HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-11-17Page 1 of 8
TOWN OF GROTON PLANNING BOARD
Minutes of Public Hearings & Regular Meeting - Thursday, 17 November 2016 - 7:30 PM
Town Hall Court Room – 101 Conger Boulevard – Groton, NY
Members, Groton Planning Board (*Absent) Others Present
Edward Neuhauser, Chairperson Victoria Monty, Town Attorney
Lisa Maloney Hahn, Vice-Chair Rick Fritz, Town Code Enforcement Officer
Monica Carey Joan Fitch, Board Secretary
Barbara Clark
Mark Baxendell
Bret Wyllie
Leon Brockway, Jr.
Applicants & Public in Attendance
Erich Haesche, Applicant; Michael Jones, Applicant; Kristen Donohue for NYS Mesonet, Applicant; Ed
& Amy Vorhis, Applicants; Jay Engels, Applicant; Gary Moore, Applicant; George & Marian Haesche;
Sue, Leah, Jeremiah, & Levi Haesche; Bob & Sharon Fouts; Town Supervisor Don Scheffler, Town
Board Members Randy Jackson & Sheldon Clark; Hugh & Carol Keegan of 1100 Peru. S. L. Rd.
The Public Hearings were opened at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Edward Neuhauser with the Board
Secretary reading aloud the Legal Notice as duly published in the Finger Lakes Community
Newspapers on 9 November 2016. Proof of Publication has been placed on file for the record.
PUBLIC HEARING #1
Michael Jones, dba Jones Portable Welding, Applicant/Reputed Owner – 384 Smith Road – TM
#25.-1-10.2 – Proposed Fabrication/Welding Shop
Chairman Neuhauser recognized the applicant who advised those present that he was seeking to move
his existing business across the road to this location where he planned to construct a 60 ft. by 80 ft.
Essex steel building, as shown on the Estimate accompanying the application. He stated he will be
doing the same thing he does now, but has run out of room where he is. It will be just one floor in the
new building.
Chairman Neuhauser asked if there was anyone present from the public who wished to speak on this
appeal; there was no one.
With everyone being heard who wished to be heard, the Public Hearing
was closed by Chairman Neuhauser at 7:33 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING #2
NYS Mesonet, Applicant/Peter Clark & Katherine Wolfe, Reputed Owners – 194 Old Peruville
Road – TM #36.-1-63.2 – Proposed Weather Station
Chairman Neuhauser recognized Kristen Donohue, who explained to those present that the applicant
was seeking approval to erect a 33 ft. weather station, including weather monitoring equipment, at this
location. (Reference is made to the Town of Groton’s ZBA Minutes of 24 August 2016, for more
detailed information.) It is not a commercial tower where the landowner has any financial benefit; they
will receive just weather information. The tower/equipment is solar powered. It’s single use and
nothing else will be placed on the tower which can be erected within 5 to 7 days, and has a four-foot
base. There will be a 3±-foot lightning rod on the top of the fully fenced in tower.
Chairman Neuhauser asked if there was anyone present from the public who wished to speak on this
appeal; there was, as follows:
(T) Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearings & Regular Meeting 17 November 2016
Page 2 of 8
Hugh Keegan – Asked exactly where the proposed weather station would be located, and
Ms. Donohue answered.
With everyone being heard who wished to be heard, the Public Hearing
was closed by Chairman Neuhauser at 7:35 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING #3
Edward & Amy Vorhis, dba A & E Automotive, Applicants /Steve & Linda Cute, Reputed Owners
– 1100 Peruville Road – TM #35.-1-21.24 – Proposed Motor Vehicle Repair Shop
Chairman Neuhauser recognized the applicants who explained to those present that they were buying
a new house on Peruville Road and would like approval to conduct a two-person, part-time automobile
repair business in the existing garage until such time as they may need to construct a separate
facility, perhaps in the spring. CEO Rick Fritz advised Board members that he has provided the
applicants with information regarding this, as they had provided Rick with their timeline for opening
the business.
