HomeMy WebLinkAboutTownBoard_Minutes_20170508Danby Town Board
Minutes of Public Hearing and Regular Meeting
May 8, 2017
Present:
Councilpersons: Ric Dietrich (Supervisor), Leslie Connors, Jim Holahan, Jack Miller
Excused:
Councilpersons: Rebecca Brenner
Others Present:
Town Clerk Pamela Goddard
Planner CJ Randall
Public Pat Woodworth, Charles Tilton, Ted Crane, Betty and Scott Dean, Garry Huddle,
Ronda Roaring, Frank Darrow, Ellen Walsh, Clare Fewtrell, Matt Ulinski
Public Hearing Opened at 7:00pm
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of Danby will hold the following Public Hearing on Monday,
MAY 8, 2017 at the Danby Town Hall, 1830 Danby Road (aka Route 96B):
7:00 p.m., to hear all comments of interested persons related to considering adoption of Town of Danby Local Law X
of 2017 “A Local Law Local Law to Amend the Zoning Ordinance Related to Solar Energy of the Town of Danby, New
York.
This Zoning for Solar Energy Law is to "advance and protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the Town of
Danby, in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan, including: 1. Taking advantage of a safe, abundant, renewable
energy resource; 2. Decreasing the cost of energy to the owners of commercial and residential properties; and 3.
Managing the safety and aesthetic issues related to installation of Solar Energy Systems."
The full text of the proposed Local Law is on file on the Town of Danby web site, townofdanbyny.org, and in the Office
of the Danby Town Clerk, located at 1830 Danby Road, and is available for review during office hours.
Public Comments
Ronda Roaring spoke against the Local Law with general comments against solar panels, which are
often made in China and shipped by fossil fuels. Roaring questioned whether solar installations are in line
with the Danby Comprehensive Plan and whether they fit in with a general idea of “rural character.”
Ellen Walsh spoke in favor of the Solar Local Law. She noted that there are increasing numbers of
panels being made in the United States, and that the technology has advanced with far less waste and
more recyclable materials.
Ted Crane spoke in favor of the local law. He had previously submitted comments, with suggested
edits to the language, to Planner Randall and Supervisor Dietrich by Email. He further stated his support
for retaining financial incentives for private installations. However, he expressed some concern regarding
the “commercialization” of property through very large installations. He urged higher fees and oversight
for commercial installations.
Matt Ulinksi spoke in favor of the local law. Ulinski suggested an edit to language related to
definitions of solar power systems, to define what is meant more specifically.
Clare Fewtrell spoke in favor of the local law.
Holahan and Dietrich thanked those in attendance for their comments and noted that these comments
will result in a revised draft of the proposed Local Law. To that end, the Public Hearing will remain open
while the revisions are made so that additional comment may be gathered.
Public Hearing To Remain Opened until June 12 Town Board Meeting
Regular Meeting Opened at 7:20pm
Privilege of the Floor
Ted Crane described concerns related to defects in the current Town of Danby Zoning Ordinance,
related to Special Permits. As the Zoning currently stands, it is next to impossible to deny a special permit
in any zone. He urged action on addressing these defects, particularly striking the sections related to
Special Permits.
Betty and Scott Dean asked about the status of South Hill Recreation Way MOU. Dietrich responded
that the process is currently “in limbo” and that there is nothing new regarding the status of the NYSEG
right of way/ownership of the old railroad bed. Randall added that the Town of Caroline is re-reviewing
legal analysis which had been done previously.
Frank Darrow noted that the Planning Board could use more training and direction regarding
authority, parameters, etc. for their deliberation and decisions. In his observations, they were not well
prepared in the recent deliberation of the Blue Sky Center for Learning. This put the PB in an awkward
and difficult position.
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Approve Town Board Minutes
MOTION—APPROVE MINUTES
Resolved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby approves the minutes of March 20 and April 10, 2017.
