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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-04-26 TOWN OF LANSING • Summary of Planning Board Meeting Monday, April 26 , 1993 ; 7 :30 p. m . PLANNING BOARD *Denotes Present * Lin Davidson Cheryl Nickel * Grace Haney * Larry Sharpsteen, Chairperson Linda Hirvonen * Robert Todd * Viola Miller Mullane * Al White * George Totman , Planning , Zoning , and Code Administration Larry Tvaroha, Town Councilman Larry Sharpsteen called the meeting to order at 7 :30 p. m . Review of Minutes from Meeting Held April 12 , 1993 Page Five, Hovanec Subdivision - Lin Davidson recalled the description of the homes that would be allowed to be required to have concrete-like foundations, not just concrete foundations . Page Two - Al White pointed out that the person 's name is not Dave Eckelson , it is Gay Eckelson . Viola Miller moved to accept the minutes as corrected ; Al White seconded . VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR; MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY SUBDIVISION , Clifford Buck, Buck Road Due to an oversight at the last regular meeting , a decision was not made regarding this subdivision . Therefore, Larry Sharpsteen asked the board members to review the minutes of April 12 , 1993 , where the public hearing was recorded and where comments were made both by the public and the board members. Al White made a motion to approve the five-lot subdivision , for which there was a public hearing conducted on April 12 , 1993 ; Lin Davidson seconded . VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR; MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY FURTHER BUSINESS Larry Sharpsteen passed out information regarding the specifics of the budget allocations, and a record of expenditures so far this year. The Planning Board reviewed the budget, fine by line -- so far this year the Planning Board has expended $3 ,050. Larry was concerned that work that was performed in late 1992, but not invoiced until January, 1993 , is still charged to the 1993 budget. From his knowledge, George Totman thought that the books were closed after December, and that any bills received in January would be charged to the new budget. George Totman indicated that he would question Sharon Bowman as to • whether this is correct or not. Larry felt that there is approximately $900 that belongs in the 1992 budget, and indicated that he would also be following up with Sharon Bowman . Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 2 Monday, April26, 1993 Larry reviewed the items in the budget as follows: BUDGETED EXPENDED Personal Services (George Totman) $9, 842 $3, 000 Contractual Services (supplies, postage, Tom Neiderkorn , Community Dispute Resolution Center) $ 11 ,200 $3 ,050 Secretarial Services (Michelle Eastman, Sue Daveport) $3 ,000 $552 * Tom 's rate is $50 per hour for meetings and $25 per hour for drafting . Cheryl stated that she had spoken with Sharon Bowman who had indicated that it would be okay for Sue Davenport to take on some of the clerical work. That portion of her salary would be taken out of the Planning Board budget. New York State Council on the Arts ( NYSCA) Grant - Cheryl stated that the grant was funded for $2 ,500 . Written into that grant is 40 hours work of inkind service from Jeannie Barrett. Cheryl proposed to Jeannie, who thought it was quite fair that Cheryl receive $ 1 ,500 for her time for that project. The other $ 1 ,000 would go for materials and supplies (map making , surveys) . Cheryl hopes to come out with community design workshops. She wants to train the committee she is working with to go out in the • community. Another benefit from this grant will be design guidelines that would be put together and would serve as a booklet of recommendations for designs. Cheryl indicated that she has spoken with Sharon Bowman , and arranged for expenses relating to this grant to be kept separate from the Town Center Committee and the Planning Board . Larry felt that it would be helpful for the Planning Board members to have a line item breakdown of the funds for this grant so they can see how it fits with the remaining budget of the Planning Board . Cheryl stated that the original proposal was submitted for $ 11 ,000, but was only funded at $2,500. She felt that the marketing study that Jeannie Barrett is going to be working on will be a great benefit to come from this project as well . Communication between Planning Board Members - Larry Sharpsteen indicated that once each committee liaison has any information prepared from their committee meetings, they should bring that in to Sharon . Sharon will gather that information and give it to Grace. Grace will compile them and then give them back to the Planning Board , monthly, to show each other what has been done. Cheryl also suggested that each liaison give a brief overview pointing out the highlights of each meeting to Grace and the Public Relations/Communications Committee. Lin wanted to know what could be done with issues that were across the committees . • Kaplan Grant - Cheryl stated that she only received the application form for this grant a week prior to the deadline date, which is why the entire board didn 't have an opportunity to give their input towards this application . She explained that she had shown this application to Larry Sharpsteen and Linda Hirvonen prior to its submittal . She stated that an important outcome of this grant application will be the Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 3 Monday, April26, 1993 • opportunity to learn the skills taught by the Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC) in local planning and for government people to aid in the process of holding town meetings. Another outcome is the use of community advisory workshops . She explained that out of the $ 11 ,000 grant application , she was proposing that she receive $4 ,000 for her salary , and the remaining $ 1 ,000 to help the town cover the expenses for this grant, including $700 for CDRC workshops . She explained that she had spoken with Tom Neiderkorn who had projected