HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Board Minutes - December 15, 2020Town of Danby Planning Board
Minutes of Regular Meeting
December 15, 2020
PRESENT:
Ed Bergman
Kathy Jett
Elana Maragni
Bruce Richards
Jody Scriber
Jim Rundle (Chair)
ABSENT:
Scott Davis
OTHER ATTENDEES:
Town Planner David West
Town Board Liaison Leslie Connors (Town Board member)
Recording Secretary Alyssa de Villiers
Public Ted Crane, Kevin Feeney, Katharine Hunter, Michael Nelson
This meeting was conducted virtually on the Zoom platform.
The meeting was opened at 7:04pm.
(1) CALL TO ORDER/AGENDA REVIEW
Nothing was added to the agenda.
(2) PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Ted Crane commented that at the previous meeting, for the Farbman case, the Board had expressed a
desire to do something to help the applicant. He said this bothered him because the Board was sitting in its
administrative capacity with a ministerial role of ensuring that applications are in compliance with the law.
As such, the Planning Board cannot “do” anything for anyone, it is only evaluating the information it has in
the context of the rules, regulations, and Zoning Ordinance of Danby. Over time, he said he has heard
many people express the desire to help applicants, and he understands everyone wants to be as kind as
possible and not unnecessary dictatorial, but the Board does not have a lot of discretion in the matter.
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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
Chair Rundle responded that in the case Crane referenced, the Planning Board was
considering a recommendation to the BZA regarding whether a variance should be allowed, and
that was the reason for that kind of discussion. Crane felt the comment still had no place.
(3) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Approve the November 17th minutes with edit suggested by Rundle
Moved by Rundle, seconded by Richards
The motion passed.
In favor: Bergman, Jett, Maragni, Richards, Scriber, Rundle
Chair Rundle said that, under agenda item #5, “Continue Sketch Plan Review of Proposed Minor
Subdivision,” the minutes made it unclear that “…the Planning Board would look favorably at a special
permit application” was part of his motion, which was not taken up for want of a second. He suggested
adding “as a part of the motion” to the sentence.
MOTION: Approve the November 24th minutes
Moved by Richards, seconded by Scriber
The motion passed.
In favor: Bergman, Jett, Maragni, Richards, Scriber, Rundle
(4) TOWN BOARD LIAISON REPORT
Leslie Connors (Town Board member) shared the following information:
• She acknowledged Jim Rundle’s last meeting as a member of the Planning Board and recognized
his contribution to the Town of Danby, both as a Board member and Chair. She said thank you on
behalf of the Town Board.
(5) APPROVE 2021 MEETING SCHEDULE
MOTION: Approve the proposed 2021 meeting schedule
Moved by Richards, seconded by Maragni
The motion passed.
In favor: Bergman, Jett, Maragni, Richards, Scriber
Abstain: Rundle
(6) DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
None
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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
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PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
(7) PLANNING GROUP UPDATE
Bruce Richards said the Planning Group had missed a couple meetings while changing planners. Town
Planner West said the Planning Group did meet on December 1st, his first day on the job. He said it was a
great chance to get introduced to the group and the process. They decided not to convene committees
during December and move into the next phase in the new year. During the December 1st meeting, the
group talked about what people thought was most useful so far about the group’s work and what people
wanted to see accomplished moving forward. He said there were a lot of great thoughts, and people said
they enjoyed meeting their neighbors, getting involved in the process, and that it has been very open so
that anyone can join in to participate in the future of the Town.
(8) PLANNER’S REPORT
Chair Rundle welcomed David West as the new Town Planner.
Planner West gave the following report:
• He has been working closely with Interim Planner Czamanske, who has been a valuable resource.
He is getting the office set up, jumping into open projects, and learning processes.
(8) ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
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Alyssa de Villiers – Recording Secretary