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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 minutes planning board.pdf Town of Enfield Planning Board Meeting February 1,2006 Minutes Members Present: Virginia Bryant,Ann Chaffee,Richard Neno, Sr.,Calvin Rothermich,Debbie Teeter, Doug Willis Members Excused: Jinn McConkey Also Present: Peggy Hubbell/Town Council Michael Miles,Enfield Environmental Management Council(EMC)representative Call to Order 7:00 p.m. The Board welcomed new member,Ann Chaffee. Approval of December Minutes: Motion to approve by Calvin Rothernuch, seconded by Richard Neno,approved without dissent. Old Business 1.Town of Enfield Subdivision Regulations: Co-chair Virginia Bryant distributed a draft of the updated document and reviewed the changes previously discussed that are now reflected in the document. Richard Neno reported that he checked with the Health Department and that they require a one-acre minimum for residential lots;smaller lots require an engineer-designed septic system. There was continuing discussion about lot size minimums,but the board decided on an alternative suggested at the last meeting: adding language specifying the lot must be large enough to accommodate septic system requirements. Virginia will indicate in the table of contents that the sections removed from the document as a result of Planning Board recommended changes have been"reserved". She will provide a copy of the draft document to the Town Clerk for distribution to the Town Board for its review and consideration. New Business 1. Environmental Management Council Representative: Michael Miles spoke with board members about his new position on the EMC and answered general questions. Meeting adjourned 8:00 p.m. Next meeting: March 1,7:00 p.m. Town of Enfield Planning Board Meeting March 1,2006 Minutes Members Present: Virginia Bryant,Jim McConkey,Calvin Rothermich,Debbie Teeter,Doug Willis Members Absent: Ann Chaffee,Richard Neno, Sr, Also Present: Peggy Hubbell/Town Council,Ed Hetherington/Code Enforcement Office Guests: Mike Carpenter/resident Call to Order 7:00 p.m. Announcements: • Virginia Bryant provided a copy of the draft subdivision regulations to the Town Clerk for copying and distribution to Town Board members. • Calvin Rotherm ch said that in the past the Planning Board received copies of new building permits at each meeting,which has not happened for quite some time. Hetherington said the Code Enforcement Office would start that process again. • Debbie Teeter said she thought Planning Board member terms listed on the town's web site might be incorrect. • Virginia Bryant confirmed that members received a letter from County Planning regarding NYS GML 239 Review. Approval of February Minutes: Minutes were unavailable,will review at next meeting. Old Business 1. Subdivision Regulations: Virginia Bryant will draft a cover letter to Town Board members to accompany the draft regulations. She and Jim McConkey will attend the next Town Board meeting to answer questions. New Business 1. Carpenter subdivision plans: Mike Carpenter and Code Enforcement Officer Ed Hetherington attended the meeting to discuss Mr.Carpenter's plans for a recently purchased 71-acre parcel. He has 5 children,2-3 are interested in building homes on this property,and he would therefore like to subdivide it. T.G.Miller architect told him NYS law requires 15' of road frontage for each parcel. This is problematic as the parcel is a flag lot with only 60' total road frontage. Doug Willis wondered if 15' was actually enough,based on discussions related to previous board actions. It may or may not be,but Mr.Carpenter prefers one access road with a deeded right-of-way for all subdivided parcels rather than multiple 15' side-by-side access roads. This would be considered a private road that the town would not maintain. He plans to build one house this summer and wants to avoid any future problems with subdivision of the property. Calvin Rothermich asked if he will be deeding the subdivided parcels to his children now;he was unclear why Mr.Carpenter came to the board at this time. Mr. Carpenter and Ed Hetherington said they want to make sure the plans being discussed are allowable. Debbie Teeter asked if there are other private,shared roads. Ed Hetherington said yes. Doug Willis asked if future owners might petition the town to maintain the private road. This is a possibility,and the biggest problem with this would be if the road were not originally constructed according to code. Debbie Teeter asked if Mr. Carpenter would work with the town to ensure the private road is constructed according to existing codes. Ed Heatherinton said Mr. Carpenter has already constructed a road that is very close to meeting code requirements. Jim McConkey asked if Mr. Carpenter was thinking of applying for subdivision approval now for all the expected parcels? Mr. Carpenter was not,but asked if there is anything in the proposed subdivision regulations that would prevent what he's planning. There is not. Debbie Teeter asked if the road meets the requirements for recognition as a private road, could it then be used to meet road frontage requirements? Ed Hetherington said yes. Debbie Teeter asked if the Code Enforcement Office had any concerns about Mr.Carpenter's plans. Ed Hetherington said their only concern is the road,which is very close to meeting code and 911 requirements. The