HomeMy WebLinkAboutTownBoard_Minutes_20170619Danby Town Board
Minutes of Public Hearing and Regular Meeting
June 19, 2017
Present:
Councilpersons: Ric Dietrich (Supervisor), Leslie Connors, Jim Holahan, Jack Miller
Excused:
Councilperson: Rebecca Brenner
Others Present:
Town Clerk Pamela Goddard
Code and Planning CJ Randall, Paul Hansen
Catholic Charities Laurie Konwinski
Public Ted Crane, Ronda Roaring, Ellen Walsh, Katharine Hunter, Scott Davis
Public Hearing Reopened, Followed by Regular Meeting, at 7:03pm
7:00 p.m., to hear all comments of interested persons related to considering adoption of Town of Danby Local Law X
of 2017 “A Local Law Local Law to Amend the Zoning Ordinance Related to Solar Energy of the Town of Danby, New
York.”
This Zoning for Solar Energy Law is to “advance and protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the Town of
Danby, in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan, including: 1. Taking advantage of a safe, abundant, renewable
energy resource; 2. Decreasing the cost of energy to the owners of commercial and residential properties; and 3.
Managing the safety and aesthetic issues related to installation of Solar Energy Systems.”
Solar Zoning Law Public Hearing
Randall presented information regarding comments from Tompkins County Planning. A letter,
outlining ten (10) recommended modifications to the Large Scale Solar Energy Systems Local Law, was
distributed to the Town Board. These comments were received just a few hours prior to the Town Board
meeting.
Randall shared her opinion that some of the recommended modifications had merit. Randall disagreed
with a few of the ten recommended modifications. She noted that some of the concerns expressed by
County Planning, regarding impacts to natural resources and water resources, may already be addressed in
the current draft of the local law, as the LL references the Danby Stormwater Local Law in several places.
Randall pointed out that County Planning supports options that would be less restrictive to the
development of large scale solar facilities. Randall noted that Tompkins County Planning is aggressive in
supporting the maximization solar development with as few restrictions as possible.
Randall stated that she will need time to consult with County Planning in order to address these
comments point by point. She recommended that the Board not act on the Local Law at this time.
Connors noted that, while these are strong suggestions, the Board could vote on this without meeting
the County Planning Board’s recommendations. A Supermajority would be needed for passage of the LL
in that case. Dietrich noted that some of these recommendations have merit. The Board may choose to
adopt some and not others. Miller asked for clarification of a recommendation related to visual impacts at
sites with Distinctive Views, and whether there are only two such sites in Danby. Randall confirmed this.
Miller voiced support for the recommended language related to visual impact.
Holahan suggested that there be clarification of what is meant by “primarily” in section 713 (1.d.)
“Solar Energy Systems that produce electricity primarily for active farming or agricultural uses.” He also
suggested clarification in section 713 (4.a.) “Solar collection devices are limited to a maximum height of
twenty (20) feet when the system is oriented at maximum tilt from horizontal” to be explicit that this is a
maximum height of 20 from the ground, not 20 feet above a roof line.
Roaring raised objections to one of the stated purposes of the LL, “Decreasing the cost of energy to
the owners of commercial and residential properties.” Roaring asserted that this will not decrease her
energy costs and therefor, “The statement is a lie.” She said that she does not consider this to be of any
benefit to her in any way. Randall and Town Board members responded. It was suggested to include the
word “potential” in relation to decreased energy costs.
This Public Hearing remains open until the July 10 Danby Town Board meeting in order to address
County Planning’s recommended modifications to the Solar Zoning LL. No action was taken at this time.
Catholic Charities Presentation
Laurie Konwinski, representing Tompkins County Catholic Charities, made a presentation regarding
services available to Danby residents. Catholic Charities is currently celebrating 20 years of service in the
region, with a mission to serve all people in need. Konwinski emphasized that this agency serves
everybody, regardless of religious affiliation. The Catholic Charity offices are at 324 West Buffalo Street
in Ithaca, on the same block as the BJM Elementary School.
