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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-26 532 TOWN OF DANBY MINUTES APRIL 22 , 1998 MEETING Working Session : Town Board and Planning Board PRESENT : Supervisor Horst Town Board Members : Joel Gagnon, Howard Steiner, Joel Gagnon Planning Board Members : Chairman Arch Dotson, Laurene Gilbert, Linda Hanson, Bob Roe, Olivia Vent, Nancy Weitzel Excused : Councilperson Edw. Inman (excused) Planning Board Member Wm . Farrell (excused) Others Present: Carol Sczepanski - Secretary Susan Beeners - Code Enforcement Officer Rebecca Lubin - County Circuit Rider Thomas Chefalo - Tompkins County Planning The joint meeting of the Town Board and Planning Board was called to order at 7 : 05 P . M . Cellular Towers Olivia Vent reported that members of the Planning Board attended informational meetings that were sponsored by the League of Women Voters on cellular towers that presented a range of experts and interest groups related to cellular towers . There has been some correspondence from Monroe Telecom, an organization that represents municipalities in drafting ordinances and helping them in dealing with issues if they are approached by cell companies to site towers . A representative from Monroe Telcom came and spoke with several municipalities in Tompkins County . She has been in contact with Rusty Monroe of Monroe Telcom and the Planning Board would like to have representatives from Monroe Telcom come and give a presentation to the Town Board and Planning Board . A meeting would take about two (2) hours . The cost to the Town would be out-of-pocket expenses for meals and mileage of $ . 32 per mile . Laurene Gilbert reported that if representatives came from Monroe Telcom that the Town would be under no committment. We would be able to learn more about cell towers in general . Susan Beeners reported to the Board that she has discussed cell tower legislation with the Town Attorney and he questions related to Monroe Telecom as to whether they would be able defend the the ordinance itself if there were litigation. She reported that she has a copy of a cell tower ordinance form the Town of Cortlandt in Westchester County that Monroe Telecom wrote . She is going to copy the ordinance to the Planning Board and to the Town Attorney to use as a comparisant with the Town of Ithaca Ordinance. She said that she would be interested in hearing from Monroe Telecom 533 Joint Meeting of Town Board and Planning Board 2 April 22 , 1998 their prospects for offering technical assistance when we have the ability to charge the cell tower applicant for review costs . Adult Entertainment Arch Dotson reported that he has checked and reviewed many cases related to Adult Entertainment Legislation related to the First Amendment. He explained what language needs to be included in the legislation . There are many draft ordinances available to help us draft our own ordinance and help with the question of restricted areas . alai) est:- p Carol W . Sczep Secreta ry gg 1 Town Board Minutes Special Meeting April 22, 1998 TOWN OF DANBY Special Meeting APRIL 22 , 1998 PRESENT : Supervisor Kenneth Horst Councilpersons : Joel Gagnon, Howard Steiner, Naomi Strichartz Planning Board Members : Arch Dotson, Laurene Gilbert, Linda Hansen, Robert Roe, Olivia Vent, Nancy Weitzel ABSENT : Councilperson Edward Inman (Excused) Planning Board Member William Farrell (Excused) Others Present: Carol Sczepanski - Town Clerk Susan Beeners - Code Enforcement Officer Rebecca Lubin - Tompkins County Planning Tom Chefalo - Tompkins County Planning Members of the Public : Mary Lou Hardesty, Mary Oltz, Pat Woodworth The Special Meeting of the Board was called to order at 9 : 30 P . M . by Supervisor Kenneth Horst The purpose of the Special Meeting is to consider approval of the work scope and allocation of funds for the Comprehensive Planning Project Councilperson Steiner reported that the Contingency Account No . A1990 .4 was budgeted in the amount of $ 14,000 . 00 and there will be $ 10,000 . 00 remaining after the expense of the internal audit of accounts has been paid. Supervisor Horst reported to the Board that there are reserve unappropriated funds in the amount of approximately $ 19, 875 . 00 that have been carried over from 1997 . He will be meeting with the State Auditor to confirm the exact amount. Councilperson Steiner asked for confirmation in writing that those funds are available for use . Code Enforcement Officer, Susan Beeners requested an amendment to the resolution under the second further revised. Delete ($ 8, 120) and insert $ 8 ,210 . Supervisor Horst asked the Board if anyone was prepared to move the resolution "Comprehensive Planning Project - Consider Approval of Work Scope and Allocation of Funds" . RESOLUTION NO. 43 OF 1998 COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROJECT - CONSIDER APPROVAL OF WORK SCOPE AND ALLOCATION OF FUNDS By Councilperson Steiner Strichartz : Seconded by Councilperson Strichartz WHEREAS, the Town of Danby Town Board by Resolution No . 16 of 1996 directed the Planning Board to review the 1989 Comprehensive Plan for applicable changes ; and WHEREAS , the Planning Board, by its Resolution No . 1 of January 21 , 1998 recommended that the Town Board grant conceptual approval to the various documents transmitted with that Resolution, including "Working Notes - Comprehensive Plan Update", "Draft Comprehensive Plan igyc 2 Town Board Minutes Special Meeting April 22 , 1998 Topical Outline", "Possible Maps for Danby Comprehensive Plan", and Preliminary Scope of Work, Danby Comprehensive Plan Update, January 21 , 1998 " , which documents were transmitted to the Town Board as a progress report; and WHEREAS, the Planning Board, by Resolution No . 