his expenses for the year to be $5 ,000 ; she added another $ 1 ,000 to his estimate. The line item of Town of Lansing Other Sources of Funding shows $ 11 ,000, which is what they normally allocate in their normal budget anyway. Larry Sharpsteen felt that the Planning Board members need to take some time to review the grant and the budget breakdown . He suggested allocating 15 - 30 minutes at the end of the first meeting in May to directly address any questions after review that anyone has regarding the grant application and budget. Robert Todd felt strongly about reviewing the budget, since it intends to use some of the funds allocated for the regular Planning Board ordinary expenses. Viola asked whether this discussion could be called for an executive session . Leave of Absence for Cheryl Nickel - Larry Sharpsteen began addressing the issue of Cheryl Nickel now being a paid employee, receiving funds from the NYSCA grant. Cheryl indicated that as part of the requirement for the grant application she is required to take a leave of absence from the Planning Board. The Planning Board needs to make a formal request to the Town Board for another leave of absence . Grace Haney will be returning from her leave. Larry Sharpsteen asked Grace to prepare a letter to the Town Board on behalf of the Public Relations/Communications Committee requesting a leave of absence • for Cheryl Nickel as a requirement of the NYSCA grant. Viola Miller made a motion to recommend to the Town Board that they grant a leave of absence for approximately six months for Cheryl Nickel while she is working on the grant; Al White seconded . VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR; MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Larry Sharpsteen pointed out that Cheryl will still attend meetings and participate in discussions, but will not have a vote. Direction within the Board Itself - Planning Board Control of Advisory Committees - Larry Sharpsteen drafted what his understanding is of the basic mission statement for the project this year. He felt this was a working piece of paper and asked for discussion. Cheryl suggested giving everyone the opportunity to take it home and review it before the next meeting . All agreed . Town Center Zoning - Viola Miller commented that since the Planning Board was instructed to move on with the zoning and updating the master plan , she would like to proposing allocating a "special" zone for the town center. She suggested allocating where the town center would be and what it is going to encompass. Larry Sharpsteen suggested calling this a "Civic Zone". It is to be under special permit only . This would give the opportunity to work toward roads, and bring in the things the Planning Board recommends. Viola thought this could be a mixed zone area, and that the Planning Board could do some creative zoning . Larry Sharpsteen felt that whatever the revisions are to the zoning ordinance, that Site Plan Review • should be included. He would like to be able to use this tool. Robert Todd questioned what time frame the Town Center Committee is looking at to define the boundaries of the town center. Cheryl felt that the committee would have their recommendations and Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 4 Monday, April 26, 1993 41 rationale soon and be able to present that to the Board . Robert asked what the rational location would be. Cheryl felt that it would be somewhere close to the area around the current town hall , the recreational fields, and new town land . Larry questioned how far past Route 34 she felt the boundary would be. Cheryl indicated the fire station . She felt that most of this year is being spent on design and planning , and that next year can be spent on implementation . Productivity on the Committees Historical Resources Committee (HRC) - Viola commented that she has been in contact with the Lansing Historical Society who has shown interest in contributing to this project. Viola felt that they have all the resources the Planning Board would need . Larry pointed out the cultural diversity in the history of Lansing (e .g . , the Sedans , the Lebanese) . Lin suggested getting oral reports might be simpler to begin with instead of having to provide written reports . Cheryl raised other questions of what to do with this information once it has been gathered . Do we have a museum or a library? Viola suggested the possibility of having the Agricultural Resources Committee come to the HRC to give some history of agriculture in Lansing . Robert agreed but felt the main focus of this committee is zoning . Viola felt that to begin looking at zoning, Robert's committee needs to look at all the data regarding the number of farmers there used to be compared to current numbers, and the acreage of farm land past and present. Larry Sharpsteen felt that this data information would be available from the ASCS . Robert agreed . • Larry Sharpsteen suggested to each committee liaison that before the next Planning Board meeting , they prepare their mission statements and goals to accomplish before October. Cheryl asked that she be allowed to attend one meeting of each of the committees to just observe it. Newsletter It was suggested that the Planning Board and its subcommittees put out its own newsletter to the public. They would like to see the newsletter go out by July or August, before the next town meeting . Cheryl stated that one of the issues of this project is to get as many people involved as possible , even the ones that may not agree with the others on the committee. One way of doing this is approving the town newsletter before it goes out. Grace prepared a letter to appear in the town newsletter, and explained that this could be sent out to organizations encouraging them to send representatives on their behalf to voice concerns or questions . From Linda Hirvonen's original suggestion , Cheryl would like to name this project "Lansing 2010". All members agreed that this was an appropriate name of this project, since it gets people thinking to the future , but also implies that this project won't take place immediately. Grace indicated that she will begin using this title in all her correspondence from now on then . Un suggested indicating in this letter the name and liaison of each committee as well as their schedule for meetings. Cheryl is working on a press release right now. She will be including quotes from people that are • involved . She would like to get more information to the public regarding the mission statements of each committee. She would like to have something prepared for a mailing after the press release is out. Cheryl stated that she will be sending everyone a copy of the press release for their review and comments ; anyone with comments needs to respond within 24 hours to meet the printing deadline . Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 5 Monday, April26, 1993 Cheryl questioned how the Planning Board suggested dealing with the rumors. George Totman indicated that he has had several people come to him with questions because they had heard a rumor. Cheryl felt that a question and answer section in the newsletter might be a good alternative. Larry Sharpsteen explained what he told the people on his committee - they are "public people" and they shouldn't express private feelings publicly, since their comments may be taken as fact. Transportation and Housing Issues - Cheryl felt the transportation issues could be addressed by a subcommittee of the Master Plan Committee . She will be attending a meeting of this committee to help in identifying topics that could be delegated. Lin felt that the County Planning Department has a lot of information relating to these issues already. Cheryl also would like to involve the schools and how it will affect them . Grace commented that the schools are really interested in what is going to be happening , and felt that there is a good deal of people interested in working on the committees and their projects. It was suggested to be sure to keep the Town Board up to date on the progress of the committee work. George Totman indicated that he has been instructed to give each Town Board member a copy of the minutes from each committee meeting . He also indicated that Larry Tvaroha does a good job keeping the Town Board up to date. Planning Board Communication Between Members - Larry Sharpsteen was concerned that the Planning Board wasn't communicating well enough to the public, to the Town Board , and between each other. He • felt that the communication lines have gotten somewhat better recently, but strongly suggested the need for everyone to talk to everyone else and not just at the meetings. Schedule - Cheryl suggested a joint meeting with the Town Board at the meeting on May 24. The newsletter (A SPECIAL EDITION) could come after that meeting , getting the input from the Town Board . She discussed the possibility of having another town meeting before school is out, so that everyone is still around . Larry agreed that was a good idea, but didn't feel there would be that much progress before the end of June . Cheryl responded that she would like to give people the opportunity to have input before the plan is developed too far. Cheryl suggested conducting the town meeting sometime around June 28 - 30. Robert Todd didn't feel that his committee would be able to have that many concrete proposals by that point. Cheryl wants to be able to involve the public in the decisions before the committees are too far along . Robert was concerned that by rushing through some of the decisions, the public may not feel as thought they had ample opportunity to give their input. Viola questioned the forum of the meeting . Larry felt that the chair of each committee will make a report on the progress of the committee , give the mission statements and the goals, and then give the progress toward those goals at that particular time . Cheryl pointed out that the person leading this public meeting needs to have a certain skill for getting public input. Larry Sharpsteen agreed that it would be helpful for everyone to have this skill , but felt the time and money would be just as well spent on having the Community Dispute Resolution Center lead the • meeting . Cheryl disagreed, commenting that there will be many times in the future when situations will arise that require some skills in dispute resolution. Robert Todd wanted clarification that this is the purpose of the Kaplan grant which Cheryl has applied for; Cheryl confirmed that it was. Larry Sharpsteen requested that George Totman hold 15 - 30 minutes at the end of the next meeting for further discussion Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 6 Monday, April26, 1993 • of this issue . Robert Todd commented that he has a problem with spending the money this way. He felt that anyone of the board members could conduct the town meeting , and that there are better ways this money could be spent. He agreed with Larry Sharpsteen in that for the next town meeting , we could just hire Judy Saul to conduct it. Cheryl feels that this process of conducting meetings with the town will continue. Larry pointed out that he was not questioning the usefulness of the skill , it is the use of everyone's time. Rob's concern is the use of the money. Cheryl commented that it would not just be the Planning Board members involved in this workshop, but also the Town Board members. Rural Alliance Institute - George Totman explained the Rural Alliance Institute (RAI) , jointly sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Kellogg group, for which he is Vice President. The RAI has an $800,000 grant from Kellogg to do work with small communities . He passed out an informational page that identified programs that the RAI offers. He asked the board members to look it over and get back to him with their feedback. Robert Todd made a motion to adjourn this meeting ; Lin Davidson seconded . Meeting was adjourned at 9 :32 p. m . Submitted by Michelle Eastman • • I , . ,� ,., , I •ii I „ A„I 111 " t f TOWN of LANSING `F " Home of Industry, Agriculture and Scenic Beauty ' s • keit>ret\m : (607) 533 - 7054 George L. 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