Source: http://stjohnsville.com/Town%20planning%20board%202019%20minutes.html
Timestamp: 2020-02-19 11:17:19
Document Index: 323574923

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'arts 2', 'arts 2', 'arts 2', 'arts 2', 'arts 2']

Saint Johnsville Planning Board Minutes Archive - 2019
2019 - Jan.09 | Feb.19 | Mar.12 | Apl.09 | May.14 | Jun.11 | Jul.09 | Aug.13 | Sep.10 | Oct.08 | Nov.12
Town of St Johnsville N.Y. Planning Board November 12, 2019
Present: Marcel Falcon, Les Larsei, George Haines, Mariah McDaniel
Absent: Louise Robusto
Public: Marisa Scavo, Doug Warden, Jason Dickey, Skylar Cornell
6:35 pm Meeting called to order
Motion to accept Planning Board 10/8/19 minutes: Motion by Chairman Falcon, 2d by Member
All in favor- 3 Abstain - 1
Chairman Falcon made a motion to proceed with SEQRA 2nd by member Haines
Motion 2nd by Member Larsen
All in favor- 4
Motion made with stipulation of receipt of pre-approval from Army Corp of Engineers.
SEQR part 2 and 3 presented by Skylar Cornell
Chairman Falcon motion to approve Part 2, 2nd Member Larsen
All in Favor-4
Member Haines motion to approve Part 3, 2nd by Chairman Falcon
All in Favor -4
Stipulations to these SEQR approvals as follows:
1. Corp of engineer approval
2. Road bond (TBD after winter)
3. Decommission Bond (TBD)
4. Confirmation of Notice of Intent to Dept. of Ag & Markets
Chairman Falcon motions for a negative Declaration (no negative impacts), 2nd by Member Larsen All in Favor-4
Member McDaniel motions to approve the Resolution Finding no significant adverse Impact, 2nd by Member Larsen
Chairman Falcon motions to approve the Site Plan Resolution, 2nd by Member Haines All in Favor-4
These were approved with the condition of the stipulations and corrections discussed. Marisa Scavo to be sending corrected documents and will be in contact with Atty Mastromoro to be drawn up.
Old business cont. Meeting recordings need to go to Lynn Stever to be saved as public record. New Business: None
Motion to adjourn at 8:00 pm
Motion by Member Larsen
Seconded by Member Haines
Notes Recorded By Member McDaniel
Town of St Johnsville N.Y. Planning Board - October 08, 2019
Present: Marcel Falcon, Les Larsen, George Haines, Louise Robusto Absent: Mariah McDaniel
Public: Carolyne Bean, Marisa Scavo, Nelson Darrach IV, Marlene Rostohar, Brandt Rostohar, Doug Warden, Dominick Stagliano
6:35 pm Meeting called to order Salute to the Flag
Motion to accept Planning Board 9/18/19 minutes: Motion by Member Larsen, 2nd by Member Haines
Motion to accept minutes of 9/10/19 minutes of Public Hearing for Brower subdivision:
Motion by Member Larsen, 2nd by Member Haines
All in favor- 4 Old Business
Kennedy Rd Solar Project. Discussion regarding US Army of Engineers not receiving requested-information by July 26th, 2019 and as of September 18, 2019 had still not received such information. Considering this they have closed the file on this application.
Chairman Falcon made a motion to continue and put this on next months agenda, subject to approval of Army Corp Of Engineers.
Motion 2nd by Member Larsen All in favor- 4
Cultural resource part 2 and 3 to be discussed at November 12th meeting. Information requested 2 weeks prior to meeting
6:40 Public hearing called to order
Chairman Falcon asked for any questions or concerns
Question from Nelson Darrach about the boundaries and surrounding land. Shown the map of project and surrounding land. Also discussed was what the project will look like and types of shrubs and trees will be put in.
There were no further questions New Business: None
Motion to adjourn at 6:57, Motion by Member Larsen, Seconded by Member Haines
Respectfully submitted by Louise Robusto Secretary
St. Johnsville Town Planning Board - September 10, 2019
St. Johnsville Town Planning Board - Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Present: Chairman Marcel Falcon, Members: Mariah McDaniel, George Haines, Absent: Les Larsen, Louise Robusto
Other: Mark Brower, Mitchell Brower; Cypress Creek Representatives: Marisa Scavo, Attorney Doug Worden, Matthew Robinson (Environmental Design & Research); Lea Galla
Meeting called to order at 6:30pm Salute to the Flag
Public Comment: No public present. Public Hearing for Brower Subdivision:
No public present for the public hearing. Public hearing cannot be held anyway due to lack of adequate notice to the public. The notice was sent out, however the wrong email address was used for the newspaper correspondent. A public hearing will be held specifically for the Brower Subdivision on Wednesday September 18, 2019 at 6:30pm. A legal notice will be placed in the newspaper and town bulletin board.
Mr. Brower presents the MYLAR for his subdivision. The MYLAR is reviewed and found to be satisfactory. Chairman Falcon motions to approve the MYLAR. Member Haines seconds the motion. Motion carried - aye (3), nay (0). MYLAR signed by Chairman Falcon.
Old Business (Kennedy Rd project):
Cypress Creek representative Marisa Scavo and Attorney Doug Warden in attendance to further discuss the Kennedy Rd project.
Chairman Falcon motions to declare lead agency status on the project. Member McDaniel seconds the motion. Motion carried - aye (3), nay (0).
The planning board did a site visit on 8/20/19 to discuss with Cypress Creek which areas we would like to see visual simulations of and to see exactly where the project will be constructed. A second site visit needs to be scheduled for the public. Doug Warden states the code enforcement officer and/or the planning board also needs to evaluate the properties to determine the project's impact on agricultural land, and wonders if that can happen during the public site visit.
The public site visit is to take place on Tuesday September 24, 2019 at 5:00 pm. The property owners and surrounding property owners will be notified via registered mail. A legal notice will also be placed in the newspaper and town bulletin board.
The County Referral Form was filled out by the planning board so that the application and supporting materials can be reviewed by the County Planning Board. Chairman Falcon will hand deliver the form to the county. Member McDaniel motions to refer the project to the county. Chairman Falcon seconds this motion. Motion carried - aye (3), nay (0).
Discussion ensued regarding scheduling a public hearing for the project. Chairman Falcon states we should complete SEQRA parts 2 & 3 prior to the hearing. Attorney Warden states this is unnecessary and believes it is better for a public hearing to be done before completing SEQRA parts 2 & 3 to allow for public concerns to be addressed and alterations/amendments to the project application to be made in accordance with any public concerns. At which point SEQRA parts 2 & 3 could be completed and a second public hearing would be held for the final submission.
