Town Board

November 7, 2007

A regular meeting of the Jewett Town Board was held on Wednesday, November 7, 2007. Supervisor Michael Flaherty called the meeting to order at 7 PM. Present were Board members Thomas Hitchcock, Charles Kutcher, Elaine Warfield and Harry T. Wilson.
Present were Attorney for the Town Tal G. Rappleyea, Assessor Nancy Wyncoop Bower, Building Inspector Thomas Cross, Zoning Officer William Dwyer, town residents Jane Bostrom, Jeff Loucks, J.R. Quackenbush, Michael McCrary, Sue Huetter, David Kessler, Russ Coloton, newspaper reporter Mike Ryan and the town clerk.

The Public Hearing on the 2008 annual budget was opened.
There were no comments from the public.

The public hearing was closed on a motion by Supervisor Flaherty, 2nd by Councilman Kutcher and carried.

The Public Hearing on Adult Use was opened.
There were no comments from the public.

Councilwoman Warfield spoke with the owners of the parcel being designated. They were concerned that their taxes might go up.
Supervisor Flaherty said the “designation would not affect their taxes one iota”.

The public hearing was closed on a motion by Supervisor Flaherty, 2nd by Councilman Kutcher and carried.

Councilman Kutcher made a motion to adopt the 2008 preliminary budget as the 2008 annual budget, 2nd by Councilman Wilson and carried.

Supervisor Flaherty made a motion to accept the Adult Use/Business Study, 2nd by Councilman Kutcher and carried.

Supervisor Flaherty made a motion to adopt Resolution #18 of 2007, 2nd by Councilman Hitchcock and carried. This is a resolution authorizing adoption by the Town Board of the Town of Jewett of Local Law #11 of 2007. A Local Law establishing an overlay zone for and regulation of adult uses within the Town.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE 5 Flaherty, Hitchcock, Kutcher, Warfield and Wilson.

Councilman Hitchcock made a motion, 2nd by Councilman Wilson and carried to accept the minutes of the October 10, 2007 regular meeting.

The Supervisor financial monthly report was given to the Board.

The building inspector gave his written report to the Board. He discussed unsafe buildings. He has added 279 Griffin Road to the list and has sent a letter to the owners. A property maintenance letter has been sent to 1299 Co. Rt. 23C.
He asked if he could start proceedings on 184 Cloos Road. He sent two letters and both have been returned. The Board was in agreement. The building inspector will obtain quotes for removal.
Councilman Hitchcock made a motion to accept the building inspector’s report, 2nd by Supervisor Flaherty and carried.

The zoning officer gave his written report to the Board.
He told the Board he is working on a court date for the property on Griffin Road and he has sent a notice of violation to 152 Tower Mt. Road for 3 autos in back of the house.

Attorney Rappleyea informing the Board on the D’Acunto matter said the hearing that was scheduled for November 5, 2007 was postponed until November 8, 2007.

Councilman Hitchcock made a motion to accept the zoning officer’s report, 2nd by Supervisor Flaherty and carried.

The Board congratulated Assessor Wyncoop-Bower on completing the requirements for the designation of State Certified Assessor.
She reported the tax roll has been submitted.

Councilman Hitchcock asked the Assessor if in her education they talk about making assessment rolls available through the electronic age. The Assessor said she has gone on the County’s web site for information and suggested the town web site have a link to the county web site. Go to www.townofjewett.com and link to www.discovergreene.com then click on government and on the left side of the page is the icon for GIS.

Courtesy of the floor was opened.

Attorney Rappleyea reported that at the last Planning Board meeting they received an initial presentation with regard to the new application called “Eagles Landing”.
Because of this the Planning Board asked that the Town Board consider giving them an e-mail address on the town web site.
All Board members were in agreement and Councilwoman Warfield said she would speak with the web master and set up an address titled “Planning Board”.

Courtesy of the floor was closed.

Supervisor Flaherty made a motion allowing the superintendent of Highways to purchase a road sander not to exceed $8,000, 2nd by Councilman Hitchcock and carried.