1 of January 21 , 1998 recommended to the Town Board that an agreement be approved for comprehensive planning services from the Tompkins County Planning Department, and that appropriate funding for the comprehensive planning project be provided ; and WHEREAS, the Town Board on April 22, 1998 in a meeting with the Planning Board has reviewed "Proposed Comprehensive Plan Project, 1998/ 1999 Cost Estimate" revised April 22, 1998 ; now, therefore, it is RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby grants conceptual approval to the aforesaid documents transmitted with Planning Board Resolution No . 1 of January 21 , 1998 ; and it is FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Town Board authorizes the town Supervisor to execute an agreement with the Tompkins County Planning Department for the provision, in 1998 and 1999 , of planning and mapping services as described in "Exhibit A, Scope of Services" ; and it is FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board approves the allocation of funding for the Comprehensive Plan project as estimated in "Proposed Comprehensive Plan Project, 1998/ 1999 Cost Estimate revised April 22, 1998 , to be in the amount of $ 8 ,210 , subject to related provisions in this resolution; and it is FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Town board approves the transfer of $3726 for Contingency Account A1990 .400 to Comprehensive Plan Account A8020 .401 to provide for a total allocation of $ 5140 for 1998 , as based on the ` Estimated Distribution of Cost' for 1998 in "Proposed comprehensive Plan Project, 1998/ 1999 Cost Estimate" ; and it is FURTHER RESOLVED , that it is the intent of the Town Board to provide adequate funding for the completion of the 1998/ 1999 Comprehensive Plan Project, with such intended funding for 1999 estimated at $3070 which includes continued services from the Tompkins County Planning Department and miscellaneous expenses, and with such 1999 funding to be subject to final approval in the 1999 budget process . Discussion : Councilperson Strichartz is concerned that we do not have a good grasp in terms of the budget and what we can use . She asked Rebecca if were possible to be billed hourly basis for the Tompkins County services and if it would save the Town money . Rebecca said that the Town is billed hourly and the contract specifies an amount that charges are not to exceed. Councilperson Steiner said that the motion is for expenses to be spread over a two (2) year period . Susan Beeners said that it would be most workable for the Town and County to have a two (2) year contract. Councilperson Steiner said that his concerns for this is the fact that there is only $ 10 , 000 remaining in the contingency budget. We are talking about committing 35 % ($ 3 ,726) of available contingency funds and there are other costs for cellular tower legislation, etc . that must be considered. He is not comfortable at this time with committing that much money . He likes the idea of proceeding with the survey and it is the number one priority with the project . Susan said that the Board would be approving the contract and allocation for funding for a two (2) j 887 3 Town Board Minutes Special Meeting April 22 , 1998 year contract, transferring $ 3 , 726 from the contingency account for this year. Supervisor Horst said that he has received a draft report from the auditors that there are unallocated funds from 1997 that are available . Councilperson Gagnon said that he has a problem with approving the Topical Outline because he has not had an opportunity to input into it. He said he is also sensitive and does not want to be in the position of having his inclinations to participate being viewed as meddling. He thinks the process needs to be collaborative and he does not want to be in the position of being resented rather than being partners in the process . It is really important at this stage that we agree on what the role of the Planning Board is, what the role of the Town Board is , how the public is going to participate in the process and have some pretty firm ideas about where that happens and how that happens and not just vague commitments to public involvement. Supervisor Horst said that he thinks that the Planning Board has done a very nice job and the organization has been very good . The chart that Sue put together outlines a very nice schedule of moving ahead with this comprehensive plan over the next two (2) years . The Town Board will be getting reports back from the Planning Board every four to six weeks and special meetings will be scheduled for that purpose . Rebecca Lubin said that the milestones have been identified. The survey would go out and there will be a public meeting after the results have been tabulated . After background information has been gathered by the Planning Department with the help of the Planning Board there would be topical forums and other public meetings . There would be regularly scheduled Planning Board and Town Board joint meetings . The Town Board would be brought in during crucial times such as review of the survey before it goes out and review of the drafts before they are presented for public meetings . Councilperson Gagnon said that he wants more meetings that are not on the schedule and suggested the following process : 1 ) Define the issues involving all interested in the process (Town Board, public , Planning Board) poll the public on the issues ; 2) Assemble the background information needed to intelligently consider those issues ; 3 ) Propose possible goals of the plan that address those issues and describe possible implementation strategies jointly with the Town Board and the public ; 4) Draft a plan based on public input 5 ) Adopt the plan. . Susan Beeners said that there is no reason to have a public meeting to define issues without having some structure and background information to share . Supervisor Horst said that he feels that the costs outlined in this proposed budget compared