HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-08 TOWN OF GROTON - MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING
PUBLIC HEARING ON TOWN OF GROTON LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT CODE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2011 AT 7:30 PM
THE TOWN HALL, 101 CONGER BOULEVARD
Those present: Glenn E. Morey, Supervisor
Ellard L. Sovocool, Councilman
Donald F. Scheffler, Councilman
Sheldon C. Clark, Councilman
Fran Casullo, Attorney for the Town
Absent: Richard B. Gamel, Councilman
Also present: Emmett Neno, Mary Ann Sumner, Donna Simons, Steve Simons,
Gary Coats, April Scheffler.
PUBLIC HEARING
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #1 FOR THE YEAR 2011
TOWN OF GROTON LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT CODE
Supervisor Morey opened the Public Hearing on Proposed Local Law #1 for the Year
2011 entitled The Town of Groton Land Use & Development Code of 201 1." The Public
Notice was read by the Town Clerk, which was duly published in the Town's legal
paper, the Groton Independent on January 26, 2011 and in the Freeville Shopper on
January 25 and February 1, 2011 .
The only written comment received prior to the Public Hearing was a letter from
Tompkins County Planning reiterating previous comments made to the Board. The Town
Clerk had received no other letters or emails.
Supervisor Morey - Over four years ago the Town of Groton embarked on a mission to
bring the Land Use and Development Code more in line with the dreams and directions
that we want to proceed in with the Town. Groton is a small, rural community where
people live and work and where senior citizens are able to remain in their homes and
young families can afford to raise their children.
For the most part, the existing Code worked very well for the Town of Groton. We did
not feel that it needed to be completely rewritten but thoroughly reviewed and
updated to reflect current trends, technologies and laws. Regulations that conflicted
from page to page or were unclear needed to be corrected and procedures needed
to be presented in a more concise and easy to understand manner. Our goal was to
have one document to contain all issues dealing with land use and development.
Town Board Minutes Page 2 February 8, 2011
Our commitment to agriculture will always remain strong, but we are also aware that
active and inactive farmland accounts for only about one half of the land area in the
Town of Groton. Careful study clearly shows that the people desire to use the
remaining land to its fullest potential either for open space, homes, recreation, or
businesses. The Town Board believes this is essential to the continued growth of our
community, the creation of jobs, the establishment of a healthy real estate tax base,
the payment of necessary sales taxes, the preservation of important services to the
public, the need of a wide range of people to supplement their incomes, and the
general welfare of all residents.
Our purpose with the Code is to provide guidelines to the Planning Board so that they
can accomplish this task. These guidelines must be flexible enough to cover all site
plans, all types of projects, all areas of the Town. The Draft gives the Planning Board the
ability to review all site plan reviews on a case-by-case basis and use their planning
expertise to decide what is best for Groton.
The Town Board holds its Planning Board and ZBA in high regard and is confident that
they can carry out their duties and institute good planning practices and does not wish
to have a Code that ultimately restricts their ability to do so. The Draft either supersedes
or incorporates a variety of former laws and ordinances, many of which were extremely
outdated, into one modern document. Other pertinent laws and documents have
been attached as appendixes. The Town of Groton Planning Board and Zoning Board
of Appeals have developed and honed their procedures through many years of
practice. Respect was given to the hard work that these boards have done to perfect
their procedures and careful thought has been given to present, in clear and
understandable language, the actual procedures used by each board.
The Draft contains what we believe are the best parts of the old Code and the first
draft, as well as additional updates that we felt were important. It is the culmination of
years of work by the review committee, the Town Board, the public, and surrounding
communities. I believe this is an active document that will be reviewed at every
organizational meeting at the beginning of the year.
The Draft has been written with the Town of Groton in mind. It has been written for the
people who must abide by it, the Code Enforcement Officer who enforces it, and all of
the board members who act under its regulations. The Town Board's main concern is
with the trust that has been bestowed upon them by the people of Groton and the
responsibility to ensure that this Code represents the well being of all of the people and
ensures the future growth and prosperity of the Town.
Tonight we are here to listen to you and all of your concerns. I ask of everyone to have
respect for the person who is speaking and give that person the right to speak. We
have to remember we are neighbors and will continue to be neighbors after this.