It was agreed it would be fair to the public to hold the public site visit on 9/24/19, followed by opening a public hearing on 10/8119, followed by amendments to the project, followed by SEQRA 2 & 3, followed by closing the public hearing on a later date. Chairman Falcon motions to hold a public hearing for the Kennedy Rd project on Tuesday 10/8/19 at 6:30pm. Member Haines seconds this motion. Motion carried - aye (3), nay (0). Notice will be placed in local newspapers and on the town bulletin board. Cypress Creek will send notice to the property owners, and the surrounding property owners, via registered mail.
The type of SEQRA action has yet to be declared. Member Haines motions to declare the project a Type I SEQRA action. Chairman Falcon seconds this motion. Motion carried - aye (3), nay (0).
Marisa presents 2 updated project applications (one for the town clerk's office, one for Supervisor Stagliano) and copies of the SWPPP. Marisa also presents a formal response to Member McDaniel's inquiries from the 8/13/19 meeting. This correspondence verifies the answers given by Ann and Jason at the August meeting. A copy of this correspondence was left at the town barn to be available for review. The project application was updated to reflect accurate acreage, costs, spending, homes supplied, construction duration, etc. A lease agreement with a typo will be formally amended to reflect the correction.
Marisa presents new site plans showing updates to the project boundaries and areas of tree removal. On the map there are a few stone walls labeled as "to be removed". Member McDaniel asks what will happen with these stone walls. Marisa states they will be evaluated and a decision will come from NYSHPO whether they are historically significant or not. If significant, SHPO will determine what will happen with the stone walls.
The determination of the decommissioning bond was discussed. This will be based on multiple factors and will be set by the Town Board.
Matthew Robinson from Environmental Design & Research presents visual simulations of what the project will look like from the road when complete and visual barrier plants are mature. This will include shrubbery and trees as well as pollinator mix to fill in between. There will be only one area where the project will be significantly visible from the road and this is due to existing utility poles which need to remain clear and accessible to National Grid. A copy of these visual simulations was left at the town barn to be available for review.
Marisa will also send a CD of the road conditions as photographed by CCR on 8/20/19. Chairman Falcon states they should wait on setting the road bond until after winter due to potential changes in road conditions over the winter months.
Old business (Brower subdivision):
SEQRA parts 2 & 3 need to be completed by the planning board for the Brower subdivision. Brower completed a new SEQRA part I with the correct parcel number as this was incorrect on his original submission.
Discussion ensued regarding DEC's website flagging the property as potentially archaeologically significant and potentially containing wetlands. Brower already broke ground so it would be assumed these flags were addressed before obtaining his permits; however, Chairman Falcon will confirm these flags will not cause a hang-up in the subdivision. Member Haines states the land has been cleared for agricultural use for many years so it would stand reason there is no archaeological significance to the property. He also states a Dutch barn once existed on the property and this could be the reason for the potential archaeological significance. Member McDaniel asks if it's a matter of calling NYSHPO and getting the property cleared. Chairman Falcon states it should not affect the subdivision process, it would affect the building permit issuance which is already done. Member Haines is unsure what water body they may have flagged as wetlands as the property sits on a hill. There is a small spring down by the road but it's below where the house is being built. Chairman Falcon is going to the county to inquire about this matter.
SEQRA Parts 2 & 3 completed. All 3 parts of SEQRA will be available at the public hearing. Once we get confirmation from the county regarding the archaeological .significance of the property and the potential wetlands we will make a positive/negative determination on the subdivision.
Discussion ensued regarding the litigation surrounding calling an executive session during a public meeting. Planning board members understand that executive sessions can only be called for a limited number of reasons.
Minutes of August 13, 2019 meeting presented and read. Minutes were rejected by both Chairman Falcon and Member Haines. They will be reviewed at a later date. Chairman Falcon intends to give the Town Board a copy of the recording from the August meeting so they can determine their interpretation of the events of the meeting. Until then the minutes are being tabled.
The next meeting will be October 8, 2019 at 6:30 pm. Meeting adjourned at 8:37 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Mariah McDaniel (acting Secretary during Louise Robusto's temporary absence)
St. Johnsville Town Planning Board – August 13, 2019 ( Note: The following minutes were handed out by the Planning Board but not formally approved as of 12 17 2019.)
Present: Chairman Marcel Falcon, Members: Mariah McDaniel, George Haines, Les Larsen
Public: Town Supervisor Dominick Stagliano, Mark Brower, Mitchell Brower, Anne Waling of Cypress Creek Renewables (CCR), Jason Dickey of TRC (accompanying Anne Waling regarding Environmental Assessment of the Kennedy Rd project), Attorney Doug Warden of Snyder & Snyder, LLP (accompanying Anne Waling regarding the Kennedy Rd project)
6:30 pm: Meeting called to order
Minutes of July 9, 2019 meeting presented and read. All in favor of accepting the minutes (4), none opposed.
- Brower subdivision:
o Chairman Falcon states there has been confusion about “whether this is a subdivision or a division of land”. Falcon states he has discussed this matter with Town Supervisor Stagliano and Town Attorney Norman Mastromoro at length. Falcon also states he spoke with someone in the Office of the Attorney General, as well as the Real Property Bureau, and they verified his interpretation. Falcon references the 2nd paragraph of the Town of St. Johnsville Subdivision Regulations of 1993, which describes subdivisions per Real Property Law. Falcon states that according to law, a property is only considered a “subdivision” if it will result in a parcel of land being offered for sale to the public, and since Brower’s son will be acquiring the 2 acre parcel being divided off, this is considered a private action and does not constitute a subdivision; therefore does not require the same approval process as a subdivision.