board agreed that if Mr. Carpenter subdivides the property at this time there would be no concerns with subdivision regulations. Mr.Carpenter is applying for one building permit now and will probably only subdivide into two parcels this year. Adjourn 7:00 p.m. Next meeting:April 5,7:00 p.m. Town of Enfield Planning Board Meeting May 3,2006 Minutes Members Present: Virginia Bryant,Ann Chaffee,Jim McConkey,Richard Neno,Sr., Calvin Rothermich, Debbie Teeter,Doug Willis Also Present: Peggy Hubbell/Town Council Guests: Lee Shurtleff/Tompkins County Director of Emergency Response Call to Order 7:10 p.m. Approval of February Minutes: Motion to approve minutes with correction of meeting adjourning at 7:00 p.m.,not 8:00 p.m.,by Debbie Teeter,seconded by Richard Neno,approved. New Business 1. Mobile Home Park Ordinance: Distributed for member review and discussion at next meeting. 2. Tompkins County Emergency Radio Communication Upgrade: Lee Shurtleff,Tompkins County Director of Emergency Response,attended the meeting to provide an overview of the process and answer questions. This project has been in the planning process for 10 years and the county is about ready to proceed with implementation. Mr. Shurtleff presented maps showing the proposed tower locations,reviewed how the sites were selected,how the towers would communicate with each other and the coverage that would be provided. He answered questions for board members and asked how Enfield would like to handle the tower construction review process. Supervisor Owens previously referred him to this board as a starting point. Members saw no potential problems or concerns with location and construction of the proposed tower,although a Site Plan Review will be necessary when the county is ready to formally more forward. Motion to adjourn at 8:10 p.m.by Richard Neno,seconded by Debbie Teeter,approved. Next meeting: July 5,7:00 p.m. Town of Enfield Planning Board Meeting September 6;2006 Minutes Members Present: Virginia Bryant,Ann Chaffee,Jim McConkey,Richard Neno, Sr.,Calvin Rothermich, Debbie Teeter,Doug Willis Also Present: Peggy Hubbell/Town Council Guests: Amber Achilles,Jerry Achilles,Kay Callahan,Michael Miles,John Rancich Call to Order 7:05 p.m. Introductions New Business 1. Temporary Wind Power Assessment Tower: John Rancich came to the board at the request of the code enforcement officer concerning a temporary wind power assessment tower. This is the first step in a tentative plan to install wind turbines,possibly 10 to14 2-megawatt windmills,on Black Oak Road in the future. Mr.Rancich indicated he is 1-2 years away from a formal proposal for this project. He would like to work with the town on this when the time comes to take advantage of energy incentives.`The temporary tower will be 197' and will need to be in place for 18 months. After discussion,the board determined that a site plan review was not needed due to the temporary nature of this project. Motion to approve the temporary tower installation for 18 months,subject to review at the end of that period,by Calvin Rothermich,seconded by Ann Chaffee,approved without dissent. 2. Mobile Home Park Ordinance: Members had a number of questions pertaining to this document: • Why is a$10,or any,fee assessed? Don't property taxes cover services? • On page 2:why is the town regulating and licensing mobile home parks? What makes them different from apartment complexes or any other type of housing? • Why can't a mobile home park sell mobile homes? Member Richard Neno provided some historical perspective;many past concerns are no longer pertinent. Discussion was brought to halt when it was discovered that a number of pages were missing from the document provided to the board.. Co-chairperson Bryant will check with the Town Clerk to see if the town's document is actually missing these pages or if this was just a photocopying error. 3. 20 Enfield Center Road: There are apparently some 911 concerns about a shared driveway at this address. The board was unsure what the concerns are and why it would be brought to the Planning Board. The driveway serves several different residential parcels,some of which have street numbers and some of which don't. This seems like a matter for Code Enforcement. The Board thought perhaps the residents should name the common driveway, which is apparently more of a private road,and then Code Enforcement could issue house numbers. Or,since some parcels already have Enfield Center Road addresses,perhaps they all should have Enfield Center road addresses. 4. Noise Ordinance: The board review a letter from a neighbor of the Musefest event property that listed a number of concerns about and problems created by this event. Noise was one of these concerns,as was trespassing. The board will review a copy of a draft noise ordinance previously considered by the board. