The Town of Hartwick Planning Board
Meeting Minutes
March 4, 2008
Pledge of Allegiance observed. Meeting called to order at 7 p.m.
Minutes of Last Meeting - A. Ford made a motion to accept the minutes as written with noted corrections. V. Rozella seconded. Votes - all ayes.
Correspondence - Wayne Bunn has announced his semi retirement from engineering. The Planning Board will await the Town Board decision to appoint a new engineer.
Public Comment - none.
A. Ford commented that the Citizens Bank light is on until 10 p.m. N. McManus stated that the light timers are probably not set to daylight savings time.
Real Property Changes -
Carius - Hal Carius is withdrawing his previous site plan application. Z. Hart returned check. H. Carius explained the new line for a simple split. New lots to be 25 +/- and 200 +/- acres. A. Ford asked if the new line has been surveyed. Carius answered no. PB Members discussed the road to be on one or the other parcel. The road is not to be a separate parcel. V. Rozella made a motion to approve the simple split application as submitted pending survey, to split parcel Tax Map # 129.00-1-39.241 into one parcel of approximately 25 +/- acres and one parcel approximately 200 +/- acres. A. Thomas seconded. Vote - all ayes.
Craig - Michael and Jill Craig submitted a sign application and preliminary site plan application. A. Ford asked about x-ray and wheelchair patients. G. Horth asked if septic is considered adequate by codes. Craig's answered their engineer has spoken with codes to make sure it's compliant. The chiropractic practice has less hazardous waste than the family home. A. Thomas made a motion not to place this project as submitted through site plan review. Z. Hart to send letter for bank loan use. Check returned for site plan application fee. In regards to the sign, A. Ford asked if it needs to be lit. V. Rozella stated definitely. J. McManus recommended low lumen cut-off lights. A. Ford asked if the sign will be made of wood. Craig's answered no, made of NGO (medium density fiberboard) board and well within height requirements. V. Rozella made a motion to approve as submitted. T. Schlesier seconded. Vote - all ayes.
Development Projects -
Niedzialkowski - The ten cabin rentals will each be 24 by 24 ft with a 4 ft porch, stick built, shingle roof, porch lighting and located near new pond. Pond is in line with existing creek. The U.S. Army Corp Eng. has made a site visit. There are some outstanding issues including an archeological hit on the U.S. Army Corp Eng. map within 100 ft of the proposed project site. The testing of the archeology site is scheduled for spring. J. McManus stated they do not expect a problem as the property has been used in agriculture previously. The biologist is scheduled to conduct the bog turtle study in May for the duration of one month. They expect to have the final water and waste water designs in June after the studies are complete. John Niedzialkowski state the new pond is pivotal to the project, and they need the okay from the studies to move ahead with the project. They understand the application is not complete. V. Rozella asked for clarification of location of entry to property. PB Members agreed the application is not complete. The Niedzialkowski's will return after the studies are complete.
Mangano - Nick Mangano has verbally requested to withdraw their site plan application for the four campsite rentals. They have decided to take a different route. Z. Hart has requested Supervisor Ryan to return the $1,000. in the escrow account for this project. Z. Hart has mailed the check. Mangano's will return when new plans are complete.
Public Comment - none.
Revision Work -
Sign Law - G. Horth stated that content of signs should not be regulated. J. Breiten has suggested the PB review types of problems when implementing the sign ordinance. We can start the process with concerns, especially procedure problems. A. Thomas stated are trucks, hay wagons and canvas taped to plywood to be considered signs. J. Breiten joined the meeting and stated she will be willing to work with the PB to make suggested changes to organize and format the sign ordinance. A. Thomas suggested the PB wait for the planning commission to revise the comprehensive plan that will include the different types of signs wanted in the different areas of the town. For example the signs desired for Main Street may be different than the signs wanted for Route 28. An historic district may define an area where specific signs can be addressed. K. Hotaling stated that there are several attributes of the signs that can be regulated: ie: inches off the ground, type of lighting - 60 watt on each side, borders and trim and soft tone neutral colors. N. McManus suggested a committee to research the attributes. Members agreed to send comments to G. Horth, who will forward to J. Breiten. PB Members also agreed to have attorney Lynn Green move forward with the current request for sign ordinance changes.
Pat Ryan extended an invitation to the PB to attend the Town Board meeting on Monday.
A. Ford made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m. T. Schlesier seconded. Vote - all ayes.