Moved by Dietrich, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Warrants
ABSTRACT #4 OF 2017:
There was a need for revote due to a typo resulting in a one cent error in the previous warrant for the
West Danby Water District.
WEST DANBY WATER DISTRICT
#11-13 for a total of $258.38
Moved by Connors, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
ABSTRACT #5 OF 2017:
GENERAL FUND
#179-217 for a total of $17,181.70
Moved by Connors, Second by Miller. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
HIGHWAY FUND
#80–97 for a total $37,695.96
Moved by Holahan, Second by Miller. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
WEST DANBY WATER DISTRICT
#14-15 for a total of $62.51
Moved by Connors, Second by Miller. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Increase Credit Limit and Modify Allowed Persons for Use
Clerk Goddard presented the need for an increase in the credit limit to $4,000.. There have been a
number of instances when the circa-2010 credit limit of $2,000 has been exceeded in a billing cycle,
thereby stopping any additional activity on the card until the debt is paid. Purchases include stamps,
computer equipment, registration for seminars, etc. The staff believes that an increase to $4,000 will cover
these needs.
Goddard additionally noted the need to update the names of persons allowed to use, changing Sue
Beeners to Paul Hansen, to allow a credit card to be issued for that office. The Code Office often has a
need for a second card, to cover postage for mailings etc.
RESOLUTION NO. 38 OF 2017 - INCREASE CREDIT LIMIT ON DANBY MUNICIPAL CREDIT CARD
Whereas, The Town of Danby has adopted a Credit Card policy (Resolution No. 77 of 2010); and
Whereas, the current credit limit on the Danby Municipal card is $2,000.00; and
Whereas, from time to time, required purchases exceed this limit resulting in an inability to purchase items required
for the business of the Town until the current bill is paid in full;
Now, Therefore, It Is
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby hereby authorizes an increase on the Credit Limit of the Danby
Municipal Credit Card to $4,000.00.
Moved by Connors, Second by Dietrich. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
RESOLUTION NO. 39 OF 2017 – CREDIT CARD HOLDERS
Resolved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes credit cards in the name of the Town of Danby
will be issued to these individuals: Paul Hansen, and Pamela Goddard.
Moved by Connors, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Unified Solar Permits
Randall presented information about Unified Solar Permits. According to information on the Permit
Application provided by NYS, “Municipal authorities that adopt the unified permit streamline their
process while providing consistent and thorough review of solar PV permitting applications and
installations.” The program provides submittal requirements for solar PV installations of 25kW or less, a
standardized permit application form and processes, and field inspection checklist. Planning Board review
and Fire Department approval are not required for solar PV installations of this size.
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Randall described “PILOT” (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) arrangements being negotiated between
Tompkins County Assessment and municipalities such as Dryden and commercial solar installers. Randall
reported that such PILOT arrangements are a “moving target” with many variables.
Two resolutions, to adopt the Unified Solar Permit and to update the fee schedule for solar
installations, will be voted on at the next TB meeting. The Code office is suggesting that fees for solar
installations over 25kW in size should have a base permit fee of $150 with an additional $3 per kW above
25. This fee is based on research from adjacent municipalities such as Ulysses. Fees for installations less
than 25kW will remain at Zero.
Clean Energy Communities
Randall presented information updated information regarding the process of gathering data and steps
being taken for Danby’s participation as a “Clean Energy Community.” Much of the data collection was
undertaken by a college intern. Participation includes free code training and free energy code evaluations
through NYSERDA. Adoption of the Unified Solar Permit is an included action in the Clean Energy
Community initiative. Danby’s progress on this initiative has put the town at the “head of the line” for a
“no match” project grant of up to $100,000 from NYSERDA. Randall and Hansen will be following up
with this grant application.
Planning Report
Planner Randall made a short report on activities in her office during the past month. Randall
distributed a one-page memo of various funding applications due in July related to water quality and
water infrastructure improvements. In additions there are some Climate Smart Communities program
applications which can be made, including potential land use planning funding for a Natural Resources
Inventory and for updating the municipal Comprehensive Plan.
