HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-19-PB Town of Ulysses Planning Board
Minutes
June 19, 2012
Present : Chairperson Ken Zeserson, Members — Peter Fry, Rod Hawkes, John Wertis, and Environmental
Planner Darby Kiley
Excused : Stan Beames, Sarah Adams, Rebecca Schneider
Agenda Items :
1 . Review of Draft Article III Zoning Law Language
2 . Input on subdivision sketch ( Pond property)
1 . Review of Draft Article III Zoning Law Language
The board began by reviewing the "Amending the Zoning Law" section . Mr. Wertis asked why zoning
changes would be published exclusive of any map . It would help the public understand the proposal if
maps were published . It was discussed that the legal notices are limited to text only, and this language is
in New York State Town Law.
The board needs clarification on really what the difference is between 2 . 11 and proposed 3 . 1; also
clarification is needed for the references to "this law" and "prescribed by law" . Mariette' s input is
needed on this .
Reference to petition — how many have to sign a petition; does that go back to NYS Town Law but
nothing is specified .
Alternate Member section :
Mr. Zeserson noted that historically there was one case that a quorum was needed and not enough
members were available .
Mr. Hawkes asked if an alternate could be on both boards . Probably not because the alternate might be
expected to be at all meetings .
It' s reasonable to add this language to the zoning law so that the option is there to add alternates if the
need arises. Mr. Hawkes recommended that the total term should not be more than 7 years . For
example, if a person is an alternate for 2 years, then appointed to the board, the term should be for 5
years .
Should there be something about attendance policy for alternates? Mr. Wertis suggested that
alternates need to be present at all meetings. What is their role? The language should clarify that they
can participate in discussions but just cannot vote unless they are designated to do so .
As an aside, there was a discussion on the recent Town Board proposal to update/amend the
attendance and training policy . Mr. Wertis asked about the rationale for distinguishing between
excused and unexcused absences . Ms . Kiley or Mr. Zeserson will follow-up with the Town Board .
Site Plan Review/Special Permit
The board discussed how the proposed revisions are different from the current procedures . Ms. Kiley
will develop a flow chart that shows the two different processes.
Mr. Fry and Mr. Hawkes were interested in streamlining the process, possibly reviewing and approving a
site plan at one meeting .
If the public hearing is held at the first meeting, then the board can hear from neighbors and any
potential concerns at initial meeting, plus neighbors receive notice that there is a proposed project.
One concern is that if the public hearing is held at the first meeting when the PB receives a proposal, the
board has not met to discuss issues and will be discussing those issues for the first time in front of
public, which might inhibit discussions . While true, the presence of the public might keep tangential
Planning Board 2
June 19, 2012
discussions to a minimum, instead of just identifying if project complies with law. The PB does not need
to approve the project or even close the public hearing at the initial meeting. The project can be
discussed at future meetings — the board has 62 days to make a decision after the public hearing closes .
It was discussed that Ms . Kiley will make sure the board has more than a week to review the project
materials. Options were discussed for having a password protected page on the town website or mailing
out packets for bigger projects .
The procedure change might make for longer meetings . . . or might make for shorter meetings if
comments are kept to subject at hand .
Under proposed section 3 .4. 10 regarding parkland, the question was asked about who will own any
future parks . Under proposed section 3 .4. 11 Modifications, several changes were made that are
reflected in the edited document ( mostly the order was changed and a sentence was deleted ) .
The discussion on Article Ill will continue at the next Planning Board meeting .
2. Input on subdivision sketch (Pond )
Mr. and Mrs . Pond met with Ms. Kiley regarding a possible 3- lot subdivision on their property along
Trumansburg Road and Perry City Road . The approximate boundaries that the Pond's presented make
sense to the Planning Board, though it was suggested that they could try to sell it all as one parcel to see
if one landowner is interested in owning all of the land .
For next meeting:
Finish review of Draft Article III; Minutes from 5/15/12, 6/19/12
Minutes drafted by Darby Kiley. Approved July 17, 2012