o Supervisor Stagliano tells Chairman Falcon he should read the 3rd paragraph of the Town of StJ Subdivision Regulations describing how a municipality can define its own regulations, and also that a subdivision is the division of land into 2 or more parcels. Stagliano says Mr. Brower deserves due process from the Town. Stagliano denies Falcon’s claim that he spoke with the Attorney General’s office in Albany and the Real Property Bureau of Montgomery County. Stagliano objects Falcon’s claims and doubts Falcon spoke with these individuals. Falcon tells Stagliano he should leave the meeting. Stagliano says he won’t leave until Mr. Brower has clarification on what he should be doing. Falcon says he has given Mr. Brower the clarification he needs. Stagliano says Falcon has a whole board to make decisions with. Falcon says he is presenting the information to the Planning Board so they can make their decision as to the course of action. Stagliano claims Falcon is misinterpreting the information he is receiving. Falcon offers Stagliano phone numbers for the individuals he’s spoken to in the Office of the Attorney General and the Real Property Bureau. Falcon urges Stagliano to contact these people and get back to him when he has. Falcon requests that Stagliano discontinue this dialogue and remain silent for the remainder of the meeting. Stagliano tells Falcon he is going to start an Article 75 on him. Falcon says he should do the same to Stagliano. Falcon again asks Stagliano to leave the meeting. Stagliano again states he will stay until Mr. Brower gets what he came for, so that he can go file with county clerk so it can go over to real property tax then he can get an SBL number. Falcon says he won’t get an SBL until he has his land surveyed. Falcon again urges Stagliano to contact Real Property. Stagliano says the Planning Board should be aware of Town Attorney Mastromoro’s interpretation of the town subdivision regulations, and that Mastromoro has already counseled Falcon on his interpretation. Falcon states town law does not supersede state law in this case. Stagliano asks if Falcon questions the legality of a town regulation that has been in place since 1993. Falcon says no, that his reasoning is directly pulled from the 2nd paragraph of the town subdivision regulations. Stagliano urges Falcon to review the definition of a minor subdivision (“Any subdivision creating two (2) to four (4) lots from an original parent parcel during a five (5) year time period and which does not require the construction of a new street or the extension of any existing street or municipal facilities. The five (5) year time period shall start when the first lot is subdivided from the parent parcel.”). Falcon tells Stagliano he is not going to argue this further. Stagliano again states he is not leaving until Mr. Brower knows what he needs to do. Falcon again asks Stagliano to remain silent for the remainder of the meeting. Falcon states he has told Mr. Brower he needs to survey the property, then bring the survey to the Planning Board and we’ll sign it. Stagliano says no, there also needs to be a public hearing. Falcon says that no, we do not have to hold a public hearing, that that is the town board’s rule. Falcon says this is not a subdivision due to the private transfer of the parcel he’s dividing off. Stagliano references a conversation between Falcon and Mastromoro when Falcon calls the town subdivision regulations unconstitutional. Falcon confirms he feels it’s unconstitutional. Stagliano asks Falcon if he expects the Planning Board to follow his lead. He reminds Falcon he is one of five and each member has a vote. Falcon again asks Stagliano to leave or keep quiet. Stagliano says, when Mr. Brower goes to Fonda he’ll be given a form that asks “Are you subject to subdivision?” Falcon says it’s not a subdivision and again urges Stagliano to speak with the contacts he’s provided. Stagliano says he is going to start a hearing against Falcon. Falcon again asks Stagliano to leave. Stagliano again states he is not leaving and he wants a copy of the tape recording of the meeting. Falcon says Stagliano needs to request it in writing. Stagliano says no, it’s town property. Falcon disagrees. Stagliano says Falcon doesn’t understand and is “dangerous”. Stagliano submits an email he received from Town Attorney Mastromoro on 8/2/19. Stagliano wishes to have this email put on public record. The email reads as follows:
“Marcel contacted me by email regarding the Brower matter. It boiled down to him interpreting the subdivision regulations, introductory language – first two paragraphs, to mean that the correct definition of a ‘subdivision’, as a matter of State law, meant that the Brower proposal does not constitute a ‘subdivision’ for local purposes.
I advised that what he was referencing were examples and referred him to the first sentence of the third paragraph and the definition in the TSTJ subdivision regulations. He concluded that I was interpreting incorrectly. I advised him that I was firm in my interpretation and that I conclude that Brower has not been properly approved under the local law. That is where it was left as of yesterday afternoon.”
o Chairman Falcon states the meeting minutes of June 2019 are incorrect in that it should be referred to as ‘subdivide’ rather than ‘subdivision’. Falcon also states a second house being built on Mr. Brower’s property was never brought up at the June meeting, and that the house being built is for Mr. Brower’s son, Mitchell, who is on the deed. The property needs to be divided so that Mitchell can get a mortgage in his name. Falcon makes a motion to approve Mr. Brower’s land to be divided, given it is a private action with no property being offered for sale to the public, it has a private driveway which will end up being a right-of-way to the 2 acre parcel he intends to divide from his property, and the 2 acre parcel is surrounded by Mr. Brower’s land with no apparent impact on neighboring property owners. Falcon states the individuals he spoke with on the topic state Mr. Brower needs only to have the survey (MYLAR) completed, bring it to the Planning Board to be signed, then submit it to the county. The motion was not seconded, therefore it went back to discussion on the table. Falcon asked if we’d prefer to discuss the matter in a closed session. Member Haines prefers a closed session. Falcon asked meeting attendees to excuse the board for a private discussion. Stagliano remained and questioned what reason the board has to go into an executive session. He states this is not a reason for an executive session. Falcon states he is unsure of reasons that qualify for an executive session so he will not argue that point, and calls for the meeting attendees to be brought back into the room. Discussion continues. Falcon and Stagliano both agree Mr. Brower could sue the town for improper management of the subdivision, but disagree on the reasoning. Falcon believes the town is requiring Brower to jump through too many hoops and he could sue. Stagliano states these are steps that must take place and if not handled as outlined in the town subdivision regulations he could sue. The Planning Board would like to follow the town subdivision regulations that have been in place since 1993. Mr. Brower also prefers to proceed in this manner. The matter will be researched more at a later time.
o Mr. Brower had presented at the June 11, 2019 Planning Board meeting, at which time he submitted a letter of intent and a sketch plan to the Planning Board, demonstrating a 2 acre lot, on which his son, Mitchell, is building a house. The Planning Board discussed with Mr. Brower at this (August) meeting the regulation requirements for a subdivision. Falcon offered Mr. Brower the choice in which direction he’d like to go in regards to processing his subdivision – would he like to follow the Town of St Johnsville Subdivision Regulations of 1993, or would he like to pursue Falcon’s findings after his discussions with the Office of the Attorney General and the Real Property Bureau? Mr. Brower would like to follow the Town Subdivision Regulations of 1993. Discussion was had regarding the next steps in the process. The Short Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) was also reviewed by the Planning Board. Member McDaniel made a motion to classify the action as a minor subdivision. This motion was seconded by Member Haines. The motion carried 4-0. Mr. Brower then paid a $25.00 fee to the Planning Board to be submitted for processing. Mr. Brower is to have his land surveyed and will deliver the final plat submission to the town clerk’s office and to the Planning Board for review. The county Planning Board is also to receive a copy of the submission. Once all documents are in order a public hearing will be scheduled. Tentatively on 9/10/19 if all is in order in time to give adequate notice (5 days) to the public.
o *Off topic note* Prior to departing the meeting, Supervisor Stagliano asks if we’ve heard anything about the SEQRA on the Kennedy Rd solar project. Chairman Falcon states we have not, but will be discussing this with Anne Waling of CCR later on in this meeting.