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Next meeting: October 4,7:00 p.m. Town of Enfield Planning Board Meeting October 4,2006 Minutes Members Present: Ann Chaffee, Jim McConkey,Richard Neno,Sr.,Calvin Rothermch,Debbie Teeter, Doug Willis Members Excused: Virginia Bryant Also Present: Peggy Hubbell/Town Council Call to Order 7:05 p.m. New Business 1. Wind Power Generation: Co-chair J. McConkey informed members of the public that this topic is not on this meeting's agenda and therefore will not be addressed by the board. He has compiled some materials on wind generation and municipal ordinances governing such installations, copies ofwhich were distributed to board members for their review prior to the November meeting. He identified the source of these materials for members of the public interested in obtaining these same materials.He also reported that he and co-chair Virginia Bryant attended a September 28ffi meeting on wind generation with Mike Miles,Enfield representative to the county's Environmental Management Council. Information gathered at that meeting included: • New York State has good wind energy potential and also has the population centers and distribution system in place to make it economically feasible • All power sources have their positive and negative aspects which must be weighed and evaluated • Planning Boards must be objective listeners and adhere to the SQR process • There are potential legal and other issues, such as migratory bird patterns • Commercial wind energy generation is such a relatively new development that not a lot of data exists The Planning Board will undertake drafting a winder generation ordinance at the request of the town supervisor. Old Business 1. Mobile Home Park Ordinance: Remains tabled until a complete copy of the current ordinance is provided to board members. 2. Noise Ordinance: Board member D.Teeter asked if this was the right tool for the problem on Griffin Road as brought to the board's attention;trespassing, as well as noise,were identified as concerns. She reported talking to Jerry Reynolds,president of the Trumansburg Fair Grounds, and they have a written contract for use of the fair grounds which requires(among other things): • Organizations renting the facility must have proof of$1 million liability insurance. • Loud(amplified?)music or other noise cannot start before 8/9 a.m.and must end by 1 a.m. on Friday,2 a.m. on Saturday and 9/10 a.m.on Sunday. • Organizations must contract directly for local law enforcement services outside the property(enforcing parking,trespassing,keeping road clear, etc) Town Councilperson P.Hubbell said there are other areas of town which are having noise problems, including her neighborhood. Discussion ensued concerning examples of noise and what makes it unreasonable, such as time of day or night, frequency,nearness and type. The board reviewed the draft noise ordinance and decided to add"Motorized Vehicles"to Article II and a decibel amount to#8 under "Unreasonable Noise". Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Next meeting: November 1,7:00 p.m. Town of Enfield Planning Board Meeting November 1,2006 Minutes Members Present: Virginia Bryant,Ann Chaffee,Jim McConkey, Calvin Rothermich,Debbie Tecter, Doug Willis Members Excused: Richard Neno,Sr. Call to Order 7:05 p.m. Review and Approval of September 6,2006 and October 4,2006 minutes: Motion to approve by C. Rothermich, seconded by D. Teeter, approved unanimously. Privilege of the Floor: For Enfield residents,limited to s minutes each, 10 minutes total. Comments as follows: • Cliff Newhart provided a VHS tape on wind towers to the board. He also attended a recent wind power generation meeting at Ithaca College which he felt was biased in favor of wind power. • Nev field residents bordering the site to be evaluated for wind power have concerns nd asked when or if they will be able to express them. Planning Board co-chairs V.Bryant and J_McConkey stressed that this potential project is in its infancy and there will be many opportunities to share information and concerns; and that board welcomes any thoughts or information the public would like to share;they suggested delivering such materials to the Planning Board's mailbox in the Town Hall. • An observation was made that some communities are declaring moratoriums on wind power installations until more is kno vii one reported problem is delayed or cancelled anticipated funding. • A comment was made that wind"farm'is a misnomer for commercial wind generation;it is an industrial activity. Also,there doesn't appear to be any financial gain for towns due to increased property tax revenue. • Kay Callahan spoke on behalf of John Rancich,who could mot attend the meeting,to say that he would welcome the opportunity to speak with any residents with questions or concerns about this potential project. • It was asked if the Planning Board agendas and minutes are available online;they are not at this time. Old Business 1. Wind Power Generation: Motion by D. Teeter to table discussion and action until board members have time to review available information and research;members are not informed enough at this time to hold an informed and productive discussion. Seconded by D.Willis,roll call vote: V. Bryant-yes,A. Chaffee-yes, J. McConkey-yes, C.Rothermich-yes,D. Teeter-yes,D. %Tilhs—yes 2. Noise Ordinance: Many thanks to R.Neno's wife for re-typing the current draft so there is a digital copy. D. Teeter distributed copies of the document reflecting the changes discussed at the October meeting,which she reviewed. C. Rothermich asked about existing operations or activities that might be at odds with noise ordinance guidelines—is there some sort of grand fathering that would apply to them? There was discussion about decibel ratings and the board referred to material outlining the decibels of different activities, such as conversation,music, lawn and power tools, etc. In light of this information,which also included OSHA limits, members agreed the decibel levels suggested in the current draft ordinance seem too low. D.Willis suggested we find out what the police use as a maximum decibel for vehicles with faulty or no mufflers. It was also suggested the AMA web site might have helpful material. D. Teeter agreed to check both these sources for information. Members wondered and discussed possibilities as to why the Town of Ithaca's Noise Ordinance doesn't include a maximum decibel level. V. Bryant will speak with someone from the town about this. Referring to the letter from the resident on Griffin Road,trespassing was also an issue. D. Teeter agreed to contact the Trumansburg Fair Board for a copy of their contract to see how it might handle issues of noise, security and trespassing. 