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Home My WebLink About2013-03-21 TOWN OF GROTON PLANNING BOARD Minutes of Public Hearings & Regular Meeting - Thursday, 21 March 2013 - 7:30 PM Town Hall Court Room - 101 Conger Boulevard - Groton, NY Members, Groton Planning Board (*Absent) Others Present Edward Neuhauser, Chairperson Gary Coats, Town CEO Monica Carey, Vice Chair Joan Fitch, Recording Secretary Barbara Clark Mark Baxendell John Morey Bret Wyllie Lisa Maloney Hahn Applicants & Public in Attendance Jeff Mead for Jalenia Mead, Applicant; Robert Walpole for Sheldon Carrington, Applicant; Doug VanBenschoten, Applicant; Marlin Houston for James Houston, Applicant; Doug Knowlton, Town Supervisor Glenn Morey, Town Councilman Don Scheffler. At 7:30 p.m., Chairman Ed Neuhauser opened the Public Hearings by reading the Legal Notice as published in the Groton Independent Proof of Publication has been placed on file for the record. PUBLIC HEARING #1 James Houston, Applicant/Marlin Houston, Reputed Owner - 718 Sovocool Hill Road - TM #25.- 1-24.1 - Site Plan Review- Proposed Metal Fabricating/Welding Shop Chairman Neuhauser recognized Marlin Houston who explained to everyone present that James Houston was seeking approval to open up a metal fabrication shop at this location. He stated the shop would be open "24 hours a day." There is plenty of parking, and there will be no signage. Most work is done offsite on an as-needed, on-call basis. Life Safety Inspection had been satisfactorily completed. Chair Neuhauser asked if there were any questions from the Board members or the public; there were none. PUBLIC HEARING #2 Jalenia Mead, Applicant/Reputed Owner - 204 McLean Road - Part of TM #39.-1-28 - Site Plan - Proposed Dog Kennel Chairman Neuhauser recognized Jeff Mead, representing his wife who was seeking approval to open a "doggy daycare" at this location. Existing kennels would be utilized. Dogs are usually dropped off from 7 AM to 8:30 AM and they are picked up at the end of the workday around 5 or 6 PM. No dogs are kept evenings or weekends, except for an occasional weekend when someone needs a "sitter" for their pet. He also stated that theirs is plenty of room for customers to turn around on their property to exit by driving out onto the main road. They plan to post a sign at the driveway entrance saying "Please Do Not Back Out of the Driveway." Chair Neuhauser asked if there were any questions from the public; comments were received as follows: Page I of 6 (T)Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearings&Regular Meeting 21 March 2013 Douglas Knowlton - 368 Ed Hill Road - Freeville - Asked Mr. Mead how many dogs he could accommodate. Mr. Mead responded there were 22 kennels. He then asked if the size of the dog was limited; Mr. Mead stated no. With everyone having been heard who wished to be heard regarding this matter, Chairman Neuhauser closed the Public Hearings at 7:38 p.m. 11 REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town of Groton Planning Board was called to order by Chairman Edward Neuhauser immediately following the closing of the Public Hearings. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — 21 FEBRUARY 2013 Chair Neuhauser advised everyone present that under "Organizational Business," page 6 of the Minutes, his first name was incorrect. It should be Edward, not Edwin. A motion was made by Member Monica Carey to approve the Minutes of the 21 February 2013 Planning Board meeting, as corrected. The motion was seconded by Member Mark Baxendell, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None Member Carey Member Clark Member Baxendell Member Morey Member Wyllie Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #23 of 2013. OLD BUSINESS James Houston, Applicant/Marlin Houston, Reputed Owner - 718 Sovocool Hill Road - TM #25.- 1-24.1 - Site Plan Review- Proposed Metal Fabricating/Welding Shop With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Lisa Maloney Hahn that the Town of Groton Planning Board declares itself as Lead Agency under SEQRA for a proposed metal fabricating/welding shop. The motion was seconded by Member John Morey, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None Member Carey Member Clark Member Baxendell Member Morey Member Wyllie Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #24 of 2013. Page 2 of 6 (T)Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearings&Regular Meeting 21 March 2013 Chairman Neuhauser 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 Monica Carey 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 Morey Member Wyllie Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #25 of 2013. With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Baxendell to approve the Final Site Plan for the proposed metal fabricating/welding shop, 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 Morey Member Wyllie Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #26 of 2013. Jalenia Mead, Applicant/Reputed Owner - 204 McLean Road - Part of TM #39.-1-28 - Site Plan - Proposed Dog Kennel (Those Krazy Kanines. LLC) With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Morey that the Town of Groton Planning Board hereby declares itself as Lead Agency under SEQRA for a proposed dog kennel. 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 Morey Member Wyllie Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #27 of 2013. Chairman Neuhauser 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 Page 3 of 6 (T)Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearings&Regular Meeting 21 March 2013 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 Morey Member Wyllie Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #28 of 2013. With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Clark to approve the Final Site Plan for the proposed dog kennel (Those Krazy Kanines, LLC). The motion was seconded by Member Morey, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None Member Carey Member Clark Member Baxendell Member Morey Member Wyllie Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #29 of 2013. NEW BUSINESS Sheldon Carrington, Applicant/Reputed Owner - 778 Elm Street Ext. - Part of TM #26.