- Cypress Creek Renewables – Kennedy Rd Solar Project:
o Anne Waling states her immediate goal is to reschedule a site walk of the Kennedy Rd project as the previously scheduled dates did not work. She would also like to schedule a public hearing as soon as possible to allow locals a chance to engage in the process and in turn allow CCR a chance to make adjustments to the plans if need be. She also states the Planning Board still needs to declare lead agent on the project but that cannot be done until 30 days after declaring intent to be lead agent. The Planning Board declared intent to be lead agent during the July meeting. Attorney Doug Warden states declaration of lead agent can be done on the same day as the public hearing, tentatively on 9/10/19. Chairman Falcon asked Anne where they are in the SEQRA process. Anne states it is underway and will notify us as she learns more. The project application, site plans, and SEQRA need to be submitted to the town clerk’s office prior to a public hearing to allow the public a chance to review the material. The material must also go to the County Planning Board for review. The Planning Board has already reviewed the application and site plans but awaits the SEQRA.
o Accompanying Anne is Mr. Jason Dickey who presents to review Exhibit D of the project application - the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) - with the Planning Board and will address any questions/concerns. Anne states she too can address any other questions/concerns regarding the remainder of the application. Jason is an Environmental Consultant with TRC and is the project manager for the Kennedy Rd project. He has overseen all of the environmental & natural resources studies as well as the cultural resource studies. The EAF is a record of the company’s due diligence, detailing all of the environmental field studies and consultations that have occurred to date.
o Member McDaniel asks why Exhibit C “Civil Site Plans” is empty - is this the large folded set of maps/diagrams which was submitted along with the application binder? Per Anne – yes
o Jason directs attention to page 4 & 5 of the EAF regarding wetlands. He states that from 2017-2018 there were licensed wetland scientists on site to delineate all of the wetland features of the proposed project site. In July 2018 all of the results were submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers, from whom a jurisdictional determination was requested. In September 2018, they came for a site visit to verify first-hand the boundaries of the wetlands and whether they will be jurisdictional under the Clean Water Act. After review of the submitted findings along with the site visit, the Army Corps of Engineers concurred with the wetlands boundaries and found all wetland features to be jurisdictional. In looking at the Kennedy Rd site plans, one can see wetland features were avoided. The exception is, there will be a crossing which will course across a class C perennial water body. Dickey explains the DEC stream classification. As a Class C water body, this is not jurisdictional to the DEC; however it is jurisdictional to the Army Corps of Engineers under the Clean Water Act. Given the fact that a farm-related crossing is already present at this site, the crossing will only have to be widened; therefore the disturbance will be minimal. They also plan to run an electrical conduit through a bore hole under a stream bed.
o Jason moves on to direct attention to page 6 of the EAF regarding storm water. Any time more than an acre of land is disturbed, there needs to be a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) in place. The SWPPP describes the best management and steps that will be taken to keep loose sediment from leaving the site and from entering water bodies, both during and after the construction process. Both pervious and impervious materials will be used over the course of the project to manage storm water and sediments. Ultimately the ground should remain stable. Member McDaniel asks what the 4 acres of impervious materials consists of, as described on page 6 of the EAF – is that the access roads? Per Jason and Anne, yes, in addition to inverter pads and a small substation.
o On page 8 of the EAF there is a description of noise disturbances. Jason explains that there may be some noise during construction but only during working hours. After completion of the project the noise is very minimal, and any noise would be during daylight hours while the inverters are running. In addition, no outdoor lighting is being proposed; therefore no light disturbance is anticipated.
o Member McDaniel inquires about a discrepancy in the number of acres expected to be deforested. On page 8 it states 35 acres will be deforested. On page 9 it states 39 acres will be deforested. Jason and Anne suspect it is 35 acres but will confirm.
o Member McDaniel asks whether an archaeological survey of the land was completed, and what were the results? Jason states it is being done in phases. Phase 1a is completed which is largely a desktop exercise but very involved, referencing past studies and research. This was completed in Spring 2019 and findings were submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). SHPO recommended they proceed with Phase 1b of the survey which involves digging dirt, running it through a sieve, and looking for evidence of artifacts. This is scheduled to happen in September.
o Jason goes on to discuss endangered species. The US Fish & Wildlife Service was consulted. They made note of the presence of the Northern Long-eared Bat (NLEB), which commonly pops up in surveys across NYS. The site plans are in compliance with their regulations regarding the NLEB. At the state level, they made note of a bald eagle’s nest which turned out to be 2.5 miles away from the project site on East Canada Lake. It was determined the eagle’s nest is of no consequence to the project, nor is the project a threat to the nest. The state also made note of the potential for state-protected grassland bird species, including songbirds and raptors (Short-eared Owl & Northern harrier). A Winter Raptor Study was conducted over the winter. Northern harriers were spotted flying overhead early in the study, but did not show signs of roosting or foraging. A Grassland Breeding Bird Survey was conducted in the spring. This study focused on the short-eared owl, northern harrier, and a variety of songbird species.
o Member McDaniel asks regarding Exhibit F “Decommissioning Plan…” – Do these numbers mean CCR will make $214,191.61 profit (or recoup) after decommissioning? Anne states these numbers are the best estimates possible, but yes – if salvage values are included in the final estimation, there could potentially be a small net profit. Overall, the Decommissioning Bond is an assurance that there is funding to return the land to its original state after the project has either run its course or is catastrophically non-operational.
o Member McDaniel asks why there is no Exhibit L for the SWPPP – Jason states this will be a large amount of paperwork. Anne states if we don’t have it she will make sure we get a copy.
o Member McDaniel asks regarding Exhibit M “Proof of Injection…” – Is that info supposed to be blacked out? – Anne states it is blacked out because it is propriety information about other injection sites and would require payment to get that information. The important information is what isn’t blacked out, which details the capability of the system to handle the injection load from the Kennedy Rd project.
o Member McDaniel points out a typo on the first page of Exhibit N “Proof of Site Control” – “Kenney” Road should read Kennedy Road
o Member McDaniel addresses discrepancies seen throughout the application in regards to quoted acreage, project cost, anticipated local spending, homes supplied, and construction duration (see table below). Anne states these are preliminary numbers pulled from several studies and sources but they will look into this because these numbers need to be consistent and as accurate as possible. (A copy of Member McDaniel’s list of questions, including the table found below was given to Anne and Doug, as well as the Planning Board members.)
Project Description (Intro Section)
140 acres (458 total)
Exhibit A – Page 1 (140)
Exhibit A – Page 2 (458)
Page 3 & 20
Page 4 & 19
Page 4 & 19 & 28
5,600 (then later says 3-4,000 homes)
Page 3 (5600)
Page 20 (3-4,000)
Approx 6-7 months
o Member Haines asks whether their power output typically varies from year to year. Anne says it absolutely does. The maximum will always be the same (i.e. 20 MW), but depending on factors like cloud coverage, etc, it won’t always be at maximum.
o Anne states the application will be tightened up as the process moves forward and more information is available.
o Anne and Jason state that all available acreage is studied thoroughly before deciding exactly where the project will be constructed.
o Chairman Falcon asks whether they’ve conducted a traffic study – this will be relevant to the road bond which they will need in order to begin construction. Anne states that they have not yet done a traffic study but if we point out areas of concern, they will look into them with a formal study (i.e. typical truck counts, weight of the trucks/equipment, overall traffic during construction, current condition of the roads to be utilized, expected traffic after construction is complete, etc).
o Doug Warden asks whether the road bond amount will be based on the traffic study findings. Chairman Falcon states – yes, we will come up with a number. For example, we’re not going to make them pay for road damage that existed prior to construction. We also need to know how many access roads there will be and where they’ll be placed.
