HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010_0908_Planning Board Minutes.pdf
Minutes
for
Village of Cayuga Heights
Planning Board Meeting #13
Held on
September 8, 2010
The meeting of the Village of Cayuga Heights Planning Board was called to order at
7:05 PM.
Board Members Present: Chair Martin Harms, Graham Gillespie, Frederick Cowett,
Mark Morris, and Alternate Member, Sean Cunningham
Board Secretary: Mary Jane Neff
Guests: George Frantz, Consultant
On a motion by Morris, seconded by Cowett the following was passed by the
three members present:
RESOLUTION NO. 44
AUTHORIZING ALTERNATE MEMBER TO VOTE AT TONIGHT’S MEEING
RESOLVE, that the Alternate member, Sean Cunningham,
is hereby authorized to vote at tonight’s meeting.
On a motion by Morris, seconded by Cowett the following was unanimously passed:
RESOLUTION NO. 42
APPROVING MINUTES OF August 10, 2010
RESOLVE, that the minutes of August 10, 2010 meeting are
hereby approved.
There being no members of the public present, the Board continued to their
discussion on the draft “Goals and Objectives” that Mr. Frantz had prepared for the
Board prior to last meeting and to review the members recommendations.
Member Cowett started the discussion by explaining his recommendations for the
transportation section of the draft “Goals and Objectives”. He suggested that this section
should not only promote safe vehicle traffic, it should also encourage more sidewalks and
bicycle lanes. Attached is a draft of his recommendations.
Member Morris next explained his proposed changes to the “Community
Character” section and the “Housing” section of the draft “Goals and Objectives.” Chair
Harms also worked on the “Housing” section and presented his revisions which were
similar to Morris’s suggestions. Chair Harms also reviewed the other documents that he
had e-mailed to the Board prior to tonight’s meeting. The Board discussed possible ways
that the Village can promote, encourage and educate residents to develop and use energy
efficiently in existing housing. They also discussed ways of promoting green, sustainable
projects within the Village.
Member Cunningham explained his suggestions for addressing the “Economy”
section of the draft “Goals and Objectives.” He focused on the Community Corners’ area
as the important component to the Village’s economy. Without businesses and services
that will provide and draw people to the area, there is not much else that will affect the
economy of the Village. The members discussed taking into account in this section the
live/work in home residents; does and should the Village’s comprehensive plan include
the support and encouragement for those types of businesses in “Economy” section of the
plan. They also discussed the taxation issue and tax relief options. They concurred that
signage was an issue for the businesses located at the Corners and for prospective
businesses in the Corner’s area. They all agreed that the “Economy” section will be the
most difficult for them.
Member Gillespie reviewed his recommendations on the “Public Services and
Utilities” section of the draft “Goals and Objectives” with the members. They concurred
that more investigation should be conducted with Superintendent Cross on the capacity of
the wastewater treatment plant and the availability of utility maps. He also commented
that this section may also include the importance of volunteer firefighters to the
community. The Board also discussed lighting issues within the Village and possible
ways of regulating the placing of lights.
Member Cowett reviewed his proposed changes to the “Ecology and Scenic”
section of the draft “Goals and Objectives.” From his observations, much of the
Village’s original scenic views no longer exist because of the growth of trees, but that
there are a few areas such as Sunset Park where they still exist. He also spoke to the
creation of a new tree ordinance and street tree management plan that would build upon
the street tree inventory completed in 2009.
Although Consultant Frantz had commented during the discussion, Chair Harms
asked if he had enough input from the Board so that a revised draft of the “Goals and
Objectives” could be available for their October meeting. Upon review of the meeting
date, Consultant Frantz and several members will not be available on the 13th of October
for the meeting. The consensus of the Board was to reschedule the meeting for October
20th and requested the secretary to so advertise.
The last item on the agenda was the charrette. Chair Harms stated that he had
written an article for the upcoming “Village Courier” which he had e-mailed to the
members for review. He also reaffirmed the Board’s decision to postpone the charrette
until spring of 2011. Secretary Neff asked if he still planned on attending the Board of
Trustees’ meeting on Monday, September 13, 2010. Chair Harms stated that he did not
think that it was necessary at this time, but that the Board will want to once the dates are
established.
Chair Harms also asked the Board to review the SDAT as a possible funding
option for the charrette. Member Morris also offered another grant source option that he
will get more information on and convey to the Board. Member Gillespie stated that he
would review both funding options with the Steering Committee for their input.
On a motion by Cowett, seconded by Morris and with all members voting aye the
following was passed:
RESOLUTION NO. 46
ADJOURNING MEETING
RESOLVE, that this meeting was adjourned at 10:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Neff
Planning Board Secretary