Services available include: Emergency Financial Assistance—Direct Service needs, including
clothing, household items, and personal needs products not available through SNAP. Housing and
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transportation issues assistance, including a security deposit program, assistance with utility shut-offs,
transportation for filling prescriptions, bus passes/gasoline vouchers for assistance with transportation to
job interviews/first day at work, semester bus passes for income eligible education at TC3. They work
closely with the Rescue Mission/Homelessness services, including transitional services through a four
bedroom facility for single women. Disability assistance, helping people move toward self-sufficiency.
Family Empowerment services, parenting assistance/education programs including a “Fatherhood Support
Group.” Immigrant support services, including family reunification, access to services. Catholic Charities
is a State Department approved refugee resettlement agency. A Justice and Peace ministry, including
activities related to environmental sustainability.
Konwinski invited the Board to upcoming events, in celebration of 20 years of service: July 18, Open
House, open to the public, and October 21, a “Poverty Simulation” role playing activity, giving people a
taste of the needs of those served, will take place at St. Catherine of Sienna church parish hall in Cayuga
Heights. Konwinski distributed additional information to the Board.
Speed Limit Reduction Requests
Clerk Goddard presented two resolutions to the Town Board for consideration. The Deputy Highway
Superintendent confirmed that passing such resolutions is the first step in asking the NYS Dept. of
Transportation for a road speed limit review. Supporting information, in the form of traffic accident
reports, has been gathered. This information will be part of the packet of material sent to the NYS DoT.
Connors suggested that the resolutions include the direction the road travels in the section under
speed limit review. There was a discussion of what direction South Danby Road travels in the area of
concern. It was clarified that South Danby Road travels north/north east in the area of concern.
Dietrich reported several concerns related to improvements to South Danby Road, and the fact that
this has become a through road to Spencer and points south, which may increase the number and severity
of accidents in this section of the road.
There was no other discussion on these resolutions.
!
RESOLUTION NO. 48 OF 2017 - SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION, TRAFFIC SAFETY MEASURES - ROUTE 96B
Whereas, Route 96B in the Central Hamlet of Danby has a speed limit of 40mph up to the intersection of East and
West Miller Roads; and
Whereas, the intersection of East/West Miller Roads and Route 96b is a known dangerous intersection with poor
sight lines resulting in numerous traffic accidents; and
Whereas, drivers traveling south on Route 96b consistently do not slow down in a reasonable amount of time
resulting in a high incidence of dangerous passing, particularly near intersections of other roads in residential areas;
Now, Therefore, It Is
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby directs its staff and its Highway Department to take the
necessary steps for initiating NYS DoT review of speed limit and traffic safety measures, in particular to ask the NYS
DoT to extend the current 40mph zone several hundred feet North of the East/West Miller Road intersection, and it is
Further Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby directs its staff and its Highway Department to take the
necessary steps for initiating a request to the NYS DoT that the center line on Route 96b be repainted as a double
yellow line with no passing zone for the full extent of the 40mph zone through the Danby Hamlet.
Moved by Connors, Second by Miller. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
RESOLUTION NO. 49 OF 2017 – SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION, SOUTH DANBY ROAD
Whereas, starting from the intersection of Travor and Hill Road traveling North on South Danby Road the current
posted speed limit is 45mph; and
Whereas, at a location quarter mile North/East of this intersection there is a sharp curve with numerous accident
reports, and there are many additional accidents going off the road that are not reported; and
Whereas, there are other contributing factors that impact the safety of drivers and pedestrians at this location,
including but not limited to a trailer park entrance and exit, a school bus stop, the only TCAT bus park and ride stop
where the bus has to back up to turn around, no sidewalk for pedestrians using this public transit stop, the density of
the neighborhood, and increased traffic flow in and out of Tompkins County as South Danby Road is a connector
road between Routes 96 and 96b through Spencer, West Danby, and Danby;
Now, Therefore, It Is
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby directs its staff and its Highway Department to take the
necessary steps for initiating NYS DoT review of speed limit reduction to 25 mph from this intersection all the way to
Route 96b, including proper signage to alert traffic to the approach of this dangerous curve and increased pedestrian
use of the road.
