The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutTownBoard_Minutes_20170814Danby Town Board  Minutes of Regular Meeting  August 14, 2017 Present: Councilpersons: Ric Dietrich (Supervisor), Jim Holahan, Jack Miller Excused: Councilpersons: Rebecca Brenner, Leslie Connors Others Present: Deputy Town Clerk Susan McLellan Bookkeeper Laura Shawley Code and Planning Paul Hansen Public Ted Crane, Ronda Roaring, Katharine Hunter, Scott Davis, Alison Christie, Mary Grace O’Connor, Peter Fraissinet, Garry Huddle, John Van de Mark, and others Regular Meeting Opened at 7:08pm Privilege of the Floor Ronda Roaring spoke about her concern that State Troopers do not have cameras for incident documentation. Ted Crane asked to be able to speak during one of the discussion items. Hatch Pavilion/West Danby Property Discussion Dietrich noted that any request will need to go to the full Board. No action or decision was taken at this time, as two Town Board members were not present. Dietrich further encouraged members of the West Danby Community Association to attend the upcoming Planning Board meeting the following Thursday. He further noted that information has been presented to the Town Planner that a signed purchase agreement has been submitted and accepted by the current property owner. Alison Christie made a presentation about the West Danby Community Association hopes to purchase the Hatch Pavilion property as a community park. Christie stated that there were currently $2,500 in community pledges toward the purchase of the property. She had a petition with many signatures in support of this parcel becoming a public park. Christie stated that many of the petition signers are interested in contributing funds to a community park at the Hatch pavilion. The presentation included a request that the Town Board consider contributing funds towards the purchase of this property. Dietrich commented on that process, stating that it might be too late to stop the process of sale. An offer has been presented to the seller, and an agreement has been made. Plans for a pocket neighborhood have been drawn up and will be presented to the Planning Board. This proposal was shared with members of the West Danby Community Center. Christie stated that she had been unaware of this development prior to this meeting. There was some discussion regarding prior communication regarding the Hatch pavilion property. Hansen commented that the owner and purchaser have moved quickly in the past two-three weeks. There was further discussion about the current status of the property, whether it was possible to negotiate with the developer, and what the next steps might be. Dietrich again urged members of the West Danby Community Association to attend the Planning Board meeting scheduled for later in the week. Ted Crane commented that while TB has very little official input to the process, the way the zoning rules, passed by the TB, are written it would be very hard to say, “No,” to this project; instead, this type of development (although not the location) is actually encouraged by the rules. He hoped that the Town Supervisor could get involved as an intermediary, as has worked successfully in the past with other neighborhood issues. Code Report - Various Updates Paul Hansen made a report on various projects.. Progress is being on the solar array installation on the Highway Department property. The goal of the system being online in late August or in September. Dietrich reported that discussions are underway to clarify and confirm the utility billing for this system. Dietrich provided information regarding the “shared services” LED street light project. General information was shared, as specific details will need to be agreed upon as the project progresses. Dietrich made a short report about Emergency Response services in Danby. Statistically, there are fewer fire and more emergency calls. Currently, there is a regional a problem in not having enough trained EMT responders. Dietrich is investigating ways in which the Town Government and Fire District may be able to work together to solve the problem. Hansen made an update on the bid process for Town Hall renovation project/handicap access entrance. The proposed remodel of the front entrance (facing Rt. 96B) has been redesigned to be less expensive and a more basic accessible entrance. Town Board_Minutes_20170814 • Wednesday, August 23, 2017 Page ! of !1 2 Justices Reports Reports from the Town Justices were circulated among the Board. Justice Huddle had no further details. Dietrich informed Justice Huddle that the Town Board has made a request for further traffic calming measures for the section of Route 96B through the central Danby hamlet. A decision from the NYS Dept. of Transportation is not expected soon. Warrants ABSTRACT #8 OF 2017: GENERAL FUND #310-359 for a total of $29,895.67 Moved by Holahan, Second by Miller. The motion passed.  In Favor: Holahan, Miller, Dietrich HIGHWAY FUND #143-170 for a total $44,788.21 Moved by Miller, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.  In Favor: Holahan, Miller, Dietrich WEST DANBY WATER DISTRICT #29-33 for a total of $945.36 Moved by Miller, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.  In Favor: Holahan, Miller, Dietrich Minutes The Board opted to approve minutes at the next TB meeting. Jack Miller left at 7:57pm Resident Concerns John Van de Mark expressed concern about three issues: the process for variance requests through the Board of Zoning Appeals/Planning Board, code violations related to houses which are falling down, and the condition of Danby’s roads. He was directed to bring these concerns to the Code Enforcement Officer and to the Highway Superintendent for further discussion and clarification. !!!! Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm. !!!!!! ______________________________________ Susan McLellan, Deputy Town Clerk Town Board_Minutes_20170814 • Wednesday, August 23, 2017 Page ! of !2 2