Town of Hartwick
MINUTES
Of The March 2, 2010: Regular Meeting of
Town of Hartwick Planning Board
Call to order 7 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Attendance:
Board Members: G. Horth; A. Briggs; A. Thomas; T. Schleiser; V. Rozella; F. Thering
Alternate PB Member(s): None
Public: C. Harmon, W. Mellor, L. Althiser, D. Petri; Tavis Austin
Minutes of Last Meeting:
Anita Briggs, made a motion to approve the January 5, 2010 minutes as presented at the meeting with changes to Site Plan Review Law Amendment-to include details of the proposed change. F. Thering, seconded. Vote: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Correspondence: Planning Board discussed a public comment (email) regarding number of teams at Dreams Park per week, "Cap at 96 teams?"
V. Rozella made a motion stating that the Planning Board endorse the reappointment of Paul Ingalls to the Planning Board. The motion was seconded by T. Schleiser. Vote: All Ayes. Motion Carried.
Public Comment: None.
Enforcement Reports: T. Austin informed the Board that Citizens Bank was asked, via letter, to operate their freestanding sign in compliance with the Sign Law.
Public Hearing(s): None at this time.
Regular Agenda:
•1. "Larry's Meats." Applicant: Larry Althiser Sketch Plan Proposal. L. Althiser outlined his proposal to construct a new USDA certified meat processing facility on property across ST HWY 205 from his current location. The property is currently under contract; contingent upon L. Althiser's ability to obtain appropriate permits. Various aspects of the application and site development plan were discussed including: traffic entering/exiting ST HWY 205 from the site, consideration of modifying the ST HWY 205 speed limit in the area of the project, and additional details that should be required on the site plan. The proposal includes the development of a new 120'x50' metal building and a potential increase to 10 employees where the current facility has 4 employees.
V. Rozella made a motion to accept the application as complete provided that a complete site plan be submitted and that the project may proceed with the submitted Short Form Environmental Assessment Form (EAF). This motion was seconded by T. Schleiser, and the motion was carried by unanimous vote. T. Austin was directed to forward the application to the County Planning Board and State Department of Transportation upon receipt of the completed site plan.
A. Briggs motioned to require a 1% escrow to be based on the $280,000.00 cost outlined in the application. This motion was seconded by F. Thering, and the motion was carried by unanimous vote.
A. Briggs made a motion stating that the Planning Board should be Lead Agency under State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR). This motion was seconded by T. Schleiser, and the motion was carried by unanimous vote.
G. Horth instructed L. Althiser to present his plans to John Bush, Fire Chief, to make him (John) aware of the proposal and to make sure that any ‘Fire needs' were addressed.
F. Thering asked if the site lighting would be limited. L. Althiser said that there would be some lighting for security, etc, but that there would not be a lot of light on the site.
A. Briggs questioned whether the neighbors would be notified of the project. G. Horth stated that such noticing was not required by the law.
A. Briggs made a motion to request that T. Austin send copies of the Public Hearing notice to the adjacent property owners. The motion was seconded by A. Thomas, and the motion carried by unanimous vote.
V. Rozella made a motion to set the project for Public Hearing at the April Regular Meeting at 7 PM. The motion was seconded by A. Briggs, and the motion carried by unanimous vote.
Signs: None.
Public Comment: None.
Planning Board Business: A. Thomas made a motion to pass a resolution requesting that the Town Board request that the State Department of Transportation extend the 35 mile per hour speed limit to the southern extent of the Water District; further, that the Town of Hartwick sign also be relocated to this point. This re-signing of the area would increase pedestrian safety and the safety of the new business growth in this area of the Town. This motion was seconded by G. Horth, and the motion was carried by unanimous vote.
A. Briggs questioned the Comprehensive Plan Draft and why it emphasized zoning.
A. Thomas stated that the Draft Comprehensive Plan did not call for zoning. Zoning, like any other law, would be separate from, but rely on, the Comprehensive Plan.
G. Horth stated that any new laws would be based on the Comprehensive Plan, once adopted.
A. Thomas stated that the Comprehensive Plan concept was originally pursued to curb development similar to what was taking place along ST HWY 28. The Town felt that without a comprehensive plan, that the Town wouldn't have a leg to stand on.
G. Horth stated that there is a Site Plan Law to evaluate development. If people don't want work with the Planning Board-let them sue us!
The Board discussed the history of the Hampton Inn proposal.
A. Thomas questioned whether the Hampton Inn proceedings were the best example of how the Town's future should be guided.
G. Horth discussed a new definition of "Short Term Rental Unit" to be added to the Site Plan Review Law. A. Briggs asked why such a definition was required. G. Horth stated that such a definition might be required in the future. A. Thomas made a motion to approve the definition and ask the Town Board to amend the Site Plan Law to reflect the new definition. The motion was seconded by V. Rozella, and the motion carried by unanimous vote.
G. Horth questioned the payment of the $900.00 bill from MR&T for Beaver Valley. T. Austin stated that that question was asked of Attorney Green and that any further questions should be directed to Attorney Green; the monies have not been paid.
G. Horth discussed his receipt of a website printout outlining "Cooperstown Baseball Classic" at the Beaver Valley Campground. The Board discussed whether it represented an increase or expansion of use.
A. Briggs questioned whether there was a rat problem in the Town. T. Austin stated that the Health Officer and the Department of Health had been contacted based on recent comments from Town residents. T. Austin stated that he was not aware of any action that has been taken to date.
G. Horth questioned if Board members had attended the recent ‘ Dish Texas' seminars on gas drilling. G. Horth is the only Board member who attended the seminars.
V. Rozella made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by A. Thomas. The motion carried by unanimous vote and the meeting adjourned at 9:35 PM.