to what comprehensive plans have cost other localities are minimal . An outside consultant would cost us more than double what is proposed here . If we assign a task to the Planning Board to do a comprehensive plan and then don ' t give them any support to do the job we are not going to get a comprehensive plan. Councilperson Gagnon said that he is in support of doing the comprehensive plan and adequately funding it but is uncomfortable that the process has been nailed down . He thinks that this is the appropriate point at which it should be nailed down . He does not think that is necessary for the circuit rider to attend every monthly meeting . Susan Beeners said that the Circuit Rider has provided us with a topical outline and other information and has offered help in scoping things out for our proposed survey and process . There are places within this schedule where County Planning will be doing research for us . Arch Dotson said that the services of the Circuit Rider have been indispensable and in addition she 8' 8 ;J 4 Town Board Minutes Special Meeting April 22 , 1998 has helped us when she is not in attendance . The Planning Board draws on the resources she provides . Councilperson Strichartz asked if we could compromise as a community and Boards and reach something that we will all feel comfortable with . Nobody is comfortable with the proposal for the comprehensive plan and related costs but everyone wants a comprehensive plan. Supervisor Horst said that if we do a comprehensive plan we must do it right. Susan Beeners asked the Board what more details should be provided for this proposal . Councilperson Steiner said he does not have a problem with the amount of money requested for the comprehensive plan budget but he has a problem with how much money we have to provide . He is not sure that we need to spend as much this year. He said he understands Councilperson Gagnon' s concern with having the opportunity for some input. He said he sees two (2) accommodations ; confirmation of the monies, and incorporation of Councilperson Gagnon' s ability to put into the process and not have a resolution that says it is adopted as is . Councilperson Gagnon said that he needs to think about the wording of the project proposal . What has been described tonight as the role of the Town Board is fine with him. Susan asked if the Board could consider adjourning this discussion to the next meeting. Councilperson Steiner said that the first thing that needs to happen is the survey. He said that he believes the Board supports what is necessary financially for the comprehensive plan. Resolution No . 43 of 1998 Withdrawn Councilperson Steiner withdrew --Resolution No . 43 of 1998 . Councilperson Strichartz said that she would like to request a budget meeting for the Town Board to help them understand what funds were available . Supervisor Horst said that after we have a final report from the auditors and from the $mart Review that it will help us understand where we are with our budget. Ii 1 1 ADJOURNMENT : A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Steiner to adjourn the meeting at 10 : 20 P .M . Carried Unanimously 4i its 1i p Carol W . Sczepanski / fawn Clerk spm-4-22 . 98 V61 1 Town Board Minutes Special Meeting October 26, 1998 TOWN OF DANBY TOWN BOARD MINUTES OCTOBER 26, 1998 7 : 40 p.m. SPECIAL MEETING : PRESENT : Supervisor Kenneth Horst Councilpersons : Joel Gagnon, Edward Inman, Howard Steiner, Naomi Strichartz Others Present : Carol Sczepanski - Town Clerk Susan Beeners - Code Enforcement Officer Tom Chifalo - Tompkins County Planning Department Planning Board Members The special meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Kenneth Horst at 7 : 40 P . M. to consider approval of the Danby Hamlet Revitalization Project - Strategic Plan. Motion to Approve the Danby Hamlet Revitalization Project - Strategic Plan A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and Seconded by Councilperson Inman to approve the "Danby Hamlet Revitalization Project - Strategic Plan", as amended by the Planning Board . Discussion: Councilperson Strichartz thanked Sue Beeners for a fantastic job as Chairperson of the Revitalization Task Force and the preparation of the plan. Susan Beeners said that there are no costs for the filing of the Strategic Plan with Tompkins County and that it makes the Town and other agencies in the Town eligible to apply for matching funds from the County. Councilperson Steiner asked if it was the intent of the Code Enforcement Officer to make a grant application to Tompkins County for $20 ,000 . Susan Beeners reported that it is her intent to submit to the Board for consideration a grant application for building improvements for painting of the old part of the building, installation of gutters and down spouts, repair or replaceing of the handicapped ramp and walkway and a sidewalk along the north side of the building and the entrance driveway raised so there is less slope from the highway . The total cost is estimated at approximately $23 ,000 . She is proposing that application be made on November 16 , 1998 to the county for the maximum County Grant funding available for $ 7 , 500 . 00 . The Town would be committed for approximately $ 15 ,000 . 00 if the $7 , 500 . 00 was approved . The Town has funds in the Capital Reserve Fund . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Nay Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Councilperson Steiner said that it appears what the Board is doing is setting ourselves up to spend more money and that is something that we do not know at this time we can do . He said that he does not feel that the Town can start looking for spending more money . 2 Town Board Minutes Special Meeting October 26, 1998 ADJOURNMENT : On a motion the meeting adjourned at 8 : 00 p . m. EUJf !a Carol W . Sczepanski , in Clerk min- 10-26 . 98