HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-07-2021 Town of Enfield Planning Board MeetingTown of Enfield Planning Board Meeting Minutes
Wednesday April 7, 2021 7 PM
Zoom.us/j/863 0628 6687
Call: landline or smartphone 646-876-9923
Password 14850
Minutes
Attendance:
Planning Board members; Dan Walker, Ann Chaffee, Henry Hansteen, Rich Teeter
Planning Board Alternates: Joe Dawson, Aaron Abb
Town Supervisor Stephanie Redmond, Town Councilmember Robert Lynch, Town Code
enforcement Officer Alan Teeter, Planning Board Secretary Laura Norman
Norbut representative Jim Taravella
Family Life Network Representative Rick Snavely
Call to order: Dan Walker, 7:00PM
Motion to Approve Minutes: Minutes to be approved at the May 5th Meeting.
2nd:
Vote:
All Aye:
All Nay:
Consideration of Norbut Solar Enfield Applegate Road Final Site Plan and Subdivision
Jim Taravella, Project Design Engineer for Norbut gave an update on the Norbut Solar Enfield
Applegate Road Final Site Plan and Subdivision. Jim showed drawings that were revised so that
the drawings comply with the 60% or less lot coverage and to avoid the majority of wetlands.
Jim stated that Norbut had contacted the Army Core of Engineers in order to build on the
wetlands but had not had a response.
Councilperson Robert Lynch questioned if the Army Core of Engineers was going to get out so
that they can build on the wetlands.
Jim Taravella stated that the Army Core of Engineers had a backlog and it could take a long time
for them to get out.
Jim Taravella went on to say that the new drawings were also using single axis trackers instead
of the previously proposed fixed axis. Jim stated that based on communication with NYSEG that
the Single Axis would be more efficient and cost effective.
Henry Hansteen asked if the tracking system would reduce glare. Jim Taravella stated that the
panels have anti-glare properties and that the glare analysis came back with no glare on the
tracker system.
Town Councilperson Robert Lynch stated concerns about how often the drawings had been
changed and stated that he was uncomfortable approving the Plan.
Dan Walker stated that the changes were actually minor and that the footprint was actually
now smaller than the originally submitted plan.
Town Councilperson Robert Lynch expressed concerns that the 300+ feet along Applegate Road
could be subdivided and sold in the future.
Jim Taravella stated that to do so would take them out of compliance and would make it easy
for the board to take action.
Jim Taravella went on to discuss the change to a Surety Bond.
Town Supervisor Stephanie Redmond stated that the Town of Enfield had been advised that the
Town of Enfield cannot accept Surety Bonds.
Dan Walker stated that the Planning Board does not have fiscal responsibility for the Town of
Enfield. The planning Board approves the site plan and then Norbut still needs to work out
financial issues with the Town of Enfield in order for a Building Permit to be given to Norbut.
Town Supervisor Stephanie Redmond stated that it was not in the Solar Law to accept Surety
Bonds but that Norbut needs to schedule with the Town of Enfield Town Board.
Arron Abb requested that Norbut send references of the names of other towns to talk to and
discuss what those towns do in regards to Surety Bonds, Stephanie Redmond seconded this
request.
Dan Walker requested comments prior to voting on PB Resolution No. 2021-1 and stated that
the 2 alternates would be voting since he was recusing himself and that Mike Carpenter was
not in attendance.
Rich Teeter agreed that the change in the Plan was minor and does not believe that the
Planning Board should be concerned about and changes that were made since the Public
Hearing creating any issues with the Public.