So, if anyone would like to come up and talk, please do.
Mary Ann Sumner, Dryden Town Supervisor - I'd just like to compliment the Board on a
thorough process and rising to a number of difficult challenges. I've read the law with
great interest and I think you've done a great job. I think, furthermore, it emphasizes
the importance of home rule. Dryden in engaged in a similar process and some of the
Town Board Minutes Page 3 February 8, 2011
problems we face are very different from some of the problems you faced, but the
goals are the same, to keep our communities the best we can for our citizens.
Supervisor Morey asked if anyone else wanted to speak. There were no further
comments from the public, Board, Code Enforcement Office, or Town Clerk.
Attorney Casullo - I think this is, at last, a final draft. Now we can move forward to do
what we need to do to get this implemented.
Supervisor Morey moved to close the Public Hearing and open the Regular Monthly
Meeting, seconded by Councilman Sovocool, at 7:40 pm.
Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Clark, Morey
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Sovocool, to approve the
minutes of the January 11, 2011 meeting as presented.
Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Clark, Morey.
Claim Numbers 17-53 of the General Fund in the amount of $22,665.62 were presented
for audit.
MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Scheffler, to approve the
General Bills for payment.
Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Clark, Morey.
Claim Numbers 2-20 of the Highway Fund in the amount of $41,486.09 were presented
for audit.
MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Clark, to approve the Highway
Bills for payment.
Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Clark, Morey.
From the 2010 Budget, Claim Number 401 of the General Fund in the amount of $42.50
was presented for audit.
MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Sovocool, to approve the 2010
General Bill for payment.
Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Clark, Morey.
Monthly Reports:
Elizabeth Brennan, Bookkeeper/Highway Clerk - Was not present but had presented
monthly reports for the Board's review and requested budget transfers.
Town Board Minutes Page 4 February 8, 2011
RESOLUTION #11-017 - 2010 BUDGET TRANSFER - GENERAL FUND TOWN WIDE
MOVED by Councilman Scheffler, seconded by Supervisor Morey
Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Clark, Morey
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the following 2010 Budget Transfer:
General Fund - Town Wide:
From: Contingency, A1990.4 $4,669.05
To: Deputy Clerk Salary, A1430.1 719.39
Health Center, A4560.4 148.00
Health Insurance, A9060.8 3,801 .66
RESOLUTION #11-018 - 2010 BUDGET TRANSFER - GENERAL FUND TOWN WIDE
MOVED by Councilman Scheffler, seconded by Supervisor Morey
Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Clark, Morey
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the following 2010 Budget Transfer:
General Fund, Town Wide:
From: Highway Clerk, A5010.12 $440.64
To: Bookkeeper, A1220.12 440.64
RESOLUTION #11-019 - 2010 BUDGET TRANSFER - GENERAL FUND TOWN WIDE
MOVED by Councilman Scheffler, seconded by Supervisor Morey
Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Clark, Morey
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the following 2010 Budget Transfer:
General Fund, Town Wide:
From: Contingency - A1990.4 $625.30
To: Dogs, Deputy Clerk Salary, A3510.12 144.46
To: Dogs, Dog Tags, A3510.43 480.84
RESOLUTION #11-020 - 2010 BUDGET TRANSFER - GENERAL FUND PART TOWN
MOVED by Councilman Scheffler, seconded by Supervisor Morey
Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Clark, Morey
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the following 2010 Budget Transfer:
General Fund, Part Town:
From: Contingency, B1990.4 $1,767.53
To: Youth, Director, B7320.41 1,408.20
Deputy Clerk Salary, Zoning, B8010.12 203.63
Deputy Clerk Salary, Planning, B8020.12 155.70
Town Board Minutes Page 5 February 8, 2011
RESOLUTION #11-021 - 2010 BUDGET TRANSFER - HIGHWAY FUND, TOWN WIDE
MOVED by Councilman Scheffler, seconded by Supervisor Morey
Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Clark, Morey
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the following 2010 Budget Transfer:
Highway Fund, Town Wide:
From: Machinery, Personal Services, DA5130.4 $2,225.04
To: Bridges, Personal Services, DA5120.4 2,225.04
RESOLUTION #11-022 - 2010 BUDGET TRANSFER - HIGHWAY FUND, TOWN WIDE
MOVED by Councilman Scheffler, seconded by Supervisor Morey
Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Clark, Morey
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the following 2010 Budget Transfer:
Highway Fund, Town Wide:
From: Sick Time, DA5142.12 ..$18,738.60
To: Snow Removal, Personal Services, DA5142.1 16,708.23
To: Health Insurance, DA9060.8 2,030.37
Gary Coats, Code/Fire Enforcement Officer - Submitted monthly report for the Board's
review. The one Certificate of Occupancy was issued for the former "Muka home",
which is now owned by a young couple who are living there and will be a great asset
to the Town. Supervisor Morey asked about the recent barn fire at Peg Ficken's. Mr.
