HomeMy WebLinkAboutTownBoard_Minutes_20170515Danby Town Board
Minutes of Regular Meeting
May 15, 2017
Present:
Councilpersons: Ric Dietrich (Supervisor), Rebecca Brenner, Leslie Connors, Jim Holahan, Jack
Miller
Others Present:
Town Clerk Pamela Goddard
Code Officer Paul Hansen
Public Sarah Leon, Duncan McAllister, Pat Woodworth, Charles Tilton, Ted Crane,
Ronda Roaring, Katharine Hunter, Scott Davis, Matt Ulinski
Regular Meeting Opened at 7:06pm
Privilege of the Floor
Ted Crane spoke about upcoming programs through the Danby Community Council. He also inquired
whether there was any update to questions that had been asked, several meetings ago, about Community
Choice Aggregation.
Scott Davis made a favorable report on Community Council programs that had been held the previous
weekend. He also volunteered to repaint the gazebo/band stand next to the Town Hall. If the Town
purchases the paint, Davis will do the work as a volunteer.
Ronda Roaring made a report and request regarding snowmobile trails in the Danby State Forest.
These had been applied for, many years ago, by a Spencer-Van Etten snowmobile club and were supposed
to be maintained by that club. It is not clear whether the club still exists and whether anyone is
maintaining those trails. If the trails are not being maintained, Roaring suggested that they be abandoned.
She asked the Supervisor to invite someone from the snowmobile club to attend a Town Board meeting
and make a report. Dietrich asked for Roaring’s assistance in finding contact information for this group.
Holahan replied briefly to some of questions previously asked about Community Energy Choice
Aggregation. Much of the program is still in the planning/consideration stage, including whether to have a
program manager. The planning committee intends to undertake out reach and public education in various
ways. Local municipal involvement in CCA is passed by a local law, not by voter referendum. Later in the
meeting Holahan answered another question, and a further question, about the ability of customers to
enter and leave the program, was remembered.
Unified Solar Permit
The Board considered two resolutions prepared by Planner CJ Randall. Brenner asked whether there
were any negative consequences to this action? There seemed to be none. Dietrich noted that this process
opens the door for other opportunities. In fact, the Town will be awarded $2,500 from NYSERDA as an
incentive for adopting the Unified Solar Permit process.
RESOLUTION NO. 41 OF 2017 - ADOPTION OF THE NEW YORK STATE UNIFIED SOLAR PERMIT
Whereas, New York State has developed a unified solar energy permitting process designed to streamline municipal
permitting which will reduce costs for solar projects and support the growth of clean energy jobs across the state, and
Whereas, the Town wishes to enable streamlined permitting of residential and commercial solar energy systems
under 25 kW;
Now Therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby adopts the New York State Unified Solar Permit; and it is
Further Resolved, that the Town Board authorizes the Code Enforcement Office to complete the grant application to
receive the Streamlined Permitting PV incentive award of $2,500 from the New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority for the adoption of the United Solar Permit Application.
Moved by Brenner, Second by Connors. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Crane noted a loophole in the wording of the second resolution, that systems of exactly 25 kW would
not be covered by this resolution. This was addressed with a change to the language of the resolution.
There was a discussion regarding the appropriate fee per kW for large, commercial solar installations.
The Board asked how the fee of $3 per kW was determined. Hansen reported that this number was
reached after research of other municipality’s fees. There was a suggestion that the fee be higher, as these
small fees are just a part of doing business for commercial installers, but can produce significant income
for the Town. Holahan suggested that the fee be raised to $5 per kW. Hansen confirmed that there is not a
significant difference between $3 per additional kW or $5 per additional kW. The Board opted for the
higher fee.
Town Board_Minutes_20170515 • Tuesday, May 23, 2017 Page ! of !1 3
RESOLUTION NO. 42 OF 2017 – ESTABLISHING FEES FOR SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
Whereas, the Town Board of the Town of Danby by Resolution No. 72 of 1991, amended by Resolution No. 18 of
2009 and Resolution No. 54 of 2010, has established fees for permits, review, and other matters related to
administration and enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the Zoning
Ordinance of the Town of Danby; and
Whereas, the Town wishes to update such fees in conjunction with the adoption of the New York State Unified Solar
Permit to enable streamlined permitting of solar photovoltaic systems under 25 kW;
Now Therefore, be it
Resolved, that the fees set forth below shall supersede any other fees established by any prior resolutions of this
Board for the activities described herein; and it is
Further Resolved, that the fees set forth below shall take effect immediately; and it is
Further Resolved, that fees for the items set forth below be calculated as follows:
Residential and commercial solar energy systems with capacity design level under 25 kW: no fee Residential and
commercial solar energy systems with capacity design level 25 kW and over: $150 plus $5 per kW thereafter.
Moved by Brenner, Second by Connors. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Legislator’s Report
Legislator Klein reported to the Town Board on several items. Three properties in Danby have gone
into the County’s foreclosure process, as the property owners are three years in debt for back taxes. Two
are on Danby Road and the third on West Miller Road. The property owners have until May 31 to redeem
their property by making a payment on taxes. Should this not happen, they will go to auction in mid-June.
The County has received an application for a 1.7 acre parcel on Brown Road to be added to an
Agricultural District. A Public Hearing on this addition was to be held on May 16 during a Legislature
meeting. Klein did not know the exact address of this property, nor what the property would be used for.
