August 6, 2009 3586
The Town Board Meeting was held on August 6, 2009 at 7:00pm at the Town Hall.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman Councilwoman Archer Councilman Cilenti (7:05)
Councilwoman Michailescu Councilman Spano Town Clerk Sommer
Attorney Christiana
Supervisor Chipman opened the meeting and Councilwoman Archer led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
DAIRY PRINCESS CERTIFICATE AWARDED:
Councilwoman Michailescu graciously awarded a Certificate signed by the
Town Board to Katherine DeWitt, who was voted the first Dairy Princess in Ulster County in thirty years! Katherine, accepted the award, spoke of her goals and introduced Cheyenne Faerber the Dairy Ambassador. A round of applause finished the presentation of a job well done.
OATH OF OFFICE/TOWN JUSTICE:
Paul Shaheen was sworn in as Town Justice by Town Clerk Sommer. Paul thanked the Board for his appointment and received a round of applause.
OPENED TO THE PUBLIC:
Alice Cross, Historic Preservation Chair, remarked that the oath taken by Paul Shaheen is the same oath that has been used in our Town since 1703.
Sue Matson, Youth Commission Member said Katherine DeWitt and Cheyenne Faerber are representative of the positive youth development that we are working for.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A Motion as made by Councilman Cilenti to approve the following minutes as submitted:
06/08/09 Zoning Workshop Meeting
07/02/09 Town Board Meeting
07/23/09 Public Hearing – Zoning
07/23/09 Public Hearing – Telecommunications
07/23/09 Public Hearing – Subdivision
07/23/09 Special Meeting
07/30/09 Audit/Workshop Meeting
Seconded by: Councilman Spano Unanimously approved
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT: Filed with the Town Clerk.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Supervisor Chipman received a letter from the Department of Ag & Mkts regarding high requirements for wind turbines.
Supervisor Chipman thanked the Highway Department for repairing the pot holes on Churchill Road.
Supervisor Chipman spoke to Marge Gallagher from the Ulster County Planning Board re: stimulus grant money, she said it seems they are making progress. Businesses should contact Mike Hein, County Executive to bring in mini towers and perhaps the Town could be wireless in a short time.
Councilwoman Archer said letters should be sent immediately pledging support for this project.
August 6, 2009 3587
LEGAL MATTERS:
Attorney Christiana said two certioraris were received regarding assessments. She will talk to the Assessor regarding this matter.
LIAISON REPORTS:
The Councilpersons gave a synopsis of the meetings they attended.
STONE RIDGE LIBRARY DISCUSSION:
A lengthy discussion took place between the Town Board and three Town residents on the importance of the Town funding the Stone Ridge Library for the benefit of the residents.
PROPERTY INVENTORY UPDATE:
Supervisor Chipman reported that he met with Jack Schoonmaker regarding the transfer of property behind the Friends Museum. Details have to be worked out before finalization of this agreement.
NEW BUSINESS:
There was a discussion on the Firewise Program, pro and con. Nothing concrete has been decided upon.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
A resident said public transportation is available for anyone who wants to use the Ellenville Library, they even do personal pickups.
Another resident said both libraries are great and serve their communities, let’s not compare, just put the past behind.
It was also a suggestion that residents use the UCCC, the fee is $3.00.
It was suggested that the children not be forgotten and spoke in favor of the Lending Library for young children.
One resident quoted Will Rogers “Outside of a dog, a book is mans best friend….inside a dog is too dark to read”.
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to adjourn the meeting at 9:10pm.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti Unanimously approved
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica I. Sommer
Town Clerk/RMC
August 8, 2009 3588
A Public Hearing was held on 08/08/2009 at 9:00am at the Town hall re: proposed local law entitled “Zoning Code”.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman Councilwoman Archer Councilman Cilenti
Councilwoman Michailescu Councilman Spano Deputy Town Clerk Gundberg Attorney Christiana
OTHERS PRESENT:
Tom Shepstone, Shepstone Assoc.
