Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-12-21 - PB TOWN OF ULYSSES PLANNING BOARD 12/21 /04 Approved August 18, 2005 Present: John Wertis, Chairman . Planning Board Members Margot Chiuten, Rose Hilbert, David Mean, David Tyler. Alex Rachun , Zoning Officer, Robin Carlisle-Peck, Secretary. Excused : Rod Porter. Lorren Hammond arrived 8 : 40pm Chairman Wertis called the meeting to order at 7 : 30 pm . A quorum is present at the meeting. Attendance : Mr. Wertis stated he had spoken to members individually regarding attendance. On behalf of the Town Board, Roxanne Marino had requested the attendance data be tabulated from past years that were usable to the Town Board to review issues related to attendance. Mr. Wertis compiled the data for 2003 and 2004 ; the statistics were distributed to each person at the meeting. He did state he was reluctant to do 2000-2002, felt more appropriate for a paid staff to compile these numbers . When Mr. Wertis reviewed the data he felt the group were doing great, he has expressed this view to the Town Board in that quorum is routinely met and does not feel attendance is an issue . Mr. Tyler questioned why the differentiation between Excused and Unexcused . Mr. Wertis stated that it was more for planning in cases that quorum would not be met. Mr. Wertis informed the members that if they wish to continue they must put it in writing to the Town Board . Mr. Wertis and Mr. Hammond have done this already. Mr. Hammond ' s term expires this year; Mr. Wertis statement to the Town Board was that whatever they do ; he would prefer they fill the position quickly so the Planning Board has continuity of numbers . Rose would like to express appreciation for Mr. Hammond ' s work ; there is no reason from her stand point that he not be reappointed . Lorren was always there when it was necessary. Oftentimes in the past Mr. Hammond would be the one to state we need to get this done — then either sitting down with her or others , working between meetings , the work needed would get done. She would like to have anyone interested in supporting his reappointment contact her via letter or attending Town Board Meeting . She stated there are applicants and has concerns that some Town Board members do not want to reappoint. She firmly believes being a "detail " person Mr. Hammond is what the Planning Board needs . If anyone would like to join her in this support contact her by phone or email , or sign a letter of support. Mr. Tyler offered he had received Mr. Hammond ' s email a week ago and spoke with him, wavering whether he would stay on. Mr. Tyler contacted Mr. Austic and suggested planning board has 3 new members and having Mr. Hammond would be helpful to have old blood as well as new blood. Mr. Austic informed Mr. Tyler they are not planning to make a decision right away; they have received applications and will conduct interviews . Mr. Tyler expressed that Mr. Hammond can be blunt and frank and does not beat around the bush and he appreciates this . When Mr. Hammond was chair he attended every meeting, he would be sad to see Mr. Hammond leave . Mr. Tyler further stated that Planning Board support will not make it to the Town Board as they would probably decide on a Saturday morning or whenever- a time no one knows about; often times the meetings are not terribly well publicized . Ms Hilbert stated that the next meeting is the 2nd Tuesday in January which is January 11th and this item is on the agenda for this meeting . Mr. Means stated a letter would put the support in writing and in front of the Town Board. Planning Board 2 12/21 /2004 Mr. Rachun offered that historically if a desire for reappointed then that person would receive reappointment . Also , historically an issue that has arisen even within the previous Planning Board, all members must be domiciled in Ulysses-Mr. Hammond has to have a legal residential address in Ulysses . Ms Hilbert stated that this has been confirmed. Mr. Wertis offered that during conversation with Ms Marino with her regarding criteria for selecting members she expressed it was very vague. The only criteria Mr. Wertis could establish from Town Board members was geographic . Mr. Wertis compiled a map of the homes from each Planning Board member just to envision the current composition of the board. Mr. Wertis listed Mr. Hammond ' s business address as he had no other address for him . When Mr. Wertis reviewed the map he found the area south bordering Iradell road is not represented as well as the area towards the lake and Dubois Road. Mr. Tyler stated geographic is important but diversity and background is more important. Mr. Wertis agreed but stated how much is better; each offers their own area of knowledge . Mr. Tyler stated he realized this however an agricultural aspect is helpful ; and a lot of talents that boards require and the planning board has had this over the year. Mr. Rachun offered that with tremendous talent it has not always been a cohesive group , this board is a good working group . Ms . Hilbert stated that this is another aspect that Mr. Hammond should be valued for as he knows the book-he can pinpoint the ordinance and does bring it to the attention of the board rapidly. Ms Hilbert offered that in the past they would be drafting and Mr. Hammond would state "Where will I be able to put my business?" if Mr. Hammond were not on the board light industry would not be getting represented. Ms . Hilbert also requested that relating to the issue of attendance. If the Town Board is looking for members that attend every time. The only people that wall be able to be on the board are retirees, unemployed or others that do not have a full lifestyle such as family-two jobs and these people would be living a different life than that of having children growing and going in different directions entail . Only selecting people like this does) not represent the entire community. Ms Hilbert further stated that there would be times she could not make all the meetings thus excused absences are necessary. Mr. Wertis stated that there had been discussion of alternates . Ms Hilbert stated that in essence we do have alternates in that quorum are 4 thus there are 3 alternates . Mr. Rachun stated that the Town Board is concerned with Unexcused absences vs . excused . Mr. Means stated that it is critical to have quorum, without quorum a meeting cannot be productive . Mr. Rachun stated that in the past this has been a problem-previous Planning Boards have literally had no one show up for a meeting. Ulysses Planning Board Contributions Mr. Wertis drafted a Guide to Ulysses Planning Board