Moved by Connors, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
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Zoning Law Updates
Randall presented the need, and a proposed course of action, to review and revise the Town of Danby
Zoning Code. Randall proposed a complete overhaul of the Town of Danby Zoning Ordinance, in order to
remove several ambiguities. Several areas of inconsistency have developed as a result of changes which
have happened over time. Randall would like to move forward with this in conjunction with preparation
of the Town of Danby Natural Resources Inventory.
Randall recommended that the Zoning revisions be done prior to a review and revision of the Town of
Danby Comprehensive Plan. In Randall’s view, the Comp Plan is in good shape following a review and
revision in 2011. Randall reported that she has the support of the Planning Board and staff for Zoning
Ordinance review and revision. Randall anticipated that Zoning review would happen over the Fall,
revisions start in the Winter, and that this might be ready for action next Spring.
Dietrich shared his perspective that this a good time to review and make a full revision of the Town of
Danby Zoning Ordinance. He noted that there were repercussions the last time there were major Zoning
revision. However, Dietrich thought that this was a good year for taking on this project. Town Board
support will be important for this process.
Randall stated that she would like to move away from the “nesting” of uses in different zones. She
also stated that there have been problems with Special Permits, resulting in unintended consequences.
Zoning clarification will also be helpful for the Code Enforcement Officer. Several problems have been
made clear in the light of recent project reviews before the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals.
Zoning clarity would be better than needing to have many projects go to the BZA for variances.
Connors suggested having a series of Public Information sessions with good presenters, so that
residents have a better understanding of the issues and needs in Town of Danby Zoning. Holahan and
Dietrich both voiced support for the Zoning review process.
NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities Grant proposal
Randall reported on a “Clean Energy Communities” grant application meeting she attended in the
previous week. With the help of Holahan and Brenner, the Town is almost ready to submit a grant
proposal under this program. Certification as a “Clean Energy Community” should be awarded soon. This
makes Danby eligible for a large ($100,000), non-matching funds grant.
A top priority seems to be remediation of the Highway Biomass Boiler facility. Research is underway
to determine whether a ground source heat system would be efficient and effective there.
Water Quality/Consolidated Funding Application update
Randall gave an update on the project at Brown Road. The feasibility study has been complete, with
strategies and potential costs. At least two possible remediation plans have been evaluated and suggested.
Two engineering firms are working to design a “hybrid” proposal.
Randall will have resolutions in support of this program for Board consideration in July. The funding
application is due July 20. This will be an inter-municipal project with the Town of Newfield.
Code/Planning Report
Randall reported on activities of the Planning Board. A minor subdivision at 552 Comfort Road was
approved. The Petrovich standard subdivision on West Miller Road is still pending.
An intermunicipal grant through the State Archives and Tompkins County “TSSERR” electronic
records program was awarded. This grant provides for the scanning of large scale maps. Several code and
zoning maps in the Danby records vault have been identified for scanning through this project.
A list of potential municipal training topics, generated by TCCOG, was distributed to the Board.
Randall asked the Board to complete this questionnaire and return it to her.
Dietrich directed the Board to contact Code Officer Hansen for a list of current actions related to
violations and the status of remediation. On another topic, Dietrich reported that the Danby Community
Park Association is looking for financial support from the Town. However, there needs to be a proper
contract or Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and the DCPA which lists services and
benefits to the Town in order to justify the expenditure. More information is needed.
Voucher Review
Voucher #111 was reviewed and accepted by the TB, as per need from the Warrant review of the June
12 Town Board meeting. The warrant total amount does not change.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 pm. !!
______________________________________
Pamela Goddard, Town Clerk
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