PLEDGE:
Supervisor Chipman welcomed everyone to the meeting and Mike Baden led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Supervisor Chipman reopened the public hearing for the proposed local law amending in its entirety Chapter 140 of the Code of the Town entitled “Zoning”.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:
Several residents spoke against the animal husbandry regulations. One resident felt the regulations need to be more defined, and those effected feel that their input should be considered. Councilman Cilenti suggested a subcommittee be formed by those interested to discuss their noted concerns.
A resident spoke regarding his love for the land and how this proposed new law encroaches on his rights as a property owner. A petition of 140 signatures was submitted to the Town Board against the proposed zoning changes.
One resident expressed concerns regarding conflict of interest between her and another residents legal advisors.
Two residents spoke against the cluster development provision. They feel the bonus percentage for developers is excessive and will cause an increase in development in the Town but a decrease in revenue.
One resident asked for clarification re: rural conservation zoning district.
Mike Baden clarified the existing Animal law to the proposed law.
PUBLIC HEARINGS CONTINUED:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to continue the public hearings on 8/24/09 at 7:00pm at the Town Hall, and further authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise same.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu Unanimously approved
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Gundberg
Deputy Town Clerk
August 8, 2009 3589
A Public Hearing was held on 08/08/2009 at the Town hall re: a local law repealing Chapter 130 of the Code of the Town of Rochester “Telecommunications” immediately following the proposed local law entitled Zoning Code.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman Councilwoman Archer Councilman Cilenti
Councilwoman Michailescu Councilman Spano Deputy Town Clerk Gundberg Attorney Christiana
OTHERS PRESENT:
Tom Shepstone, Shepstone Assoc.
Supervisor Chipman said this proposed local law would repeal Chapter 130 of the Code of the Town of Rochester “Telecommunications”.
No comments were made.
MOTION TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer to continue the public hearing re: Telecommunications on 8/24/09 at the Town Hall immediately following the public hearing re: Zoning, and further authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise same.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano Unanimously approved
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Gundberg
Deputy Town Clerk
August 8, 2009 3590
A Public Hearing was held on 8/08/09 at the Accord Firehall re: a proposed local law entitled “Subdivision” immediately following a public hearing re: proposed local law entitled “Telecommunications”.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman Councilwoman Archer Councilman Cilenti
Councilwoman Michailescu Councilman Spano Deputy Town Clerk Gundberg
Attorney Christiana
OTHERS PRESENT:
Tom Shepstone, Shepstone Assoc.
Supervisor Chipman explained that this proposed local law entitled “Subdivision Code” which amends in its entirety Chapter 125 of the Code of the Town of Rochester entitled “Subdivision”. Significant revisions to the chapter include provisions relating to conservation design, conservation subdivision, affordable housing, stormwater management. Standards and procedures are updated for the purposed of safety, aesthetics and to match current industry standards in various areas.
No further comments were made.
MOTION TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to continue the public hearing entitled “Subdivision” on 8/24/09 at the Town Hall immediately following the public hearing on “Telecommunications”.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer Unanimously approved
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Gundberg
Deputy Town Clerk
August 24, 2009 3591
A Public Hearing was held on 08/24/2009 at 7:00pm at the Town hall re: proposed local law entitled “Zoning Code”.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman Councilman Cilenti Councilwoman Michailescu Councilman Spano
Town Clerk Sommer Attorney Christiana
OTHERS PRESENT:
Tom Shepstone, Shepstone Assoc.
ABSENT:
Councilwoman Archer
PLEDGE:
Supervisor Chipman welcomed everyone to the meeting and Jeff Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Supervisor Chipman reopened the public hearing for the proposed local law amending in its entirety Chapter 140 of the Code of the Town entitled “Zoning”.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:
A resident said his rights as a property owner have diminished over the years. The DEC has also made impositions against the constitution re: owning property and has taken away liberties, bringing higher taxes.