1. Mobile Home Park Ordinance: A complete copy of the current ordinance was found and provided to board members,who will review it for discussion at the next meeting. Meeting adiourned at 8:30 p.m. Next meeting: December 6,7:00 p.m. Town of Enfield Planning Board Meeting December 6,2006 Minutes Members Present: Virginia Bryant,Jim McConkey,Richard Neno, Sr., Calvin Rothermich,Debbie Teeter, Doug Willis Members Excused: Ann Chaffee Also Present: Peggy Hubbell/Town Council Call to Order 7:10 p.m. Privilege of the Floor: • Kay Callahan spoke on behalf of John Rancieh to report that the wind monitoring tower is up and relaying data. J. McConkey noted that as of this date no new public comment or information has been received for the board. Review and Approval of November 1,2006 minutes: R.Neno pointed out he is a Sr.,not a Jr. motion to approve the November minutes with this correction by R.Neno,seconded by D. Teeter,approved unanimously. New Business 1. Planning Board Minutes Posted on Town Website: In follow-up to a question froin the public at the November meeting,the board discussed posting the approved Planning Board meeting minutes on the town website. Members were in favor of this, so D. Teeter will forward approved minutes for 2006 to Sue Thompson,the webmaster, and will forward them as approved hereafter. 2. Board Term Limits: D. Teeter expressed confusion over the term ending dates for board members indicated on the town website. P. Hubbell explained that when appointed,many board members were actually completing terms of previous members. She provided historical information,and a tentative reconstruction is as follows: 2001 Board 2002 Board 2003 Board Susan Lewis (01) Susan Lewis(05—s1b 08?) Vacant(08) Darrel Clark(02) Darrel Clark(02) Vacant(09) Virginia Bryant(03)Virginia Bryant(03) Virginia Bryant(03) Rick Chase(04) Rick Chase(04) Rick Chase(04) Vacant(05) Vacant(05) Audrey Bostwick(05) Jim Varrichio(06) Vacant(06) Jim McConkey(06) Vacant(07) Vacant(07) Larry Lanning(07) 2004 Board 2005 Board 2006 Board Doug Willis (08) Doug Willis(08) Doug Willis(08) Calvin Rothermich(09) Calvin Rothermich(09) Calvin Rothermich(09) Virginia Bryant(10)Virginia Bryant(10) Virginia Bryant(10) Ann Chaffee(11) Ann Chaffee(11) Am Chaffee(11) Richard Neno(05) Richard Neno(05) Richard Neno(12) Jim McConkey(06) Jim McConkey(06) Jim McConkey(06) Debbie Teeter(07) Debbie Teeter(07) Debbie Teeter(07) 3. Reappointment of I McConkey: Resolution to recommend the reappointment of J. McConkey to the Planning Board by C. Rothermich,seconded by D.Teeter,unanimously approved. 4. Municipal Officials Training: I McConkey reported attending the recent session entitled"The Municipal Governing Board's Role in Local Planning and Zoning''. It was very well attended and he learned a number of new things: • Planning Board members serve 7-year terms to avoid political pressure when making decisions • State legislation requires open meetings if there is a quorum present • Closed meetings are not permitted • Public comment cannot be limited; anyone can speak during the public comment period • Nell-written comprehensive plans can help avoid conflicts when handling large-scale projects,such as wind farms • Subdivision requirements and approvals should make it clear who will maintain new roads to avoid future controversy • Municipalities were asked if they allow mobile homes anywhere;if so,this is unusual, as they are often restricted to mobile home parks,which might be a way to limit rural sprawl. Enfield's regulations are very flexible and allow placement outside parks. C.Rothermich commented that restricting mobile home placement can be a hardship,for example to young people just starting out—they buy a piece of land and want to start living on it but can only afford a mobile home. J. McConkey obtained contact information for various officials in case we have any questions in the future. Old Business 1. Noise Ordinance: Discussion continued with new information indicating 85 decibels is the level above which hearing damage can occur. The location of the maximum decibels allowed seems out of place in the draft ordinance;it seems more appropriate for the"definitions"section. D. Teeter agreed to re-work the draft for next time_ 2. Mass Gatherings Permit: D. Teeter suggested asking the Code Enforcement Official to attend a future meeting to discuss the permit process and mass gathering problems and share his experience and advice_ V. Bryant-will obtain the Grassroots Festival operational guidelines for the board's review and reference. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Next meeting: January 3, 7:00 p.m.