o Anne asks if we can set another date for the site visit since the dates previously scheduled in July did not work out. Tuesday 8/20/19 at 5:30pm was chosen as an agreeable date for the Planning Board and Jason Dickey. Anne will confirm with her colleagues (those whose presence would be required) if the date works. We will meet at the corner of Hillabrandt and Kennedy Rd. The goal is to see where the arrays will be placed, where the access roads will be located, where the stream crossing will be located, and where an electrical conduit will be bored underneath a stream.
o Chairman Falcon states the Planning Board may require soil logs, soil profile and analysis, deep hole tests pits, etc – is this part of the environmental study? Jason says these types of studies are typically commissioned later on as they are gearing up for construction. Anne says it will be a different company than they’ve commissioned thus far for the geotech aspect. Prior to construction they will be out there performing these soil studies and obtaining some bores. They’ll need to know whether they’ll be installing parts of the project on rock so these studies are important for many reasons.
o Member Haines asks whether they have already identified all of the soil types. Jason says yes, they have the soil maps, or “soil series”, which can be found in the application binder.
o Chairman Falcon wants to confirm the land they’ll be leasing is from 3 different property owners. Anne says yes, 3 property owners. Chairman Falcon asks how much land each property owner will be contributing. Anne believes it is approximately even, about one-third of the total acreage per land owner which equates to approximately 150 acres a piece. They have each contributed approximately 50% of their land or less.
o Member Haines asks if there will be any agricultural land incorporated into the project – in other words, will they be able to continue to utilize some of the leased land for hay? Anne says yes, and this may be some of the reason the owners are keeping certain areas of their land and willing to give up other areas. For example, Kerry Stowell will be holding onto the land he needs for his dairy operation as he wants to keep that going.
o Chairman Falcon states it is important to local residents to maintain rural agricultural scenery – an industrial look is not desirable. Chairman Falcon and Member Haines remark on the unnatural appearance of a solar farm. Member Haines is happy a screening policy is in place to keep the rural flavor of the area. Anne states they will be adding a mixture of deciduous and evergreen buffers along the road to help screen the project and maintain a natural look.
o Member Larson asks if the project near FMCC has seen a winter yet, and did the snow melt off and create any problems like flooding? Member Haines asks if the snow melts off the arrays in the winter time. Anne says sometimes it does but they model the project to reduce the amount of snow melt. Usually if snow accumulates it will slide off in a sheet when it heats up.
o Chairman Falcon asks about the different panels they previously discussed. Anne says the panels they go with will depend on what panels are available at the time of construction. It will likely end up being a mix of tracker panels and fixed panels. It comes down to availability – solar panels are growing in popularity and they have to go with what they can get.
o Chairman Falcon asks if there is any news on the Drinkwater project. Anne states she has no new news. She knows it’s not dead but that’s all she knows at this time. She does know they ran into some things with geotech. They discovered rock and they’re trying to figure out what they can do to make it work during construction. Another big part of the Drinkwater project is the tree clearing – the original quote no longer stands so they were waiting to hear back on another one, but that could be resolved by now. She will find out what she can.
o Chairman Falcon expresses concern about the lack of progress on the Drinkwater project and hopes they are staying in touch with Roger Lottman. Anne will ensure her partners are in touch.
o Doug Warden addresses General Municipal Law 239-m in regards to the County Planning Board form – the Town Planning Board has to submit this form and it needs to go out well in advance of the final decision because a decision cannot be filed until the Town hears back from the County Planning Board. They also need a copy of the application and the SWPPP. Anne says they typically just need to sign off – particularly if the town already has an ordinance – but they may have recommendations, mainly about farmland and visual screening. Doug states their recommendations are not binding and the town can vote to override them. Anne will send us the county referral form, an extra application, and the SWPPP.
o Doug addresses the proof of insurance requirement as a condition of the approval resolution – he wants to ensure they can proceed as indicated in the town requirements.
o Anne says they’d like to put together some visual analyses but we will wait until the site walk to decide where we’d like them to take pictures for visual simulations. These will be helpful during the public hearing.
o Chairman Falcon states the Planning Board will schedule the public hearing for Cypress Creek for Tuesday 9/10/19 at 6:30pm, the date of our regular meeting. This is the same date the public hearing for Mr. Brower’s subdivision is proposed to take place. Anne will need to mail a registered letter to the 3 property owners and all adjacent property owners to notify them of the public hearing for the Kennedy Rd project. Anne confirms our newspapers are the Courier-Standard and the Recorder. Chairman Falcon states they simply need to send the information about the public hearing to the paper and they will run the notification but it has to be run 10 days prior to the hearing to make the deadline for public notification.
Land Use booklet revision: Tabled at this time. The Kennedy Rd project and the Brower subdivision take precedence.
New Business: No new business at this time.
The next meeting will be September 10, 2019 at 6:30 pm.
Member McDaniel made a motion to adjourn at 8:28 pm. Member Haines seconded the motion.
Respectfully submitted, Mariah McDaniel (acting Secretary during Louise Robusto’s temporary absence)
St. Johnsville Town Planning Board - July 9, 2019 Tuesday
Present: Chairman Marcel Falcon, Members: Mariah McDaniel, George Haines, Les Larsen, Louise Robusto
Other: Cypress Creek Renewables (CCR) Representatives - Ann, Carolyn, Marissa
6:30 pm: Meeting called to order Roll call of members
Public Comment: No public present.
Minutes of June 11, 2019 meeting presented and read. Motion made to accept the minutes of June 11, 2019, made by Member Mariah McDaniel, seconded by Chairman Falcon. All in favor (5), none opposed.
Chairman Falcon spoke with Jeff (in development) in California regarding special permit dated 1/8/19 for the Drinkwater solar project on Crum Creek Road. Jeff stated the permit is on hold due to changes in logging & excavation bids - they came in higher than originally quoted. Jeff also stated they are considering changing the panels to be used in the Drinkwater project. They are looking into panels which generate during the winter using reflection of light from the snow. The project may be put off up to a year while they consider their options, therefore the permit would need to be extended - it expires on 1/8/20. Ann of CCR states they will reevaluate as the expiration date approaches.
Member Mariah McDaniel submitted a list of suggested corrections to the Definitions section of the Land Use Regulations booklet, in addition to references to laws and codes related to a list of proposed amendments which was left in our file drop. These submissions were copied and given to each member for review. This will be revisited at a later time.
Ann and Carolyn presented to the board a binder containing detailed information regarding the proposed Kennedy Road solar project. Each planning board member was given a copy of this binder in addition to a series of maps and diagrams to review. Ann outlined the content of this binder and her partner, Carolyn, presented the site plan. Ann asked that the planning board read the provided material and get back to her with any questions that arise. The planning board will tentatively walk the Kennedy Rd site with CCR representatives on 7/23/19, with a rain date of 7/30119. If these dates do not work out, another date will be chosen as the need arises. A check for the permit was submitted to the Planning Board by CCR, to be paid to the Town of St Johnsville. The Planning Board declared intent to be the lead agent for the Kennedy Rd project.