PUBLIC HEARINGS CONTINUED:
A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to continue the public hearing on 9/03/09 at 7:00pm at the Town Hall, and further authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise same.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu Motion carried 4-0
Archer – absent
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica I. Sommer
Town Clerk/RMC
August 24, 2009 3592
A Public Hearing was held on 08/24/2009 at the Town hall re: a local law repealing Chapter 130 of the Code of the Town of Rochester “Telecommunications” immediately following the proposed local law entitled Zoning Code.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman Councilman Cilenti Councilwoman Michailescu Councilman Spano
Town Clerk Sommer Attorney Christiana
OTHERS PRESENT:
Tom Shepstone, Shepstone Assoc.
ABSENT:
Councilwoman Archer
Supervisor Chipman said this proposed local law would repeal Chapter 130 of the Code of the Town of Rochester “Telecommunications”.
No comments were made.
MOTION TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING:
A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to continue the public hearing re: Telecommunications on 9/03/09 at the Town Hall immediately following the public hearing re: Zoning and further authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise same.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu Motion carried 4-0
Archer – absent
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica I. Sommer
Town Clerk/RMC
August 24, 2009 3593
A Public Hearing was held on 8/24/09 at the Accord Firehall re: a proposed local law entitled “Subdivision” immediately following a public hearing re: proposed local law entitled “Telecommunications”.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman Councilman Cilenti Councilwoman Michailescu Councilman Spano Town Clerk Sommer Attorney Christiana
OTHERS PRESENT:
Tom Shepstone, Shepstone Assoc.
ABSENT:
Councilwoman Archer
Supervisor Chipman explained that this proposed local law entitled “Subdivision Code” which amends in its entirety Chapter 125 of the Code of the Town of Rochester entitled “Subdivision”. Significant revisions to the chapter include provisions relating to conservation design, conservation subdivision, affordable housing, stormwater management. Standards and procedures are updated for the purposed of safety, aesthetics and to match current industry standards in various areas.
One resident said he has watched this process for two years and the outcome is as good as good can be. It’s a good law. You can’t make everyone happy.
No further comments were made.
MOTION TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING:
A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to continue the public hearing entitled “Subdivision” on 9/03/09 at the Town Hall immediately following the public hearing on “Telecommunications”. The Town Board Meeting to immediately follow.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu Motion carried 4-0
Archer – absent
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica I. Sommer
Town Clerk/RMC
August 24, 2009 3594
A Special Meeting was held on 8/24/09 at the Town Hall to review comments made at previously held public hearings.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman Councilman Cilenti Councilwoman Michailescu Councilman Spano Town Clerk Sommer Attorney Christiana
OTHERS PRESENT:
Tom Shepstone, Shepstone Assoc.
ABSENT:
Councilwoman Archer
Tom Shepstone referred to all comments received and voiced pertaining to the proposed “Zoning Code”, “Telecommunications” and “Subdivision” laws.
Supervisor Chipman read the recommendations received from the Ulster County Planning Board.
Mr. Shepstone and the Board reviewed and discussed each recommendation and concern. An updated law with the changes will be submitted Thursday to the Town Board.
The SEQR determination will be proposed at Thursday evenings meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to adjourn the meeting at 8:10pm.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti Motion carried 4-0
Archer – absent
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica I. Sommer
Town Clerk/RMC
August 27, 2009 3595
The Audit/Workshop Meeting was held on August 29, 2009 at 7:00pm at
the Town Hall.
PRESENT:
Councilwoman Archer Councilman Cilenti Councilwoman Michailescu
Councilman Spano Town Clerk Sommer
ABSENT:
Supervisor Chipman
ALSO PRESENT:
Tom Shepstone, Shepstone Associates
Deputy Supervisor Cilenti opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF BILLS:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Michailescu to approve the following bills as audited this date:
General Fund $149,845.52
Highway Fund 85,330.62
Street Lighting 369.18
Seconded by: Councilman Spano Motion carried 4-0
Chipman – absent
Tom Shepstone presented the Board with the proposed zoning map, responses to questions posed at the public hearings for Zoning, Telecommunications and Subdivisions, along with the Negative Declarations in their final form.
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to adjourn the meeting at 7:25pm.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer Motion carried 4-0
Chipman – absent
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica I. Sommer
Town Clerk/RMC