Town of Hartwick Planning Board
July 1, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Call to order 7 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance.
Attendance:
Board Members: F. Thering, V. Rozella, G. Horth, A. Ford, P. Ingalls, A. Thomas. Others: N. McManus, Z. Hart.
Minutes of Last Meeting:
A. Thomas made a motion to approve the minutes as written. P. Ingalls seconded. Motion carried.
Correspondence: There being none.
Public Comment:
Anita Briggs stated she likes the traffic light and how it has improved traffic flow.
Tony Gambino stated that he and others have witnessed the bus stopped at the red or green light, regardless of the traffic backed up behind them, to let off workers at the Dreams Park. At least two vehicles have tried to turn into Brockman's milk cans. Gambino also stated that NYS DOT staff have been out to the site and witnessed the problems with the length of the turning lane and the dangerous southbound turn into the Reiss property.
Enforcement Officer Report:
The written report is on file along with a copy of the letter written to John Miller regarding the banners.
Brockman's Sign:
Z. Hart reported to the Board that she had received a phone call from Dennis Brockman regarding the sign for his antique business on Route 28. After the changes were made to the road to accommodate the traffic light, the Brockman's Antique sign was too close to the road and an impediment to sight lines of drivers. D. Brockman made this determination of an unsafe sign and cut it down. He is seeking a decision by the Planning Board as where to place the new sign. He was advised to submit a sign application with preliminary site placement of his choosing for the sign location.
Niedzialkowski Project:
Jon McManus reported to the Board Members that the bog turtle study has taken more time than planned. As the study can only be completed during a portion of the spring season, it may be another year before the study is complete. J. McManus informed the Board that bog turtle studies are now required for any project where the site plan includes federal wetlands. He also made not that the bog turtle is not local but has moved in from the South.
Seasonal Cottage Development:
Jon McManus presented the sketch plan for the proposed Seasonal Cottage Development project to be located directly behind the Brockman's Rental Units project. NYS DOH has been to the site to conduct soil testing. J. McManus provided a site map with contours. The cottages will have block foundations or piers. The units will be panelized, stick built or modular dependant upon pricing. They plan a total of twenty units. A. Thomas asked if the road with access provided through an easement has been built to (Donovan) specs, i.e. crusher and 30 feet wide. NYS DOT requires the road to be 24 feet wide for a two lane road. G. Horth asked that they meet with the Fire Chief of Company #2 and relay their plans. J. McManus stated there will be a dry hydrant. Tony Gambino has met with NYS DOT twice to discuss the traffic entering Route 28. T. Gambino asked if there are any permits needed. Greg Horth stated that a complete application and long form SEQR EAF will be required for this project. J. McManus suggested conducting an analysis of current road base. V. Rozella suggested the road provide adequate access for fire trucks. A. Ford suggested the owner of the road upgrade the road.
Traffic Light in Front of Dreams Park:
The Members discussed comments that they have heard from the public regarding the new traffic light. V. Rozella made a motion that the PB send a letter addressed to the NYS DOT regarding the hazardous turn lanes at the new traffic light. A. Thomas seconded. Di Maggio stated that the light has improved flow of traffic minus the access to Howard Reese's drive.
Revision Work: Proposed Sign Ordinance
The Board Members discussed the current sign ordinance and the newly proposed reorganized version. Items of discussion:
- Questioned whether applicants should be requested to provide photos of adjacent buildings.
- Questioned allowing flags and is up to three per parcel excessive. Flag description is not specific i.e. American.
- Currently Open and Closed flags are allowed, but questioned number.
- Section G. - suggested removing as currently not allowed. PB Members concerned about starting to allow distractions for drivers.
- Need to add exemptions for agriculture signs.
- Need to change the prohibiting of off site signs.
- Need to address the limit of one sign for the business standing or on building.
- Questioned tying one acre of land to sign as hamlet parcels are not one acre or more.
- Address Section 8. I off site signs.
- Discussion of current temporary signs around the Town.
- Discussion of regulating signs not visible from road.
- Definition of a temporary sign should be changed to seasonal.
- Temporary signs are allowed for 15 days only.
- Questioned the direction of the square footage of a temporary sign.
Members will continue discussion next month. Greg Horth will provide his scribble note version of the proposed new version for the other Members to review the difference between current and proposed. Z. Hart to provide color copies at next meeting.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
