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Home My WebLink About2004-01-15 TGPB OWN OF ROTON LANNING OARD Minutes of Regular Meeting - Thursday, 15 January 2004 – 7:30 PM – Town Hall Members, Groton Planning BoardOthers Present (*Absent) Monica Carey, Chair Joan Fitch, Recording Secretary Barbara Clark Glenn Morey, Town Supervisor Tom Guihan *Mark Baxendell Brad Albro Mary K. Gloster *Janice Haines Applicants & Public in Attendance Jim Bucko, Applicant; Cara Hoffman, Cortland Standard Reporter The meeting was called order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairperson Monica Carey. James D. Bucko, Applicant/RO – 525 LaFayette Road – TM #28-1-15.18 – Preliminary Discussion of Proposed Training Center Chairperson Carey recognized the applicant who distributed a packet to everyone regarding his proposed year-round Hawk’s Way Training Center. The handout was very complete and explained his proposal. Mr. Bucko stated that he was an independent consultant working part-time doing leadership and team building classes for a variety of customers. He stated that instead of utilizing a variety of conference rooms, etc., for meeting places for his classes, he wishes to construct a training facility at this location. Classes normally run from 8 a.m. to 4 or 4:30 p.m. He explained the site plan map contained in his presentation booklet, showing how he planned to layout the 10.9± acre site. Mr. Bucko plans to construct six structures, including two self-contained toilet facilities. There would also be a small “challenge course” consisting of from five to 10 “low elements.” Included in his booklet were class listing, photos of proposed buildings, toilet facility brochure, solar power unit, and the challenge course information. Each of these items was explained in detail to the Board by Mr. Bucko. Any required electrical power would be solar. Classes consist of from 10 to 24. Water would be brought in for daily use only. There would also be a woodstove to provide a heat source for the 30’ diameter insulated “Yurt” building. Mr. Bucko stated that he had contacted each of his adjacent neighbors and advised them of his plans; they asked many questions, and were all in favor of and very supportive of the proposed project. The 30-foot diameter “Tipi” was not a fixed structure and would be utilized on a seasonal basis, near the existing pond. The applicant said that he was currently talking with Country Suits & Inns on NYS Route 281 in Cortland to put together brochures for conferences he has planned for February and March. Chair Carey advised the applicant that he needed to complete an application, a copy of which is available from the Clerk’s Office, and provide the Board with those things required for a Site Plan, especially planned parking area(s). She also thought he should consider some sort of lighting in the area. Mr. Bucko responded that he would not be doing everything during daylight. Member Guihan asked about providing food for the students, and the applicant responded that this would be worked out with local caterers for breakfast and mid-morning snack. Lunch would be the responsibility of the student (either “brown bag” or at a local restaurant), with an afternoon stack Page 1 of 4 (T) Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearing & Regular Meeting 15 January 2004 provided by a caterer. In response to Chair Carey’s question about the bathroom facilities, Mr. Bucko stated that he had already addressed this with the Health Department and the proposed system, as included in the booklet, met all the requirements. Chair Carey advised the applicant that the Board would probably hold a Public Hearing once his application was complete. She reviewed a copy of the Site Plan Checklist with him that he would receive when he obtained the Site Plan Application. Member Guihan advised Mr. Bucko to check with George Senter, Code Enforcement Officer, regarding sign requirements. No Action Required. Setting of Planning Board Monthly Meeting Date & Time A motion was made by Chair Carey to set the regular monthly meeting of the Planning Board as the third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Member Mary Gloster, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chair Carey Nays: None Member Albro Member Clark Member Gloster Absent: Member Baxendell Member Guihan Member Haines Motion carried. This becomes Action #1 of 2004. Selection of Planning Board Chair A motion was made by Member Brad Albro to have Monica Carey serve as the Planning Board Chairperson. The motion was seconded by Member Gloster, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chair Carey Nays: None Member Albro Member Clark Member Gloster Absent: Member Baxendell Member Guihan Member Haines Motion carried. This becomes Action #2 of 2004. Selection of Planning Board Vice-Chair A motion was made by Chair Carey to have Mary Gloster serve as the Planning Board’s Vice-Chair. The motion was seconded by Member Barbara Clark, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chair Carey Nays: None Member Albro Member Clark Member Gloster Absent: Member Baxendell Member Guihan Member Haines Motion carried. This becomes Action #3 of 2004. Page 2 of 4 (T) Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearing & Regular Meeting 15 January 2004 Approval of Minutes – 20 November 2003 A motion was made by Member Guihan to approve the Minutes of the 20 November 2003 meeting, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Member Clark, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chair Carey Nays: None Member Albro Member Clark Member Gloster Absent: Member Baxendell Member Guihan Member Haines Motion carried. This becomes Action #4 of 2004. Other Business Town Supervisor Morey congratulated Chair Carey and Vice-Chair Gloster on their election. He thanked the Board for the service they perform for the Town, and announced that their per meeting stipend for Board members is $30, and the Chairperson, $35. Also, he reminded those Board members who had not taken their oath to please come into the Clerk’s Office and do so. Vernon Leubner, Applicant/Glenn Stevens, RO – 451 Cobb Street – TM #24-1-13.1 – Proposed Specialty Auto Parts Business Chair Carey acknowledged that the applicant was not present. The Board members did a cursory review of the application and felt it was incomplete because (1) the drawing “does not tell us what that blob is,” there were no dimensions/measurements given, and a description of what his proposed business was was not clear. Will he be taking parts off automobiles? Will there be vehicles sitting around? The owner, Glenn Stevens, provided a letter dated 25 July 2003, giving the applicant permission “to sign for building permits for my property at 451 Cobb Street . . . for the period between July 25, 2003 and July 25, 2004.” Member Gloster asked if this meant he would only allow this business on his property for that period of time? Chair Carey stated the Board should be provided with a new letter which made the matter more clear. They also thought that it would be advantageous to have the landowner present, as well as the applicant. A motion was made by Member Tom Guihan to postpone any action on this matter until the 19 February 2004 meeting to allow the applicant/representative to be present. The motion was seconded by Member Albro, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chair Carey Nays: None Member Albro Member Clark Member Gloster Absent: Member Baxendell Member Guihan Member Haines Motion carried. This becomes Action #5 of 2004. Adjournment At 8:05 p.m., a motion was made by Member Albro to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Member Guihan, with every member present voting in favor. Page 3 of 4 (T) Groton Planning Board Minutes of Public Hearing & Regular Meeting 15 January 2004 Joan E. Fitch, Board Secretary Emailed to Town Clerk, Chair Carey, & Board Members Gloster & Albro on 1/13/03. Originals mailed. Page 4 of 4