County Highway road work projects will be undertaken on Brown Road, Station Road (culvert
replacement), West Miller Road (in the area of the bridge), and five miles of South Danby Road.
Klein reported that centralized arraignment plan will not be pursued as a measure for County shared
services. The court system will continue with local arraignments in each municipality.
CAC Secretary Funding
Clerk Goddard presented the request on behalf of Planner Randall. Supervisor Dietrich spoke to the
need to create a funding line for the Conservation Advisory Council Secretary. There was a discussion and
clarification of the of hours to be worked. Dieteich confirmed that this position would work up to 20
hours per month on projects such as the Natural Resources Inventory, in addition to attending CAC
meetings and preparing minutes. Bookkeeper Shawley provided information of how will be paid. This
will be an hourly position with a time sheet, in the same fashion as is done for hourly support staff such as
the Planning Board/BZA secretary.
RESOLUTION NO. 43 OF 2017 – APPROVE CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL SECRETARY BUDGET LINE
Resolved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes a spending line for the Conservation Advisory
Council Secretary, of $3,500.00, to be paid from budget line A810.400 (general support) under Planning and Code
Enforcement.
Moved by Brenner, Second by Miller. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Pond Program Staffing Titles
Bookkeeper Shawley presented a draft resolution, addressing the need to change the title of one of the
support staff for the Jenning Pond recreation program. Both of these positions are to be a Civil Service
positions.
RESOLUTION NO. 44 OF 2017 – APPROVE THE POSITION OF RECREATION ASSISTANT FOR JENNNINGS POND
PROGRAM
Whereas, the Jennings Pond program currently has two positions called Recreations Supervisor because the tasks
are such that it takes two people to complete all that is needed to run the program; and
Whereas, the pond programs would be better served to change one of these titles from Recreations Supervisor to
Recreation Assistant to allow for more flexibility of candidates required by job descriptions through Civil Service, and
Whereas, the quantity of work required from both of these positions is equal so the Recreation Supervisor feels that
the current split of the pond stipend as an even match is still warranted despite the difference in job title;
Now Therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Town Board approves the positions of Recreation Assistant be added to the pond program for a
stipend of $800.00.
Moved by Holahan, Second by Connors. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Town Board_Minutes_20170515 • Tuesday, May 23, 2017 Page ! of !2 3
County Shared Service - Update
Dietrich reported that discussions are continuing related to devising new programs for shared
services, as cost savings measures, between various municipalities and Tompkins County. Focus seems to
be on potential shared services, with cost savings, through Highway Departments. Dietrich will continue
to attend meetings and work with the County on this initiative. Further reports will be presented at
upcoming TB meetings.
Town Hall Access Remodel Proposal
Hansen presented information regarding a proposed alteration to the Town Hall. This is for the
purpose of improving accessibility. The current handicap access ramp is too steep to meet code
requirements. The proposal is to create a new accessible entrance in the front of the building facing the
mail road. This entrance is already level and would not need ramps.
In addition, the sidewalk paving and curbs along the side of the building have deteriorated. If the
handicapped access is via the front of the building, the sidewalks can be removed; Hansen proposed that
this area be redesigned as a garden and sitting area with plantings and a bench.
Hansen distributed draft sketches of the possible appearance the new entrance with one central double
door. The two existing doors will be removed. Storage areas will be designed on either side of the central
entrance. A parking space meeting access code will be installed in the area near the Civil War monument.
There was an extensive discussion, with questions from the Board. Is there any concern regarding
Historic Preservation? No. The draft drawing shows two stairways to the balcony storage area, would it
be possible to have just one thereby creating a larger storage area on the ground floor? Yes. There was
interest in making any improvements in the style of the original building, or to match historic elements in
the building, as much as possible. This should be achievable.
Hansen described three phases of the Town Hall entrance renovation project:
•Phase 1 - remove the old concrete sidewalk. Create a new handicap access entrance in the front (road
side) of the Town Hall Building.
•Phase 2 - Redesign and install a garden and patio area where the old sidewalk was. Repair stone curbing
that is a potential tripping hazard.
•Phase 3 - Redesign plantings, sidewalk, and entrance at the side Court entrance of the building. The
current “Main Entrance” stairs and ramp will remain.
The Board made a request for budget numbers, particularly an estimate of cost for the first phase of
the work. Hansen said that the cost of a simple change—extending the existing ramp to meet code and
repairing railings, etc.—was priced out at $30,000. Preliminary estimates for all three phases of proposed
changes, for two different designs of renovation, are in the range of $10,000 - $30,000. Hansen will work
on a more detailed estimate for Phase #1 of the project, to be presented at the next TB meeting. Hansen
reported that the Town has received $2,500 from a Beautification Grant and that there is $9,000 for
entrance repairs from the Court Grant. The remaining funds needed for this work will come from the
Building Reserve. The $9,000 from the Court Grant needs to be spent by the end of August.
Code Report
Code Officer Hansen reported on various activities. The solar array installation at the Highway
Department property on Hornbrook Road had stalled, pending the identification of a new set of investors
backing the project. SunVestment, the third group of investors involved with this project, seem to be on
board and the installation should finally be moving forward.
Contacting residents about code violations—eight letters have gone out. The Hornbrook Road
violation is going to Court again. Hansen reported that this will be a “test” to see whether the new zoning
law regarding code violation fines holds up.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm. !!!
______________________________________
Pamela Goddard, Town Clerk
Town Board_Minutes_20170515 • Tuesday, May 23, 2017 Page ! of !3 3