The June Workshop Meeting was held on June 30, 2016 at 5pm at the Town of Rochester Town Hall.
The Audit meeting was held at 4pm.

PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman Councilwoman Chachkin Councilman Drabkin
Town Clerk Gundberg Attorney Christiana

ABSENT:
Councilwoman Fornino Councilman Spano

PLEDGE:

Supervisor Chipman opened the meeting and Chief Constable Miller led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

APPROVAL OF BILLS:

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Chachkin to approve the following bills;

General Fund Abstract 6 of 2016 $ 58,906.22
Highway Fund Abstract 6 of 2016 $ 122,940.73
Street lighting $ 404.52
______________
$ 182,251.47
Seconded by: Councilman Drabkin 3-0aye, motion carried
Fornino, Spano absent

SOLAR LAW DISCUSSION:

Supervisor Chipman invited Michael Dunham, Town Assessor & Anne Wailing and her Partner Jim of Cypress Creek to join the Board in a discussion on the proposed solar law.
Michael Dunham explained to the board tax exemptions regarding solar on property. He discussed options the Board can approve regarding solar on homes. Some towns enter into PILOT agreements or opt out of exemption for landowner, others allow the exemptions so the homeowner isn’t taxed on value of the solar array.
There was a brief discussion on once the law is in place and the Town decides later on down the road to tax homeowners or have them enter into a PILOT agreement are existing parcels grandfathered in.
Attorney Christiana stated she would have to look into it.
The Board discussed with representatives of Cypress Creek about setbacks, decommissioning, screening & policy once the lease is up.
Representatives of Cypress Creek discussed what they need in a zoning or ordinance law in order to set the panels. Everything seemed understandable and fair in the Town’s current proposed Law from a solar company point of view. They discussed reasons behind what they need in order to run efficiently and safely.

Some members of the Town of Rochester Planning Board asked questions regarding setbacks, inverters, documentation on radiation, transmission of power to grid.

Supervisor Chipman thanked everyone for coming. Everyone was satisfied with what they heard and learned a lot in the process.

ADJOURNMENT:

A Motion was made by Supervisor Chipman to adjourn the meeting at 6:03pm.
Seconded by: Councilman Drabkin 3-0aye, motion carried
Fornino, Spano absent
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,

Kathleen Gundberg
Town Clerk