The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutTownBoard_Minutes_20151221Danby Town Board  Minutes of Regular Meeting  December 21, 2015 Present: Supervisor: Ric Dietrich Councilpersons: Rebecca Brenner, Leslie Connors, Jim Holahan, Jack Miller Others Present: Town Clerk Pamela Goddard Bookkeeper Laura Shawley Planner CJ Randall Legislator Dan Klein Public Ted Crane, Ronda Roaring, David Hall Regular Meeting Opened at 7:00pm Legislator’s Report Klein reported on several topics. He informed the Board that he will be Vice Chair of the Legislature in 2016. Klein reported that review of the Hornbrook Road SWAT incident is still before the Federal Department of Justice. Klein provided information about a scheduled conference call with the Tompkins County Sheriff and others, to take place on January 7, 2016. There was a discussion regarding the County’s pending appointment of Frank Kruppa as Director of both the Public Health Department and Mental Health Department. Klein explained why he voted “no” on this appointment. Kruppa has been serving in as Director of both Departments since a vacancy at the Mental Health Department, several months ago. Klein believes that Mental Health would be better served by reopening the search for a Director, as both Departments are large enough to deserve a dedicated Director. Kruppa will be serving as Director of both Departments for four years. At the end of that time, the arrangement will be reevaluated. There was a discussion regarding consideration of a local minimum wage vs. local “living wage” now before both TCOG and the County Legislature. Dietrich expressed a need for more information and data on the impact of a local $15 per hour minimum wage. Klein stated that he is not in favor of a locally higher minimum wage, but thinks that it should be on a bigger scale, statewide. Brenner commented that it is significantly more expensive to live in Tompkins County and that a $15 county minimum wage might help people be able to afford to live where they work. She agreed that the county might lose businesses if wages were raised in this county but not statewide, and so supports a state-wide raise in the minimum wage. Connors asked questions about the potential impact and advantages of a local pay scale based on “Living wage.” Dietrich suggested inviting presenters on all sides of the issue to come and speak to the Danby community. This suggestion was supported. Planning Report CJ Randall reported on activities of the Planning Board and Planning office. The PB had its final review of the draft development proposal during its Dec. 17 meeting. At that time, the PB voted (4-2) to recommend changes proposed changes to Gunderman Road PDZ #10, with modifications, for Town Board consideration. Randall will have the amended recommendation and related documents for TB consideration in the New Year. The next step, should the TB decide to pursue the matter, would be for the TB to resolve to declare itself lead agency for SEQR environmental review. The Town has already received a full environmental assessment, part 1, from the applicant. Other supporting documentation has also been received. These documents are posted on the Code Office page of the Town of Danby web site. David Hall was invited to comment. He characterized the work with the PB as constructive. Requests for Proposals on solar installation at Town Highway Barns have been sent to three local providers. The “Notice of RFP” is also being published in the Ithaca Journal. Randall provided data on cost savings to Town from the leased system now in place at the Town Hall—saving $800-900 per year since installation. Code Officer Hansen believes that the Town can save even more by dropping NYSEG Solutions as its ESCO (electricity provider) agency. There was discussion regarding potential sites for the Highway Barn solar installation. Dietrich advised that providers will make their recommendations. Dietrich and Randall provided additional information on the meeting between Petricolla and Hansen related to potential land swap with Highway property. Randall advised the board that Hansen would like verbal approval to negotiate this land transfer. Dietrich added information on this topic. There was a brief discussion of costs related to property survey. The Board agreed to cost of a preliminary survey and related measures to this potential land transfer. Randall reported on research related to Danby’s Planned Development Zones, being undertaken by Mary Ann Barr. Historically, some were passed by local law while others were passed by resolution. Barr and Randall are still researching regulations related to different Zones. Randall reported on a Local Government Innovation Conference. She reported a productive conversation with County Clerk Maureen Reynolds regarding a proposal for a shared system for storing Town Board_Minutes_20151221 • Saturday, January 2, 2016 Page ! of !1 2 land use records. This project is pending. Currently, the Code Office is working on getting records into Williamson Law Books for cross indexing and tracking. Randall circulated a draft Development Review Application. She would like to start using this in January 2016. There was support for this application form and process. Randall suggested that it might be timely to review and update Development Fees. The fee scheduled has not been updated since 2010. Brenner asked whether fees for commercial solar and wind generation (as distinct from private home usage) might be appropriate. Dietrich advised the Board that the Town Attorney is currently reviewing the Town’s solar zoning regulations. Discussion on this topic will continue in 2016. Randall reported on the status of mapping trails in Tompkins County. A new trail map is being created. The South Hill Recreation way is still in process, negotiating rights of way. A Conservation Advisory Council “postage party” sent letters out to thirty of the largest land owners in Danby, encouraging consideration of possible conservation easements. One positive response has already been received. Randall is researching how much land is already in easements, through Danby and through the Finger Lakes Land Trust. Randall is working on a work plan for 2016. She reported on an ongoing Zoning audit, of items that need to be updated in the Danby Zoning Code. She expects to have a plan for TB review and comment by mid-January. Dietrich encouraged Randall to urge the PB and CAC to also create work plans for 2016. Randall reported on a current Tompkins County update of Housing Needs. Information will be coming to Danby, especially for the Hamlet areas. This report will reflect the projected demand for the next ten years. Dietrich asked about the status of the Aquifer Protection Ordinance. Randall will get an update from Steve Winkley to assess the next steps. !! Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 pm. !!!!!!!!!!! ______________________________________ Pamela Goddard, Town Clerk Town Board_Minutes_20151221 • Saturday, January 2, 2016 Page ! of !2 2