The next meeting will be August 13, 2019 at 6:30 pm.
Member Robusto made a motion to adjourn at 7:45 pm. Member Larsen seconded the motion.
From: nljm@frontier.com
Subject: BROWER - SUBDIVISIONS
Date: Aug 2, 2019 at 6:04:07 AM
To: Dominick Stagliano
Marcel contacted me by e-mail regarding the Brower matter. It boiled down to him interpreting the subdivision regulations, introductory language - first two paragraphs, to mean that the correct definition of a 'subdivision', as a matter of State law, meant that the Brower proposal does not constitute a 'subdivision' for local purposes.
I advised that what he was referencing were examples and referred him to the first sentence of the third paragraph and the definition in the TSTJ subdivision
regulations. He concluded that I was interpreting incorrectly. I advised him that I was firm in my interpretation and that I conclude that Brower has not been properly approved under the local law. That is where it was left as of yesterday afternoon.
From: Dominick Stagliano
Sent:: Thursday, August 22, 2019 2:36 PM
To: George Haines; Louise Robusto; Marcel Falcon; Mariah McDaniel
Cc: Norman Mastromoro
Subject:: Brower subdivision
To all Planning Board Members,
After reflecting on the discussion I tried to have with Chairman Falcon at your August 14th Planning Board meeting, I offer the following observation.
Chairman Falcon refuses to accept the statutory authority of our Subdivision Regulations of 1993 and he continues to double down with his confusing justification of what constitutes a subdivision in St. Johnsville and lack of need for Mr. Brower to secure a subdivision. He asks his questions and bases his opinion on his reading of the definitions of "subdivision" expressed in paragraphs I and 2 of the Introduction statement in our Subdivision Regulations which refer to NYS Public Health Law and Real Property Law.
It is irrelevant to the Town of St. Johnsville and the Planning Board how either of these departments of the State of New York define "Subdivision." The Town of St. Johnsville does not administer or enforce either of these regulations; the Department of Health and Department of State does. The definition used by them is for their administrative purposes; not for the Town of St. Johnsville or any municipality in New York State that has adopted Subdivision Regulations.
As for Chairman Falcon's discussion with Montgomery County Real Property Tax Director, Leigh Anne and I spoke to Director DiPasquale on August 14th She said they explained to Marcel that "They required a signed plat map on Mylar for filing and by signing the map, the Planning Board was verifying that local municipal laws were followed." They went on to say that "They did not tell him that the signing of the map was sufficient for anyone other than the County."
Chairman Falcon refused to allow me at the meeting to direct the members of the Planning Board to the third paragraph in the Introduction that states "Municipalities are legally responsible for defining a subdivision in their subdivision regulations"
From the Department of State's Local Government Technical Series publication entitled Subdivision Review in New York State, it writes that "In the 1920's, municipalities in New York were statutorily authorized to review and control the subdivision of land. Since that time, countless subdivisions have been reviewed by planning boards and many court decisions about subdivisions have been rendered. In the early 1990's, the State Legislature authorized the Joint Legislative Commission on Rural Resources to develop recommendations for recodifying the State laws dealing with zoning and planning in light of changing times and precedential court decisions. In 1992, the provisions concerning subdivision review in the Town Law and the Village Law were substantially revised as a result. Three years later, the State Legislature enacted similar legislation for cities." Pursuant to State statute, "the governing bodies of cities, towns and villages may pass resolutions authorizing their
planning boards to review and approve preliminary and final subdivision plats." The Town of St. Johnsville Subdivision Regulations were adopted in November 1993 meeting the revised requirements in Town Law.
Further, "after a local planning board has been authorized to exercise plat approval powers, State law requires the municipal clerk to immediately file a certificate of the planning boards new review authority with the county clerk or register. Thereafter, no subdivision can be filed with the county clerk without the planning board's approval, endorsed in writing on the plat in such manner as the planning board designates."
Under "Defining Subdivision, "the technical series states that "State Subdivision Enabling Statutes do not define this term (subdivision) except in the context of the phrase: .the division of any parcel of land into a number of lots, blocks or sites as specified in a law, rule or regulation, with or without streets or highways, for the purpose of sale, transfer or ownership, or development "
It further states "it is critical that the local legislative body provide a number in the subdivision definition; this establishes the planning board's jurisdiction to review subdivision plats. If the division of land fits the definition of subdivision, then subdivision review can occur. If the particular division of land falls below the lot number in the definition, subdivision review cannot occur. With an
abundance of caution, many municipalities wisely require subdivision review whenever land is divided into "two or more lots, blocks or sites." Setting the definitional threshold for subdivision review at "two or more" lots prevents landowners from trying to circumvent subdivision review entirely. It is possible to define that term "subdivision" to exclude certain divisions of property which would not be subject to the planning board's jurisdiction. Adopting such a definition however can invite repeated submissions of plats with fewer divisions that escape review. Limiting how frequently land divisions can be made without review is in many ways more difficult than for the municipality to simply review all subdivision plats.
Mr. Brower has filed all the necessary paperwork for his subdivision application as required by our Adopted Subdivision Regulations. THE PLANNING BOARD HAS NOT PROPERLY PROCESSED HIS APPLICATION NOR IS IT SCHEDULING ITS PROPER COMPLETION. YOU ARE BYPASSING A PROPER SEQRA EVALUATION JUMPING TO A PUBLIC HEARING.
The Application and Review process is described on pages 4 and 5 of our Subdivision Regulations. The members of the Planning Board are Public Officials responsible for carrying out the laws of St. Johnsville. As a Public Official you serve a term of office. The Chairman is appointed by the Town Board and I believe serves at the pleasure of the Board and can be removed by a majority vote of the Town Board.
You should immediately review your procedure to date on the subdivision application currently in front of you by using the Model Minor subdivision Checklist I have sent you.
ST. Johnsville Town Planning Board - June 11, 2019
Present: Marcel Falcon, Mariah McDaniel, George Haines, Les Larsen, Pubic: Louise Robusto, Mark Brower
Mark Brower requested subdivision of property on Klock Rd, 2 acres to build a house for his son. He stated he already has building permit for the house. He presented tax map with acreage mapped out. Chairman Falcon stated Mr. Brower has met all requirements. There was a question regarding the road whether it was public or private, Chairman Falcon stated there were requirements to be met in building a road. Mr. Brower said it was a private driveway. Town would not plow or maintain it. Klock Road ends right before the driveway, and he would like to keep it as such instead of making it a public road. Mr. Brower stated he had an address from the Montgomery county sheriff department.
Chairman Falcon made a motion to approve the subdivision, seconded by member Haines.
