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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