Granby Town Board Preparatory Meeting
March 25, 2009 DRAFT
6:00 P.M.
Deputy Supervisor Cortini called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Present for the roll call: Deputy Supervisor Joseph Cortini; Councilors: Carol Abbott; Sue Richardson; Ellen Nowyj; and Matt Callen. Also present: Highway Superintendent Lynn Moyer and about 12 other Town officials, residents and guests.
Wind Power Presentation
John Hecklau and JoAnne Gagliano from EDR Engineering handed out information on: "Wind Power: Installation, Regulation & Planning Considerations."
They opened the floor to the Board and public for questions and comments which included:
- Height: generally 60-120"' based on location, trees, etc. The higher the tower the better the wind.
- Are they noisy? They make a low level swishing sound.
- What are set backs? A 100' tower should have a 150' set back. On a farm it could be 1000'-1500' from the nearest neighbor.
- Suggested height of a tower could be considered by the acreage a person owns.
- NYSERDA has produced a wind map which can be helpful. This organization will sometimes share the cost of a tower.
- The Town could/should have an ordinance on alternative energy.
- Are birds at risk? Very few birds are killed by wind turbines.
Other considerations:
- Do you want a site plan process and special use permit? It might just need a building permit.
- There is the possibility of co-sharing: two houses using the same tower.
- Community sharing is also possible but a huge capital investment.
- The assessor should be asked if a wind tower would be assessed.
- The Town's focus is on residential wind power but it was recommended that it not ignore the possibility of commercial wind power.
After the presentation the Board retired to the Conference Room to continue the work meeting.
Communications
The Town financial records still need to be audited by Councilor Nowyj. It was asked that it be completed by April 8, 2009.
The Highway Department has destroyed the old computer equipment as requested by the Town Board.
The Board was asked to review their copy of the Town of Oswego's local law on wind energy. The Board needs to consider a similar law for the Town of Granby.
Highway Superintendent Moyer attended a meeting in Syracuse regarding the New York State portion of the Federal Stimulus Package. None of the money will come directly to the Towns only through the CHiPS fund. Moyer also reported that some money for water and sewer service may be available.
The Board needs to review the Zoning Ordinance regulations concerning "sign" regulations for businesses. It was recommended that the Planning Board and Town Attorney develop new regulations that the Codes Department can understand and enforce.
Old Business
Granby Discount Carpet will install new VAT Tile from the front door to just past the ladies room on or about May 1, 2009.
New Business
A motion was made by Councilor Nowyj, seconded by Councilor Richardson to pay the part time backup Court Clerk the usual starting hourly wage of $8.00 per hour rather than the $9.00 per hour approved at the February 25, 2009 meeting.
Councilor Abbott aye Councilor Richardson aye
Councilor Nowyj aye Councilor Callen aye
A motion was made by Councilor Nowyj, seconded by Councilor Abbott to approve the purchase of 144 new grave flags for the cemeteries at a price not to exceed $225.00
Councilor Abbott aye Councilor Richardson aye
Councilor Nowyj aye Councilor Callen aye
A motion was made by Councilor Abbott, seconded by Councilor Callen to approve the attendance of Highway Superintendent Moyer at the 2009 Highway School in Ithaca, NY. Registration fee is $90.00
Councilor Abbott aye Councilor Richardson aye
Councilor Nowyj aye Councilor Callen aye
The following bids have been received for Town Hall complex lawn care and cemetery lawn care:
- Abbott Enterprises-Lawn Care: (20 mows) $1,000.00; $50 for each extra mow.
Abbott Enterprises-Cemetery: 5 mows, clean & rake leaves in Fall: $1,400.00.
- Chris Borrow-Lawn Care: $1,200; $55 for each extra mow.
Chris Borrow-Cemetery: $1,725.00
- B&B Extreme Specialties-Lawn Care: $1,200; $55 each extra mow.
B&B Extreme Specialties-Cemetery: $1,700.00
- White's Lawn & Snow-Lawn Care: $1,250; $50 each extra mow.
- Contour Mowing-Lawn Care: $1,500; $75 each extra mow.
Contour Mowing-Cemetery: $3,200
- JP Martin Enterprises-Lawn Care: $1,400; $70 each extra mow.
References from Abbott Enterprises have been checked and were very good.
A motion was made by Councilor Abbott, seconded by Councilor Nowyj to award the bid for Lawn Care to Abbott Enterprises @ $1,000 for 20 mows and $50 for each extra mow; and to Abbott Enterprises for Cemetery Lawn Care @ $1,400.
Councilor Abbott aye Councilor Richardson aye
Councilor Nowyj aye Councilor Callen aye
A motion was made by Councilor Callen, seconded by Councilor Richardson to approve having Court Backup Clerk Rhonda Nipper be trained in various Court duties and help the Court bring up to date old cases which are still open. The cost and time use will be reviewed after a 90 day period starting April 1, 2009.
Councilor Abbott aye Councilor Richardson aye
Councilor Nowyj aye Councilor Callen aye
Councilor Nowyj brought a request regarding wood burning furnaces and limiting their use. It was recommended that if there was a complaint, it should be brought to the Codes Office.
Town Clerk Ruth Sheldon announced that she has appointed a new Deputy Town Clerk, Deana Summerville.
Payment of Town Bills
A motion was made by Councilor Nowyj, seconded by Councilor Richardson to approve payment of Town bills as audited for abstract #6-2009 in the amounts of: $32,839.11 from General Fund; $7,202.78 from Highway Fund; $1,237.50 from Water District #3.
Councilor Abbott aye Councilor Richardson aye
Councilor Nowyj aye Councilor Callen aye
Dates for Upcoming Meetings
April 8, 2009 @ 7:00 p.m. - Regular Monthly Meeting
April 22, 2009 @ 6:00 p.m. - Preparatory Work Session
Adjournment
A motion was made by Councilor Richardson, seconded by Councilor Callen to adjourn the meeting. Passes Unanimously. Time: 7:35 p.m.
_________________________________
Town Clerk