Minutes of May 14, 2019 presented. Member McDaniel made motion to accept, Member Haines seconded.
Opposed —0
Chairman Falcon stated Cypress Creek Drinkwater project is back on hold. He called about bonds and neither bonds are set, they are in the legal department at present. Chairman Falcon stated he called California and spoke with Jeff Hastings. The reason for the hold is:
1. The price of the clearing of the land is nowhere near what they were quoted in the beginning.
2. They want to use a different panel which is cheaper, more efficient and produces more power. Possibly enough power for the whole town.
Chairman Falcon questioned if they hold off for a year would they need another permit. How long is this permit good for? He would have to contact county or. state.
Land Use Booklet:
Chairman Falcon stated there is many ways it can be interpreted. Member McDaniel stated something could be open ended. Chairman Falcon stated some seemed too lenient and others to strict. Another concern is some amendments or proposals are not in the book, so the board is not sure if these have been voted on or put into effect, where it came from, who put it in the box? Is there a file of proposals or amendments that have been passed?
Chairman Falcon made the recommendation to start going over definitions in the Land use Law.
The next meeting will be July 9,2019 at 6:30 pm.
Member Haines made a motion to adjourn at 7:58 pm. Member McDaniel seconded the motion.
Respectfully submitted, Louise Robusto
ST. Johnsville Town Planning Board - Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Present: Marcel Falcon, Chairman, Les Larsen, George Haines, Manah McDaniel Public: Louise Robusto
Minutes of April 9, 2019 meeting, read, and accepted by all.
Old Business: Road Bond from Cypress Renewables regarding Drink Water Project
Chairman Falcon stated road bond has to be in effect because it protects the town in case of damage to the road and also there are restrictions where they can travel limiting area of damage.
Chairman Falcon stated he hadn't had verification on road bond, but draft of demolition bond has been sent to Supervisor Stagliano. He sated the company wanted Chairman Falcon to oversee, but he stated he could not due to not knowing what Supervisor Stagliano negotiated. He stated the draft was here if anyone wanted to look at it.
Member Haines asked how much the bond was for. Chairman Falcon said $100,000. Chairman Falcon stated he thought it should be $300,000. He stated you have to return the site to original shape. It was stated that we would get scrap money but, is not known what scrap would be worth in 20-years. Member Haines said that if the town did it he thought the company was supposed to do it. Chairman Falcon was concerned if the panels were going to be set on concrete piers. Member Haines said he had asked them and they said no. Member McDaniel stated she thought she had heard that Allen Heights project would have concrete piers. Chairman Falcon stated there would be a concrete pad. Member Larsen asked if anything had been put in the ground yet. It was stated nothing has been touched.
Member McDaniel stated she had heard they are going in to the site down by the Nursing Home for the Cram Creek Project. Chairman Falcon stated nothing could be done until the bonds are set, mainly the bond for the road. The demolition bond has to be in place also. Member Haines asked if this was to do with the representative that was saying everything was good. Chairman Falcon said yes, his name was John Regan, but there is still paperwork that needs to be done.
Member Larsen stated he goes by almost every day and nothing has been touched.
Chairman Falcon said he would notify all when the bonds are in place. Without them they can't move and if they do we can stop them. We have to protect the people of the town. Member Haines asked if the demolition bond was done. Chairman Falcon said this is only the draft. He has not yet received verification.
Chairman Falcon stated he had a meeting with Ann (of Cypress Creek Renewables) and the code enforcement officer regarding the Kennedy Road project. Chairman Falcon said he could not oversee that. He could only consult. He was asked by her boss, Ethan, if he could be at the meeting. So he attended the meeting. He stated he had some questions regarding the Crum Creek project that they were supposed to answer. Chairman Falcon stated the code enforcement enforcer only gives the permit, then we discuss it and the special use permit. The company asked if there was any leeway with the $40,000 Kennedy Road Project permit. Chairman Falcon stated we have nothing to do with the fee for permit. That is set by the town board. If they want to renegotiate, they have to go to the town board. Member Haines stated they don't seem happy with the fees. Where as, Chairman Falcon said they thought they were a little steep and that was up to the town board.
Member Haines stated it would be good if the town had a scale to base fees on. Chairman Falcon said that could be suggested by talking to a board member and they can make a motion. We have to follow their rules.
Chairman Falcon said the Kennedy Road Project should be coming up. Member Haines asked if there was a hold on that. Chairman Falcon said the hold was on the approval. The hold should be coming off by the end of July or August. The planning board can do their work up until then. Member Haines stated it is Federal so more would be required Chairman Falcon said a little more intense.
Chairman Falcon showed Member McDaniel the draft of the demolition bond for the Drinkwater Project and gave her a copy of the special use permit process. He stated he wanted to make sure she was up to date. Copies were passed out to all members.
LAND USE LAWS:
Land Use Laws were brought up by Chairman Falcon. He talked about everyone doing their part. Chairman Falcon asked if everyone had a copy of the Solar Laws. Copies were passed out to all members. Chairman Falcon stated if anyone had any questions just call him.
Member McDaniel stated she has been going through the land use laws and reading them. She has not found anything yet that she would recommend changes. Member Haines was asked if he came up with anything that he would recommend be changed. He stated there were some amendments such as the mobile home law and the kennel law. Chairman Falcon said it was amended. Member Haines said it was not in the book. Chairman Falcon said the town has to add it to the book. We can't add it.
Chairman Falcon asked if this was done in 2013. Member Haines stated yes. Copies were passed out. Member Haines asked if they were going to make new books. Chairman Falcon asked if it was ever presented to the board. Member Haines said he thought so. Chairman Falcon said he would find out.
Member Baines brought up state laws that were passed down to us. Chairman Falcon brought up mobile home page 57, Section 483. He stated federal regulations would be brought up to the town board again for a vote. The law still stands on the books, and there is concern someone could bring up a law suite. Our job is to protect the town. Chairman Falcon asked everyone, to do one chapter at a time until we get through it.
At the suggestion of Supervisor Stagliano, the Planning Board should vote to keep Louise Robusto as secretary. Vote taken: No opposition.
Chairman Falcon wants everyone's input, ideas concerning the Planning Board and the betterment of the town, and then we will discuss each of them.
The next meeting will be June 11, 2019 at 6:30 PM.
Member Haines made a motion to adjourn at 7:22 PM.. Member Larsen seconded the motion.
Respectfully submitted, Louise Robusto, Secretary
ST. Johnsville Town Planning Board - Tuesday, April 09, 2019
Present: Marcel Falcon, Mariah McDaniel, George Haines, Les Larsen, Judy Swartz Pubic: Supervisor Dominic Stagliano
Statement of date stated by Chairman Falcon, also stated all meetings would be recorded to get minutes right.
Other: Introduction of Mariah McDaniel, new appointee to the planning board.
