Motion Carried.
C. Community Outreach
Marino spoke about the costs for mailing postcards to residents, noting the previous mailer for the
water survey was not distributed to village residents. The postcards are an extra measure to try to raise
visibility for those who are not receiving information electronically. Tygesen stated that since the village
has their own local authority and their own comp plan, it would makes sense to not mail postcards to
village residents to save on costs. Weatherby added that village residents are welcome to have input.
Marino noted that the village does not have land use authority in Ulysses. Chair DiPetta acknowledged
that postcards will not be sent too soon. Cohen suggested considering the cost of including the village.
Marino spoke about the Earth Day event at the farmer’s market. A cleanup is being organized and some