Chairman Neuhauser asked if there was anyone present from the public who wished to speak on this
appeal; there was, as follows:
Hugh Keegan – Had no problem with a business next door to him, but he was concerned
with “oils and things.” It’s less than 100 yards from his well. Wanted to know how this
would be monitored.
With everyone being heard who wished to be heard, the Public Hearing
was closed by Chairman Neuhauser at 7:37 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING #4
Gary Moore, Applicant/Reputed Owner – 839 Spring Street Extension – TM #25.-1-15 – Proposed
Garlic Barn w/Commercial Kitchen
Chairman Neuhauser recognized the applicant who explained to everyone present that he was seeking
approval to construction a 30 ft. by 32 ft. pole barn for garlic storage and containing a commercial
kitchen. Water, hot and cold, would be supplied to the kitchen which he utilizes to prepare chicken for
barbecues. He may also sell turkeys. Mr. Moore stated there would be a “bonus room” on the second
floor which would only be used for storage.
Chairman Neuhauser asked if there was anyone present from the public who wished to speak on this
appeal; there was no one.
With everyone being heard who wished to be heard, the Public Hearing
was closed by Chairman Neuhauser at 7:39 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Town of Groton Planning Board was called to order by
(T) Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearings & Regular Meeting 17 November 2016
Page 3 of 8
Chairman Ed Neuhauser at 7:40 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 20 OCTOBER 2016
A motion was made by Member Lisa Maloney Hahn to approve the Minutes of the 20 October
2016 Planning Board meeting, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Member Barbara
Clark, with the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Maloney Hahn Abstain: Member Baxendell
Member Wyllie
Member Brockway
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #63 of 2016.
OLD BUSINESS
Michael Jones, dba Jones Portable Welding, Applicant/Reputed Owner – 384 Smith Road – TM
#25.-1-10.2 – Final Site Plan Review - Proposed Fabrication/Welding Shop
Chairman Neuhauser asked the Board if they had any further questions for the applicant regarding
this application. There were none.
With no further discussion, a motion was then made by Member Leon Brockway that the Town of
Groton Planning Board declares itself Lead Agency under SEQRA for the proposed
Fabrication/Welding Shop. The motion was seconded by Member Bret Wyllie, with the vote
recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Maloney Hahn Abstain: Member Baxendell
Member Wyllie
Member Brockway
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #64 of 2016.
Chair Neuhauser then read aloud Part II of the Short Environmental Assessment Form. Negative
responses were obtained to all questions in Part II.
A motion was then made by Member Clark that, based on the information and analysis of the
SEQR concerning this application, the Town of Groton Planning Board has determined that the
proposed action will not result in any significant adverse environmental impact, resulting in a
Negative Declaration. The motion was seconded by Member Maloney Hahn, with the vote
recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Maloney Hahn Abstain: Member Baxendell
Member Wyllie
Member Brockway
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #65 of 2016.
With no further discussion, a motion was then made by Member Carey to approve the Final Site
Plan for the proposed welding fabrication business, as requested, contingent upon the applicant
obtaining a Building Permit and following of ICC Property Maintenance Codes and Fire Codes.
The motion was seconded by Member Maloney Hahn, with the vote recorded as follows:
(T) Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearings & Regular Meeting 17 November 2016
Page 4 of 8
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Maloney Hahn Abstain: Member Baxendell
Member Wyllie
Member Brockway
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #66 of 2016.
NYS Mesonet, Applicant/Peter Clark & Katherine Wolfe, Reputed Owners – 194 Old Peruville
Road – TM #36.-1-63.2 – Final Site Plan Review – Proposed Weather Station
Chairman Neuhauser asked the Board if they had any further questions for the applicant regarding
this application. There were none.
With no further discussion, a motion was then made by Member Brockway that the Town of
Groton Planning Board declares itself Lead Agency under SEQRA for the proposed Weather
Station. The motion was seconded by Member Wyllie, with the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Baxendell
Member Maloney Hahn
Member Wyllie
Member Brockway
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #67 of 2016.