Dietrich and Randall reported that interviews were conducted for a CAC secretary. Three residents
applied for this position. The quality of the applicant pool was very high, including basic skills with GIS.
Dietrich and Randall indicated that a decision may have been made. The applicants needed to be
contacted, prior to an appointment being made. The final candidate will assist with data entry for the
Natural Resources Inventory and other conservation related projects. The Board will need to approve a
budget amount for this secretary position.
Conservation Advisory Council - Expenditure Request
Clerk Goddard presented a request on behalf of the CAC, for an expenditure of $40 for Conservation
Easement educational material. An section of the 2010 CAC enabling resolution states that the Advisory
Council must have TB approval before spending—even for a small amount. The Board may wish to
revisit this provision in the process of budget review for the next year.
RESOLUTION NO. 40 OF 2017 – APPROVE CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL EXPENSE
Resolved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Conservation Advisory Council to expend
$40 on a promotional and informational rack card.
Moved by Connors, Second by Miller. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
West Danby Water District Report
Tod Sukontarak report on water resources/quality program:
“The West Danby Water District put on a smoked pork dinner and water talk on April 22, 2017 as a
way to address our responsibility of public outreach and customer education on water issues. Our
commissioners, Marrell Cortright, Skip Fairchild, Anna Finley, Carl Seamon and I as well as our
bookkeeper Marge Seamon were all in favor of the idea and contributed to its planning.
The original idea was a result of a meeting organized by my wife Sarah McNaull of people who
participated in the post presidential inauguration Women’s March. There were 16 people at that meeting
and a consensus was determined that a non-political action aimed at gathering people from our
community around a topic of concern to us all and presented in an apolitical way would be something to
help, in a very small way, bridge the divide that exists between so many of our neighbors. At the meeting
it was decided that issues related to water would be ideal and that idea dovetailed well with the Water
District and a portion of their mission to inform their customers of water quality issues.
The event had 63 people in attendance and raised $186 in excess of cost to be donated to Danby Food
Pantry. We had three volunteer speakers who covered topics of the watershed in general, as well as
ground and surface water. They were Hilary Lambert of the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network, Steve
Penningroth of the Community Science Institute, and Todd Miller retired from the U.S. Geological
Survey.
Advertising for the event was focused mostly on our customers who were sent postcard invitations
through the postal service. Peter Fraissinet, one of our customers, did the informative and beautiful design
and printing of this gratis and on a schedule.
Among others who should be recognized and thanked are the West Danby Fire Department for
allowing us use of their facilities for food prep and service as well as the room for the presentation. We
were also very fortunate to have had the services of a group of volunteers to plan, cook, decorate, setup
and cleanup. Among them were Bill Mudra, Nikki Nease, Bill Mann, Anna Finley and Branden Thorpe.
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Based on the response I’ve received, I think the event was a real success in terms greater than the
tangible donation to the food bank and number of people in attendance. There have been several people
asking for more of these sorts of events.”
Justices’ Report
A Justices’ Report from Justice Huddle was circulated among the Board.
Town Clerk’s Report
Clerk Goddard reported April activity: $1,902.85 was received with $64 disbursed to the NYS animal
population control program, $70.86 to NYS DEC for fishing licenses, and $1,767.99 disbursed to the
Town Supervisor. This reflects one Planning Fee, 40 dog licenses, and seven building permits.
Youth Program Manager Update
Dietrich reported that he has nothing new to report and that the situation is still unresolved. He called
on Ted Crane to provide more information. Crane reported that the DCC wants to move ahead with a full
time person. It is hoped that an interview process will begin soon for a full-time position beginning in the
Fall. It is hoped that the same person would be able to take on half-time responsibilities during the
summer. All of this is contingent on a grant award, and approval by the Town of Newfield. !!!!!!!!
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm. !!!!!
______________________________________
Pamela Goddard, Town Clerk
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