Granby Town Board Preparatory Meeting
April 22, 2009 DRAFT
6:00 P.M.
Supervisor Williamson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Present for the roll call: Supervisor Ed Williamson; Councilors: Carol Abbott; Sue Richardson; and Matt Callen. Councilor Ellen Nowyj was excused due to illness. Also present: Highway Superintendent Lynn Moyer; Deputy Supervisor Joe Cortini; Budget Director Bob Lyman and Zoning Board member Peter Holmes.
Communications and Announcements
After reviewing Fred Martin's memo from 4/8/09, Attorney Chatfield has sent a letter regarding building setbacks. He recommends that the setbacks should be measured from the "street right of way."
The $40,000 retention money in Water District #3 from Syracuse Constructors will be used to correct problems caused when they installed the water pipes. If the money runs out, the complainant will have to sue Syracuse Constructors.
Mr. & Mrs. James from State Rt. 48 have reported damage to a portion of their septic line crushed by the W/D #3 contractor. This will be forwarded to the EFC. Their driveway problem will be taken care of but not a new $5,000 raised bed septic system.
A letter from Karen MacEwen stated that she would like to sell two 4.5 acre parcels by the OCWA water tower. She would like OCWA to leave the gate to the fence around their property unlocked but OCWA will not for security reasons. If she sells the property, the new owners will need keys to the gate. The Town is not interested in purchasing the property.
There are two meter pits on one property at 54 Joey K Lane. The owner is concerned that if he sells his property, the new owner may not want the neighbors meter pit on his property. Sunrise Construction will remove the meter pit, relocate it on the neighbor's property and install the ¾" copper line to within 10' of the home as written in the original contract. The cost has been sent to EFC.
The Granby Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on April 23, 2009 to review proposed changes in the Zoning Ordinance as recommended at the April 8, 2009 Town Board Meeting. If needed, the Town Board will also hold a Public Hearing on the changes before passing them.
The Gilmores on Russell Rd. have been issued an "Order to Remedy" regarding their 4 wheeler racetrack. The NYS DEC has a law on excessive dust and has visited their home. Their racetrack has currently been shut down except for family use. A ticket will be issued if extreme dust and noise continues.
Two new bills have been introduced in the NYS Assembly and Senate Judiciary Committees. If the bills are passed, a person appearing in court could request a "lawyer judge" and thereby be sent to another court. This could reduce the Granby Court revenue by a considerable amount. People are asked to contact our State Senate and Assembly representatives, as well as Judiciary Committee members and ask them to vote "no" on these bills.
Councilor Richardson was notified that she needs to sign the agreement with the County to spend Highway funds as voted on at the April 8, 2009 Town Board meeting.
New Business
Southwest Door has notified Highway Superintendent Moyer that they will not be able to install the 2 doors and motors for the Highway Department garage. Southwest Door had been awarded the job at $8,005 as the lowest bidder at the December 30, 2008 Town Board meeting. Syracuse Overhead Door was the next lowest bidder at $8,150. Although a higher bid, their proposal includes 2 safety features which Southwest Door did not include.
A motion was made by Councilor Richardson, seconded by Councilor Callen to award the bid for 2 overhead doors and motors to Syracuse Overhead Door at a cost of $8,150.
Councilor Abbott aye Councilor Richardson aye
Councilor Callen aye Supervisor Williamson aye
Payment of Town Bills
A motion was made by Councilor Abbott, seconded by Councilor Callen to approve payment of Town bills as audited for abstract #8-2009: $2,068.34 from General Fund; $4,763.08 from Highway Fund; HW 1 $225.00.
Councilor Abbott aye Councilor Richardson aye
Councilor Callen aye Supervisor Williamson aye
Other Discussion
Highway Superintendent Moyer asked permission to advertise the 1976 pickup truck for sale. It runs but is used very little.
A motion was made by Councilor Richardson, seconded by Supervisor Williamson to authorize Highway Superintendent Moyer to advertise the 1976 pickup truck on "Auctions International" for sale to the highest bidder.
Councilor Abbott aye Councilor Richardson aye
Councilor Callen aye Supervisor Williamson aye
Peter Holmes noted that he needs a full Zoning Board of Appeals or zoning laws cannot be enforced. He also recommended that setbacks need to be defined.
Since there are no deeds for most of the Town roads, the law would probably declare a 50' setback from the right of way at the edge of the road.
CHiPs money from the State will be $108,990.97. This is $9.03 less than last year.
State revenue sharing for the Town General Fund will be the same as last year, $77,093.
There was a meeting with members from the criminal section of the NYS Attorney General's Office, Supervisor Williamson, Town Attorney Scott Chatfield, Gary Royce and his lawyer, Mr. Royce was informed that the broken septic systems on Junior and Senior Ave. must be replaced at his own expense.
There is $1,897.00 from State Aid for our Youth Recreation Program and $1,682.00 from the Oswego County Youth Bureau for the same program.
Judge Winkworth has submitted a copy of the 1983 Parking Ordinance for Granby which states that if a person parks on the side of the road, they can be fined $50.00 and 60 days in jail. He feels that this is an excessive penalty in comparison to other Town ordinances. Supervisor Williamson recommends that the law not be changed but the judges should use their own discretion in their judgements.
Bob Lyman has received a letter from Attorney Chatfield regarding water and sewer agreements between the City of Fulton and the Town of Granby. The Town has agreed to collect delinquent water and sewer accounts for properties within the Town serviced by the City of Fulton. It appears, however, that at this time the City is doing its own delinquent collection. The Town should, therefore, not be concerned until such time as the City submits a list of delinquents to the Town.
A motion was made by Councilor Abbott, seconded by Councilor Callen to appoint Peter Holmes chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Councilor Abbott aye Councilor Richardson aye
Councilor Callen aye Supervisor Williamson aye
The Board discussed at length several options for the Zoning Board of Appeals, including: re-advertise for more applicants; reduce the number of members from 5 to 3; appoint two members tonight; appoint one member and one alternate. Councilor Abbott felt that 2 regular members should be appointed tonight. Deputy Supervisor Cortini recommended putting the advertisement on the Town website.
A motion was made by Councilor Richardson, seconded by Councilor Callen to appoint Peter LeoGrande as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals to fill a vacant position until December 31, 2009 and Paul Hartle as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the remainder of 2009.
Councilor Abbott aye Councilor Richardson aye
Councilor Callen aye Supervisor Williamson aye
Dates of Next Meetings
Regular Monthly Meeting: May 13, 2009 @ 7:00 p.m.
Preparatory Work Session: May 27, 2009 @ 6:00 p.m.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Councilor Richardson, seconded by Councilor Callen to adjourn the meeting. Passed unanimously. Time: 7:42 p.m.
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Town Clerk
