PB minutes 11/20/14

Draft Copy PB Minutes, 11/20/14

 Meeting began at 7:08 with Tom, Linda, Barry, Bill, Hershey, and Dave present.

 Minutes were reviewed and approved for the September meeting – moved by Tom, second by Linda.

Since Todd has joined the Town Board we elected Linda as chair. Tacit approval was given via email and made official at the meeting.

We briefly reviewed some items brought up by Jeff Hogue who was present at our October meeting. It was suggested that some aspects of our current code be targeted for more clarity. These items will be reviewed and discussed more at our next meeting. Linda is going to get an electronic copy of the application proposed by Jeff to put on our website. We approved Tom’s notes at this meeting to serve as our minutes without giving any approval or disapproval of items mentioned above. Motion made by Hershey, seconded by Tom. 

We were informed that the Town Board approved a proposal from Barbara Johnston to work on cluster developments and site plan review for our zoning code. We hope to lay these items to rest in the next few months as we make final preparations for a public hearing.

A question was raised about including a search engine to help find specific areas within the code online. However, Tom mentioned that most programs have a find function that will help people navigate through the code. 

Since we are currently down two members on the PB Bill Squires is going to maintain his position on the board as he has a number of years of experience. We discussed contacting Rich Olsen who expressed some interest in town affairs as he ran for Town Board. Tom is going to approach him about attending our next PB meeting. 

We discussed improving our meeting format to expedite getting things accomplished. We agreed that it would be helpful as needed to have different members work on aspects of a project. We also need to establish actions that need to be carried out between meetings and work off an agenda to keep us on track. This should enhance our ability to get things done more efficiently. 

We spent a few minutes going over the current code – Tom explained the purpose of each Article in the code. It is our desire to become more familiar with the code ourselves so we can be more helpful to people who may approach us with questions about it.  As we review the code we will list things that may need more clarification, correction, or items that may need to be added to the code. Sections 308-3ll will need the most precise definition and rationale behind the definition. It is this area that most likely may need future changes. 

A suggestion was made that we add a zoning map to section 202. All agreed this would be a good idea. 

It was also suggested that we try to set in document form some examples of steps to take in applying the code to certain projects such as building a dock, garage, addition, etc. This could be a “how to” section added as an appendix to the current code but not a legal aspect of it. 

Actions to be worked on at our next meeting:

                1) Review districts and use tables – ART. III.

                2) Discuss changes suggested by Jeff Hogue at last meeting.

                3) Review what we need to do next concerning cluster developments and site review plan for a public hearing at the earliest possible date. This will require communication with Barbara J and her progress on the project. 

Motion to adjourn made by Hershey, second by Tom. Next meeting will be Dec. 18.

Respectfully submitted – Barry Somerville