-1-11.2. 3 - Minor (2-Lot) Subdivision Chairman Neuhauser recognized Realtor Robert Walpole who explained that Mr. Carrington was seeking approval of a Minor Subdivision of his 9.748±-acre parcel into two separate lots of 3.164± and 6.504± acres, as shown on the survey map by G. Bruce Davison, L.S., dated 5 March 2013. With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Bret Wyllie that the Town of Groton Planning Board hereby declares itself as Lead Agency under SEQRA for the proposed Minor Subdivision. 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 Morey Member Wyllie Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #30 of 2013. Chairman Neuhauser then read aloud Part II of the Short Environmental Assessment Form. Negative responses were obtained to all questions in Part II. Page 4 of 6 (T)Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearings&Regular Meeting 21 March 2013 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 Wyllie, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None Member Carey Member Clark Member Baxendell Member Morey Member Wyllie Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #31 of 2013. With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Carey to waive the Public Hearing and approve the Minor Subdivision, as requested. 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 Morey Member Wyllie Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #32 of 2013. Nixon Peabody LLP. Applicant/Dale & Sandra Kinney, Reputed Owners - 80 Salt Road -TM #37.- 1-18.2 - Proposed Verizon Cell Tower Chairman Neuhauser acknowledged that all the materials submitted to Town CEO Gary Coats had been received too late for this meeting's Agenda; however, since all Board members had the materials it was agreed that they would discuss it. Also, the applicant did not use the proper application form so it had to be corrected and resubmitted. CEO Coats explained the location/topography of the Kinney property. He noted that the application was dated 6 March 2013 and he had reviewed it all except for the actual contract. CEO Coats then noted he had some questions for the applicant, as follows: 1. The gate at the road. He would like this Board to address the fact that the Fire Department/emergency serves should have access to the site at all times, e.g. a Knox box. There's a 1000-gal. propane tank onsite and tall tower. 2. The type and height of the proposed fence and type of locks to be used. Will discuss this at next meeting. Drawing has 7-ft. tall fence; application says 6-ft. tall. Barbed- wire fence on top? 3. First letter that came to the Board has typo on first page— it says 196 feet height for tower when it says elsewhere it's 195 ft. and on top of that is 1-ft. GPS antenna and then a 4-ft. tall lightning rod. 4. Section D, Exhibit D, pg. 1 - reviewed by Zoning Boards. Should be the Planning Board. 5. Fence permit is required. 6. Under d, pg. 6, at very bottom, re inspection by NYS Licensed Engineer. Board should have a copy of the inspection of the "structural integrity of it." Would like a construction completion report to make sure the tower was constructed in accordance with specifications. d. Response - doesn't make sense. Page 5 of 6 (T)Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearings&Regular Meeting 21 March 2013 7. Under d, pg. 7, regarding a consultant — If Town employs one, then the applicant pays for it. Last page says no response; CEO Coats did not understand why there was no response given. 8. Very last word on pg. 7 says "12 consecutive." On another page, Section g., it says six consecutive months. Needs to be clarified. Member Carey said it should match the Town's Code. 9. Bond amount (actual cost) for removal of tower and property restoration needs to be verified. The Board then discussed who would be Lead Agency for SEQRA review. The applicant has completed their portion of the Full EAF; no Lead Agency filled in. It could be this Board or the Town Board, he stated, or a separate agency. CEO Coats advised Board members to review their SEQRA Handbook over the next few days. They also discussed retaining a consultant to evaluate the health aspects of the proposed tower when it comes to nearby residents. CEO Coats suggested asking the Town of Dryden for possible contacts that they have used. Member Carey asked where the tower was going to be located; CEO Coats responded, "in the woods." Planning Board members were asked to review all materials over the next month. Chair Neuhauser stated he would work with Supervisor Morey regarding Lead Agency; a public hearing will be required. Supervisor Morey asked that any questions from the Board members be submitted to Chair Neuhauser no later than 11 April 2013. County Planning review of project was discussed. CEO Coats advised that this application should be submitted to them as soon as possible, as they may come up with things that this Board needs to consider. With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Maloney Hahn to send the application packet for the proposed cellular tower to the Tompkins County Department of Planning for their review. 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 Morey Member Wyllie Member Maloney Hahn Motion carried. This becomes Action #33 of 2013. Supervisor Morey advised the Board that any perceived conflict of interest regarding the Kinney property has been resolved. ADJOURNMENT At 8:45 p.m., a motion was made by Member Clark to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Member Morey, with all members present voting in favor. jw-� �� J E. Fitch, Board Secretary Emailed to Town/Deputy Clerks, CEO Coats, Chair Neuhauser&Board Members on 3/27/13. Page 6 of 6