HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-15 SpecialTOWN OF GROTON — MINUTES OF SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2019 AT 7:30 PM
THE TOWN HALL, 101 CONGER BOULEVARD
Those present: Donald F. Scheffler, Supervisor
Crystal Young, Councilperson
Randy N. Jackson, Councilperson
Sheldon C. Clark, Councilperson
April L. Scheffler, Town Clerk
Francis Casullo, Attorney for the Town
Absent: Richard Gamel, Councilperson
Also present: Bob Young
Supervisor Scheffler - I called a meeting tonight to discuss opting out of Section 487 of the New York
State Real Property Tax Law. New York State passed a law that says that solar, wind, and some farm
energy systems are exempt from taxes unless we opt out of the law. We haven't done that because of
what we thought would be tax ramifications on residential solar. But we've decided that for the
commercial side of it, we'd like to opt out of it, and it covers both. We can opt in or opt out as many
times as we want. At this point I think we should opt out of it, that makes both commercial and
residential solar systems fully taxable.
Councilperson Young - When you say opt out and opt back in as many times as we want, what happens
to the places that are in existence now.
Supervisor Scheffler - The ones that are already built or being built on someone's roof or in their yard,
they won't be taxed. They are grandfathered in. If we were to pass this today and somebody starts
building tomorrow, that would be taxable. As far as residential, so far the County has said there is zero
assessment on solar and wind. They haven't seen any property value changes. That could change but at
this point there is no actual tax on residential ones. But if we want, we'd just have to pass another law
and change it back.
Supervisor Scheffler introduced Proposed Local Law #1 for the Year 2019 entitled "A Local Law to
Opt -Out of Section 487 of the New York State Real Property Tax Law" and read it to the Board as
follows:
Section 1. Legislative Intent
It is the intent of this Local Law to provide no exemption from taxation as authorized in Real Property
Tax Law, Section 487.
Section 2. Exemption From Taxation
No exemption from taxation shall be applicable with respect to any solar or wind energy system or farm
waste energy system.
Section 3. Effective Date
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.
Town Board Minutes Page 2 January 15, 2019
RESOLUTION #19-017 - OPT -OUT OF SECTION 487 OF NYS REAL PROPERTY TAX LAW
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Jackson
RESOLVED, that the Town Board wishes to take the steps to move toward the adoption of Proposed
Local Law #I for the Year 2019 entitled "A Local Law to Opt -Out of Section 487 of the New York State
Real Property Tax Law. "
Ayes - Young, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler
Nays -
Resolution Passed
RESOLUTION #19-018 - SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING AND SPECIAL MEETING
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Clark
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby sets a Public Hearing on Proposed Local Law #1 for the Year
2019 entitled "A Local Law to Opt -Out of Section 487 of the New York State Real Property Tax Law"
for Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at 7:30 pm followed by a Special Meeting at which the Board may take
action on said proposed Local Law.
Ayes - Young, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler
Nays -
Resolution Passed
The Board reviewed and discussed the Zoning Fee Schedule. Currently there is no fee for a Flood Plain
Development Application. Lansing charges $200. Some other municipalities don't charge anything
extra, but just make it part of the building permit. A copy of the application had been given to the Board.
Some of the other fees on the Schedule were discussed as to whether they needed updating or not.
Consensus of the Board was that rather than make changes tonight, they would discuss the fees with the
Code Official and possibly make any needed changes at the Special Meeting on January 30th or the
Regular Meeting on February 12th
RESOLUTION #19-019 - AMEND RESOLUTION #19-018
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Clark
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby amends Resolution #19-018 to include a discussion on the
Town of Groton Zoning Fee Schedule and possible action to make changes to such Fee Schedule
Ayes - Young, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler
Nays -
Resolution Passed
There being no further business, Councilperson Young moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilperson
Jackson, at 7:56 pm. Unanimous.
April L. Scheffler, RMC
Town Clerk