Introduction of Louise Robusto for secretary for reason of transparency and to be correct, avoiding past issues
Chairman Falcon asked if anyone one had anything else, members replied "no"
Old Business: Drink Water Solar Project
Chairman Falcon called the California office to find where they stand with the bonds, the decommission bond and road bond that is in the resolution. California office said they would get back to him, but as of this meeting they have not. Chairman Falcon asked Supervisor Stagliano if he had heard anything, Supervisor Stagliano stated we only have requirement for logging operations for road bond, and typically handled by the code enforcement officer. Chairman Falcon stated this was for solar and they had to have a road bond. Supervisor Stagliano stated, on the road bond we only have 1 requirement and that has to deal with trees, we have never had any with house, residential or commercial required. Chairman Falcon stated this was done under special permit. Supervisor Stagliano stated he thought permits aren't an issue, he thought the compassing of special permits had already passed. Chairman Falcon stated they were already in the resolution and are waiting for the bond from them, they can't commence without it. Supervisor Stagliano stated they have one for the dismantling, which is the decommission bond, that's the only one the town knows about. Chairman Falcon said he would give the resolution at the Board meeting. Supervisor Stagliano stated whatever is in the resolution, the only one they have is on the decommissioning. Chairman Falcon stated the one for the roads is on special permit, stating that the roads were just paved by the county and we don't need them to destroy it. Supervisor Stagliano said both roads are county roads so if there was a bond it would be for the county, the town doesn't. Chairman Falcon said the town doesn't own the road, but it could come back on us without a road bond.
Chairman Falcon stated it was time to review the land use law of 2010 for recommendations of amendments for the Town Board. He stated the planning board can only make recommendations.
Site plan approval and special permits:
Chairman Falcon stated to be very careful when doing research, next project is Federal, the planning board has county, state and federal laws to research. Special use permits and site use checklist needs to be studied.
Chairman Falcon handed out a copy of the 271 law, detailing the job of the planning board.
Member McDaniel asked about guidelines to be followed for special permits. Chairman Falcon explained there is process it has to go through Town, there is paperwork that has to be done before it gets to planning board. Chairman Falcon stated 2 projects were kicked back due to calling him before getting a permit.
Chairman Falcon explained that meetings were held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month, talked about setting fees for projects, following procedures.
Chairman Falcon asked Supervisor Stagliano if he had heard anything on the Kennedy Road project. Supervisor Stagliano stated no, he thought it would be at a standstill for a while.
Chairman Falcon stated the next meeting would be May 14th, 2019. He recommended to all to look over the land use law, make sure we comply, and something doesn't get overlooked.
Chairman Falcon talked of changing the meeting times to 6:30pm instead of 7pm. Motion to change made by George Haines, seconded by Judy Swartz. Chairman falcon stated it needs to be posted in 2 places, Supervisor Stagliano stated if it's your regular meeting there is no posting requirements, it should be posted on the bulletin boards. Supervisor Stagliano handed out a special board overview packet that the Department of State put out. He stated that slide 15 talks about meetings and be consistent or public could overturn the boards decision.
Chairman Falcon stated that some things in the minutes of March 12,2019, meeting were not correct regarding being a regulatory agency". A statement was made that the law had to be rewritten every 10 years, that is incorrect, it has to be reviewed every 3 years, no longer, and is now being reviewed. Motion to accept by Judy Swartz seconded by George Haines
6:55 Motion to adjourn by Judy Swartz seconded By Chairman Falcon.
ST. Johnsville Town Planning Board - March 12, 2019
Town of St. Johnsville Planning Board March 12, 2019
Meeting called to Order at 6:30 pm by Chairman Marcel Falcon
Present Chairman Marcel Falcon Vice Chairman George Haines, Les Larsen, Judy Swartz, Melanie Shuster
Motion made to accept the minutes of February 2019, made by Judy Swartz, seconded by George Haines
Chairman Falcon wanted the Board to schedule a meeting for reorganizational purposes. We made the date for March 18th at 6:30 pm. Motion made by Marcel Falcon, seconded by Judy Swartz. Passed by the Board.
Melanie Shuster brought to the Boards attention the fact that the Land Use Law, which she helped to write has to be revised by April 8th 2020. She mentioned the fact that upon the revision, since the Planning Board is a Regulatory Agency please keep in mind we have a law pertaining to trailers which is in contradiction to New York State Law. The Town Board would not want to make changes to this, which in fact might place us in litigation. If, the revised Land use Law is passed by the Town Board having next to go to the County, the County would not allow us to be in violation to New York State Law, hence we would then have to rewrite the Land Use Law over.
Les Larsen commented on the Seminar that we all attended was very informative keeping us abreast of current changes in New York State Planning Laws, the effect this places on small Towns.
Motion to close the meeting at 8:10 pm made by Les Larsen, seconded by Judy Swartz.
ST. Johnsville Town Planning Board - February 19, 2019
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Marcel Falcon at 6:00 pm Present were Chairman Falcon, Vice Chairman George Haines, Judy Swartz, Les Larsen, Melanie Shuster
Motion made by Les Larsen to approve the minutes of January 9, 2019 meeting, Seconded by Judy Swartz, agreed by the Board.
Chairman Falcon brought to our attention a training seminar to be held on March 6, 2019 at the Fulton County Community College at 4:00 pm, expressing the desire that we all needed to be informed of changes that have occurred in the past few years. We are also to understand what our role is as individual members on this Board. We all agreed to attend with Marcel furnishing the transportation.
Discussion with the Board on the Land Use Law and the need for this to be revised by next year this time. The reason for the revision every ten years is due to the fact perhaps, that ten years ago we did not have Solar Energy leasing land from the farmers. Our target date would be April 8, 2020. Judy Swartz asked for a copy of this to be given to her. Chairman Falcon will ask our Town Secretary for a copy.
Judy Swartz made the motion at 8:45 to close the meeting with a second by Les Larsen.
Melanie Shuster, Secretary Written on March 12, 2019
TOWN ST. JOHNSVILLE PLANNING BOARD - January 09, 2019
Meeting called to order at 7 p.m. by Chairman Marcel Falcon.
Present Chairman Falcon, George Haines Assistant Chairman, Judy Swartz, Les Larsen, Melanie Shuster
From the Public, John Regan, Zoning Manager of Cypress Creek Renewables.
The minutes of December 11, 2018 approved. Motion by Les Larsen, seconded by Judy Swartz. Passed by Board.
This meeting was an important one, as we were to issue the Special Use Permit with the proposed alteration to the original Drinkwater Solar, LLC updating the site plan with Battery Specifications, along with an Energy Storage System, housing in a metal box 50 feet long 8'wide and 10'taIl. The equipment will be sited near the inverter approved as part of the original project proposal.
George Haines made the motion to accept the Special Permit with Cypress Renewables, with Les Larsen seconded the motion. Passed unanimously. Chairman Falcon signed two copies. One he gave to John Regan, the other we were to keep on file.
Motion to close the meeting made at 8:05 pm by Judy Swartz, seconded by Les Larsen