Contributions to Zoning Ordinance Review . Ms . Marino commented that she was unaware of subdivision items that Mr. Wertis mentioned had been given to the Town Board. This list will help track items given to the Town Board. Mr. Coogan has been doing a good job conveying information to follow up with the Planning Board and Mr. Wertis . ammi Planning Board 3 12/21 /2004 Ms . Chiuten brought items relative to lighting; Mr. Wertis noted after speaking with Ms . Chiuten that on the second page of the ordinance there are items couched in technical terms that may conflict or go further than the chart presented to the Town Board . Mr., Wertis presented that the Planning Board had raised questions about subdivision but did not rewrite the whole thing. Mr. Tyler had expressed concern regarding the subdivision regulation in prior meetings . Mr. Wertis asked if Mr. Tyler could review the regulation and indicate particular areas that he felt should be addressed . Mr. Tyler said the ordinance is particularly simple and that it would be up to the Board to decide if they would like to review and draft more regulations related to subdivision; however he would do preliminary work . Ms . Chiuten commented that the minimums are fine, but having just finished a project for commercial development she felt there should be maximums . She found the 3 numbered options confusing, lumens, shielding and distance issues vs . just sticking to foot candles . She presented a project that had to go through a Site Plan Review that had an average max foot candle level by the building entrance and then the side walks . In addition there are other pole type limitation, and sharp cut off fixtures . Mr. Wertis indicated that the chart was for residential not commercial . Ms . Chiuten asked if there was any standard for non residential . Ms . Hilbert commented that the concentration was on residential as the majority of the town is in this area. Mr. Wertis stated that they had taken the information provided by Ms . Chiuten at the November 16`" meeting. The board provided to the Town Board site modification of 16 . 5 referencing documents and giving them definitions for glare and light trespass ; kept minimums added that chart and kept 1 & 2 but not three, these were done within the chart ; but as mentioned before this section was not reviewed during drafting of the chart. Ms . Chiuten stated that she was still unclear as to what the specifics were trying to do . Ms . Hilbert explained that they literally reviewed the lumens on a light bulb box and tried to establish reasonable standards that the average person would understand. Ms Hilbert stated that 900 lumens were about a 60 watt bulb . Ms . Hilbert commented not addressed was what a residential person would be able to light, nor was a limit as to how many lights a person could have . Mr. Rachun stated that if there is an issue of glare or trespass then this will fall into the regulation. Ms . Chiuten commented that limiting total foot candles would help this situation. Ms . Hilbert asked why not restrict lighting to entryways and driveways . Mr. Rachun commented that people have chicken houses , barns, stables and people want to light up these areas . Ms Chiuten stated an addition of limiting the number could be added ; if a person desires more then it could be brought in for approval . Mr. Rachun stated that historically glare and trespass have been the issues he has dealt with as Zoning Officer. Ms . Hilbert commented that currently there is no regulation restricting lighting on private property. Planning Board 4 12/21 /2004 Mr. Rachun stated there is due to the annoying and harmful glare he has enforced this due to safety issues. Mr. Rachun stated that if the number of lights is added-he has difficulty envisioning himself driving around at night counting lights . Mr. Rachun stated that the limitations on glare and trespass, as well as the shielding will limit the amount of light . Mr. Rachun stated that he felt comfortable with the regulation at the end of the last meeting from an enforcement aspect . Mr. Hammond commented that the issue on whether the complaints are based on lights are wasteful or they look stupid vs . they keep me up ; create a dangerous situation-then the ordinance does come into effect . Mr. Wertis commented that yes if they trespass or glare then our regulation covers this . Ms . Chiuten asked if trespass and glare were included in the definitions . Mr. Wertis explained that the definitions were given to the Town Board but not in the minutes . Mr. 1Wertis will bring these to the next meeting for inclusion. Mr. Wertis brought the next page of the lighting ordinance and asked if it conflicts with our chart. Ms . Chiuten indicated no that this is related to the non-residential section of the ordinance . Mr. Wertis stated that the residential chart had been inserted into the incorrect section of the ordinance and he will correct this information . Mr. Rachun stated it would be interesting to investigate insurance industry standards . Mr. Hammond stated that Mr. Tyler could probably access this information . Mr. Rachun 'stated that the minimums are the maximums until you go to Site Plan Review . Ms . Chiuten stated this would be acceptable except the information needed to be brought to Site Plan Review should be indicated. The following statement should be incorporated into the Residential Lighting ordinance : Anything that exceeds the minimum will be submitted for Planning Board review Ms . Chiuten-Aye Mr. Hammond- Abstained Ms . Hilbert-Aye Mr. Means-Aye Mr. Wertis-Aye Motion carried. Ms . Chiuten motioned to adjourn, Mr. Means seconded, meeting adjourned at 9 : 08pm . Respectfully submitted, Robin Carlisle Peck Secretary TOWN OF ULYSSES BID OPENING December 21 , 2004 Present : Supervisor Douglas Austic , Deputy Supervisor Richard Coogan and Town Clerk Marsha L. Georgia. Mr. Austic called the Bid Opening to order 3 : 05 PM ; the following sealed bids were received for the construction of a Court Bench. Ithaca Millwork Received 12/ 17/2004 20 ' Curved Counter Top Bench $ 17 ,300 Deliver & Install Platform 2 ,650 Total $ 19 ,950 Note : $ 1 , 500 of the design fee would be waved if they were awarded the contract . Heritage Builders Received 12/20/2004 Bench and Platform $26 , 800 Paul Yaman Construction Received 12/20/2004 Bench and Platform $ 32 ,400 Al' s Construction Received 12/20/2004 Bench and Platform $23 , 700 All bids will be reviewed and contractors contacted . Contracts will re rewarded at a later date . Closed Bid Opening. Respectfully submitted, Marsha L. Georgia Ulysses Town Clerk MLG : mg