Chair Neuhauser then read aloud Part II of the Short Environmental Assessment Form. Negative
responses were obtained to all questions in Part II.
A motion was then made by Member Clark that, based on the information and analysis of the
SEQR concerning this application, the Town of Groton Planning Board has determined that the
proposed action will not result in any significant adverse environmental impact, resulting in a
Negative Declaration. The motion was seconded by Member Maloney Hahn, with the vote
recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Baxendell
Member Maloney Hahn
Member Wyllie
Member Brockway
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #68 of 2016.
(T) Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearings & Regular Meeting 17 November 2016
Page 5 of 8
With no further discussion, a motion was then made by Member Baxendell to approve the Final
Site Plan for the proposed Weather Station, as requested, contingent upon the applicant
properly maintain said equipment and, once equipment is no longer in use, that it be removed
with proper Demolition Permit. The motion was seconded by Member Brockway, with the vote
recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Maloney Hahn Abstain: Member Baxendell
Member Wyllie
Member Brockway
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #69 of 2016.
Edward & Amy Vorhis, dba A & E Automotive, Applicants /Steve & Linda Cute, Reputed Owners
– 1100 Peruville Road – TM #35.-1-21.24 – Final Site Plan Review – Proposed Motor Vehicle
Repair Garage
Chairman Neuhauser asked the Board if they had any further questions for the applicant regarding
this application. There were none.
With no further discussion, a motion was then made by Member Maloney Hahn that the Town of
Groton Planning Board declares itself Lead Agency under SEQRA for the proposed Motor Vehicle
Repair Garage. The motion was seconded by Member Clark, with the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Baxendell
Member Maloney Hahn
Member Wyllie
Member Brockway
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #70 of 2016.
Chair Neuhauser then read aloud Part II of the Short Environmental Assessment Form. Negative
responses were obtained to all questions in Part II.
A motion was then made by Member Clark that, based on the information and analysis of the
SEQR concerning this application, the Town of Groton Planning Board has determined that the
proposed action will not result in any significant adverse environmental impact, resulting in a
Negative Declaration. The motion was seconded by Member Baxendell, with the vote recorded as
follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Baxendell
Member Maloney Hahn
Member Wyllie
Member Brockway
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #71 of 2016.
(T) Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearings & Regular Meeting 17 November 2016
Page 6 of 8
Following a brief discussion, a motion was then made by Member Clark to approve the Final Site
Plan for the proposed Motor Vehicle Repair Garage, as requested, contingent upon the applicant
obtaining a Building Permit and completing construction within one year, and following of ICC
Property Maintenance Codes; failure to complete construction within the time limit will require
a new application. The motion was seconded by Member Wyllie, with the vote recorded as
follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Baxendell
Member Maloney Hahn
Member Wyllie
Member Brockway
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #72 of 2016.
Gary Moore, Applicant/Reputed Owner – 839 Spring Street Extension – TM #25.-1-15 – Proposed
Garlic Barn w/Commercial Kitchen
Chairman Neuhauser asked the Board if they had any further questions for the applicant regarding
this application. There were none.
With no further discussion, a motion was then made by Member Brockway that the Town of
Groton Planning Board declares itself Lead Agency under SEQRA for the proposed Commercial
Kitchen. The motion was seconded by Member Clark, with the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Baxendell
Member Maloney Hahn
Member Wyllie
Member Brockway
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #73 of 2016.
Chair Neuhauser then read aloud Part II of the Short Environmental Assessment Form. Negative
responses were obtained to all questions in Part II.
A motion was then made by Member Maloney Hahn that, based on the information and analysis
of the SEQR concerning this application, the Town of Groton Planning Board has determined
that the proposed action will not result in any significant adverse environmental impact,
resulting in a Negative Declaration. The motion was seconded by Member Clark, with the vote
recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Baxendell
Member Maloney Hahn
Member Wyllie
Member Brockway
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #74 of 2016.
