HomeMy WebLinkAboutTownBoard_Minutes_20190524Danby Town Board
Minutes of Special Meeting
May 24, 2019, 4:30pm, Danby Town Hall
Present:
Councilpersons: Leslie Connors, Ric Dietrich (Supervisor), Jim Holahan, Matt Ulinski
Not Present:
Councilperson: Jack Miller
Others Present:
Town Clerk Pamela Goddard
Sheriff Derek Osborne,
Public Ted Crane, Ronda Roaring
Meeting Opened at 4:30 pm
No Actions were taken at this meeting.
Speed Limit Enforcement
Supervisor Dietrich opened a discussion regarding speed limit enforcement. There are several
concerns on side roads in Danby. Dietrich would prefer that the passing zone on southbound Route 96B,
where the speed limit reduces to 40MPH, be eliminated. He noted that the intersection at that location,
with East/West Miller Road, is particularly dangerous, and wondered whether the Sheriff’s office may be
able to help with negotiations between the Town and the NYS DoT. Osborne would be willing to pull
accident statistics and other records to give weight to letters of support for lower speed limits.
Sheriff Osborne expressed his support for enforcing speed limits on Town roads. He noted that Danby
Road has been a bad road for speeding, and that speeding problems are increasing across the County.
Staffing has been a problem. The Sheriff is advocating for an increase in County funding to allow
additional traffic detail overtime, especially during the summer.
Board members noted that speeding on side roads (used as shortcuts or by drivers following GPS
directions) is increasing. Information, related to specific days and times when speeding takes place, would
be very helpful. This information can be gathered by anyone from neighbors and other residents. Pictures
and license plate information will help with investigation, but citations will only be issued when an
officer witnesses an infraction.
There was a preliminary discussion regarding potential “traffic calming measures.” The sheriff was
not aware of particular measures. He did recommend the use of electronic Your Speed Is… signs, stating
that these have been shown to reduce speed in drivers.
Target Shoot & Pistol Permits
Dietrich asked whether there are limits to the amount of target practice that can be done on private
property and whether a “line is crossed” if there is frequent shooting at all hours? No specific guidelines
regarding target shooting limits were given. The Sheriff noted that there is a law that shooting must be at
least 500 feed in distance from a residence, but this does not relate to the shooter’s own residence.
Osborne raised the potential of a noise ordinance as an enforcement tool.
In a related matter, Dietrich asked whether the Sheriff had any information about the renewal of pistol
permits? He had received several questions about pistol permit renewals in recent weeks. Sheriff Osborne
had no information regarding this. Renewals are done through the State.
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Enforcement of Road Use Law during Timber Harvest
There was discussion regarding the question of enforcement of road closures and weight limits on
roads, related to heavy truck traffic and particularly related to timber harvest on dirt roads. State police
are better equipped to enforce weight limits on commercial trucks. The Sheriff’s office and State Police
will be working together on a commercial vehicle enforcement detail in five locations across the County.
Non-permitted road use could be enforced by the Sheriff, in example for road closures.
Active Shooter Training
There was a brief discussion of a recent situation with a potential active shooter. The Sheriff stated
that training is available through his office. A representative from the Sheriff’s office will contact the
Town Clerk to set a time for training.
Neighborhood Watch Training
There was a brief discussion regarding how to set up a Neighborhood Watch. Sheriff Osborne
supports these programs and would be very willing to help set this up in various neighborhoods. Osborne
is of the opinion that “Neighborhood Watch” signs help reduce burglaries in those areas. Dietrich will
send contact information to the Sheriff’s office.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:15 pm. !!!!!!
______________________________________
Pamela Goddard, Town Clerk
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