HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-03 SpecialTOWN OF GROTON — MINUTES OF A SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2017 AT 7:30 PM
THE TOWN HALL, 101 CONGER BOULEVARD
Those present: Donald F. Scheffler, Supervisor
Kelly Smith, Councilperson
Randy N. Jackson, Councilperson
Sheldon C. Clark, Councilperson
Also present: Robin Cargian, W. Rick Fritz, April Scheffler.
The purpose of the Special Meeting was to discuss filling a vacancy on the Board left by the retirement of
Councilperson Ellard Sovocool, which was effective December 31, 2016. The Board was also going to
discuss changes to building permit fees and a few other time sensitive issues.
Discussion took place about the vacancy and two candidates for appointment we brought forward after
which the following resolution was made.
RESOLUTION #17-001 - APPOINT RICHARD GAMEL AS TOWN BOARD MEMBER
MOVED by Councilperson Clark, seconded by Councilperson Jackson
WHEREAS, there is currently a Councilperson vacancy on the Town Board and
WHEREAS, it is the Town Board's responsibility to appoint a qualified person to the position, and
WHEREAS, the length of the appointment will be from the date of appointment to December 31, 2017,
and
WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to fill the vacancy as soon as possible, now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Groton hereby appoint Richard Gamel to the position
of Town Councilman to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Ellard Sovocool.
Ayes - Smith, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler
Nays -
Resolution Passed
The second discussion concerned the pay schedule for a certain individual, after which the consensus was
that there should be no changes to the standard pay schedule.
Building permit fees were talked about next and the meeting was moved to the Code Office for a Power
Point presentation by Rick Fritz and Robin Cargian. First of all Mr. Fritz explained that under the old
State Codes, there would be about 8 inspections on a new home that would amount to around 2.5 hours
total time, but under the new State Codes that went into effect last fall, there would be at least 12
inspections, plus a 3 -hour blower door test, for a total off at least 7 hours. He will also be spending a
great deal of time helping to educate contractors on the new Codes. Because of this extra time that he
will be spending, it is not unreasonable to expect that the Town raise the building permit fees somewhat.
Secondly, Mr. Fritz feels that changing the fee schedule for new construction so that it is based on square
footage rather than cost of construction would be a more fair way to charge across the board. Simply put,
Town Board Minutes Page 2 January 3, 2017
from a Code point of view, we are concerned with the proper and safe construction of the building rather
than the cost of the stuff that is put inside, like flooring, cabinets, light fixtures, etc. Mr. Fritz and Ms.
Cargian also proposed a simplified fee schedule for accessory structures and renovations to existing
buildings. After an extended exchange, the Board agreed that the proposed changes would be a good
thing. A draft fee schedule will be prepared and emailed to the Board before the Organizational Meeting
on January 10th and the Board may pass it at that time or table it for further review.
After moving back to the Board Room, Supervisor Scheffler told the Board that the Dryden Central
School District is going to undergo extensive renovation projects and that he had received a copy of an
Environmental Assessment form which included a notice that the School intended to act as Lead Agency.
RESOLUTION #17-002 - AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN REQUEST
FROM DRYDEN CENTRAL SCHOOL
MOVED by Councilperson Jackson, seconded by Councilperson Smith
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the Supervisor to sign the notice from Dryden
Central School stating that the Town of Groton has no objections to the School acting as Lead Agency for
the purposes of SEQR concerning their renovation projects.
Ayes - Smith, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler
Nays -
Resolution Passed
Discussion took place about having a community retirement party for Councilperson Sovocool.
Supervisor Scheffler has been making the plans for this and will have more for the Board at the regular
meeting on January 10th
There being no further business, Supervisor Scheffler moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilperson
Clark at 9:12 pm. Unanimous.
April L. Scheffler, RMC
Town Clerk