(T) Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearings & Regular Meeting 17 November 2016
Page 7 of 8
With no further discussion, a motion was then made by Member Carey to approve the Final Site
Plan for the proposed Commercial Kitchen, as requested, contingent upon the applicant
following the ICC Property Maintenance Codes. The motion was seconded by Member Brockway,
with the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Maloney Hahn Abstain: Member Baxendell
Member Wyllie
Member Brockway
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #75 of 2016.
Erich Haesche (dba Lubricants & Fuel Solutions), Applicant/Reputed Owner – 97 Ogden Road –
TM #28.-1-34.305 – Preliminary Site Plan Review – Proposed Warehouse Facility
(Note: Reference is made to the 15 September & 20 October 2016 Minutes of this Board regarding this
application.)
Chairman Neuhauser advised everyone present that he and CEO Fritz had visited the subject facility
earlier in the week. They were given a tour of the interior of the proposed warehouse and Chairman
Neuhauser reported he was very impressed with the quality and care that had gone into this facility;
things were “neat and things were organized,” the building was very well made, floor was sealed, and
he had very limited concerns with the proposed us of the warehouse. Previously, he said, he was
concerned that there would be a 55-gallon drum of some chemical that would have quantities
dispensed from that. However, everything was sealed and this would not be the case; there is no
dispensing or moving of liquids in this manner. Chair Neuhauser added that he was very impressed
with the facility and he considered it “a very worthwhile trip.” He wanted the record to reflect that “we
found the facility to be very neat, very well taken care of, and very well organized.”
Chairman Neuhauser advised the applicant that the Board would like to have a letter from the
NYSDEC advising them that he was “below their legal limit” regarding size, quantities, etc. of product.
Mr. Haesche responded that, in talking with a DEC rep, they have no jurisdiction regarding this type of
facility. The applicant provided Chairman Neuhauser with the rep’s name and contact information.
The information was also provided to Town Attorney Monty who advised that she will contact NYSDEC
for the Town and verify what Mr. Haesche reported.
With no further questions, a motion was made by Member Brockway to approve the Preliminary
Site Plan for the proposed Warehouse Facility, with a Public Hearing scheduled for 15 December
2016 at 7:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Member Carey, with the vote recorded as
follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Baxendell
Member Maloney Hahn
Member Wyllie
Member Brockway
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #76 of 2016.
(T) Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearings & Regular Meeting 17 November 2016
Page 8 of 8
NEW BUSINESS
Jay & Carol Engels, Applicants/Jay & Carol Engels, Malcolm & Eleanore Hunter, Reputed Owners
– 554 Scofield Road – TM #34.-1-31.33 & 31.28 – Boundary Line Change
Chairman Neuhauser recognized Jay Engels, representing the applicant who was seeking approval of
what appeared to be a minor subdivision and a boundary line change. Mr. Engels stated that all they
wanted to do was combine two lots of their previously approved subdivision so that the parcel
indicated as Parcel B on the survey map dated 9/9/16 by T. G. Miller, PC, would have its road
frontage increased to 300 feet. The additional road frontage would be taken from what is indicated as
Parcel C.
However, after reviewing what was being proposed, the Board determined that the application should
only be for a Boundary Line Change, and not for a Subdivision and Boundary Line Change. It was
also noted that the applicants had paid the fees for both when they only should have paid for one. The
Board felt that a refund should be given to the applicant for the Subdivision fee.
After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Member Baxendell to approve the Boundary Line
Change, as requested. The motion was seconded by Member Carey, with the vote recorded as
follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Baxendell
Member Maloney Hahn
Member Wyllie
Member Brockway
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #77 of 2016.
OTHER BUSINESS
• Chairman Neuhauser advised Board members to check the Training Record in the file to make sure
that their training credits were complete and up to date.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:15 p.m., a motion was made by Member Clark to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded
by Member Brockway, with all members present voting in favor.
Joan E. Fitch, Board Secretary Emailed to Supv., Town/Deputy Clerks, CEO Fritz,
Attorney Monty & Board Members on 12/19/16.