Coats said that it was a complete loss, but no animals were lost. They plan on
rebuilding with a "cover-all" building for the time being.
Richard C. Case, Jr., Highway Superintendent - Was absent.
April L. Scheffler, Town Clerk/Tax Collector - Submitted monthly Town Clerk, Tax
Collector and Country Acres Pet Services reports for the Board's review. The Clerk's
office had been busy collecting taxes. Approximately 30 people took advantage of
the extended deadline for senior citizens and many were very grateful for that. It also
generated a lot of calls and requests for information. Clerk Scheffler had met the
Town's portion of the warrant and will take first installments to the County on Thursday.
Fran Casullo, Attorney for the Town - Had nothing to report.
John Norman and A. D. Dawson, Town Justices - Were not present but had submitted
reports for the Board's review.
Town Board Minutes Page 6 February 8, 2011
Councilman Donald Scheffler, as Recreation Coordinator - Winterfest was held on
January 29 and by all reports was a great success. There was a lot of student and
community support and Viola did a great job pulling it all together. New this year was a
dance recital. The recycled toboggan contest turned into a benefit for the local food
pantry and resulted in about $43.00 and a quantity of canned goods as a donation.
Youth wrestling finished last week. There were 35 participants. Boys and girls basketball,
grades 3-6 are playing games on Saturdays through February and they have 2
practices a week. There are 34 and 33 participants, respectively, in those groups. So,
we have a lot of kids doing lots of things this winter.
Privilege of the Floor: No one wished to speak.
RESOLUTION #11-023 - DECLARE TOWN OF GROTON AS LEAD AGENCY FOR
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR)
MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Scheffler
Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Clark, Morey
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby declares itself as Lead Agency for the purpose
of the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) of Town of Groton Proposed Local
Law #1 for the Year 2011 entitled "The 2011 Town of Groton Land Use and Development
Code."
RESOLUTION #11-024 - SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW
MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Sovocool
Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Clark, Morey
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby sets a Public Hearing for Tuesday, April 12, 2011
at 7:30 PM, for the purpose of the State Environmental Quality Review of Town of Groton
Proposed Local Law #1 for the Year 2011 entitled "The 2011 Town of Groton Land Use
and Development Code," and be it further
RESOLVED, that in the event that a Negative SEQR Declaration is made, the Town Board
may move to consider passing Local Law #1 for the Year 2011 following said Public
Hearing.
RESOLUTION #11-025 - APPROVE 2011 HUMAN SERVICES CONTRACT
MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Sovocool
Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Clark, Morey
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the 2011 Contract between the Town
of Groton and the Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County in the amount of
$1,500.00.
Town Board Minutes Page 7 February 8, 2011
RESOLUTION #11-026 - TOWN CLERK & DEPUTY CLERK TO ATTEND CONFERENCE
MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Scheffler
Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Clark, Morey
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the payment of expenses for the
Town Clerk and Deputy Clerk to attend the annual New York State Town Clerks
Association Conference, May 1-4, 2011, in Buffalo, New York.
Announcements:
> Planning Board Meeting, February 17 at 7:30 pm
• Zoning Board of Appeals, February 23 at 7:00 pm
➢ New York State Association of Towns Training, February 20 - 23, in NYC
> McLean Community Council Meeting, March 9 at 7:30 pm at McLean Fire Hall
There being no further business, Councilman Sovocool moved to adjourn, seconded by
Councilman Scheffler, at 7:52 pm. Unanimous.
April L. Scheffler, RMC
Town Clerk