Supervisor Flaherty made a motion to adopt Resolution #19, 2nd by Councilman Kutcher and carried.
Resolution #19 is an amendment to the highway fund budget. FEMA reduced the amount of funds to be received for repairs due to payment previously received for damage in 2006. The funds will be reduced by $3,431.67.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE 5 Flaherty, Hitchcock, Kutcher, Warfield and Wilson.

Councilman Kutcher made a motion to adopt Resolution #20, 2nd by Councilman Wilson and carried.
Resolution #20 is to expend monies from the Capital Reserve Fund. This is subject to a permissive referendum. The funds will be used to pay for renovations in the Municipal Building.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE 5 Flaherty, Hitchcock, Kutcher, Warfield and Wilson.

Supervisor Flaherty made a motion to adopt Resolution #21, 2nd by Councilman Wilson and carried.
Resolution #21 replaces Resolution #16 of October 6, 2007. This resolution is on the matter of the adoption of the Town of Jewett Comprehensive Plan. Due to a misunderstanding the County Planning Board didn’t give it’s approval last month. They did however approve the plan at their November meeting.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE 4 Flaherty, Kutcher, Warfield and Wilson
NAY 1 Hitchcock

Councilman Hitchcock and Councilwoman Warfield were appointed as a committee for the water study well locations. A decision will have to be made whether the wells will be abandoned and turned over to the landowners or not. Five locations are needed.

A letter was received and reviewed by the Board from consultant Bradley Pinsky concerning the two fire protection districts in the Town
Supervisor Flaherty asked if there was an ultimate goal other then what was discussed about the equipment and was there something about hiring a clerk?
Councilwoman Warfield said yes definitely for Jewett and also helping East Jewett with administrative work.

Jeff Loucks, “ Mr. Pinsky basically said to create all the administrative necessities and mirror image them with the Jewett department.”

Councilman Hitchcock, “He doesn’t have any sense as to the problems were facing here in Jewett and the mountaintop.”

Councilman Kutcher, “I think he’s done a relatively first cut thorough job in explaining if you want to bring these things up to the department, based on there requirements, the things they need. In general most consultants tell you what you already know, they just go around and are able to gather the data.”
“If you want to bring these fire departments up to standard at least now we know what there required to do. I don’t think his recommendations for staffing is reasonable.”

Councilwoman Warfield, “The bottom line is there are certain things in order to keep people safe that they have to purchase.”

The finance committee of Councilmen Hitchcock and Kutcher audited the bills prior to the meeting.
Councilman Hitchcock made a motion recommending the Board approve the audit. Councilman Kutcher 2nd the motion and all Board members voted AYE.
The general fund was $23,914.21 on abstract #11, claim numbers 269 to 296. The highway fund was $65,539.82 on abstract #11, claim numbers 195 to 215.

The Board agreed to have the Supervisor sign the agreement with Columbia-Greene Humane Society.

Councilman Kutcher made a motion to accept the September financial report, 2nd by Councilman Wilson and carried.

Councilman Kutcher made a motion approving taking Internet training for the Zoning Board of Appeals, 2nd by Councilman Wilson and carried.

Councilman Wilson made a motion, 2nd by Councilwoman Warfield and carried appointing Jane Bostrom to the Planning Board for a term of 7 years ending 12/31/14.

The December regular monthly meeting will be held December 12, 2007 and the year- end meeting will be held December 19, 2007.

Bank statements were made available for review.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM on a motion by Supervisor Flaherty, 2nd by Councilman Hitchcock and carried.

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Patricia Merwin Town Clerk RMC

Zoning Board Meeting

11/07/2007

Roll Call : Chair: Russ Coloton
Members: Margaret Flaherty, Ann Dwyer, Kathleen Williams
Absent: Tod Mallory

The meeting opened at 7:00 pm.

Agenda Item 2: Approval of Minutes of October 3, 2007.
Mrs. Williams made the motion to approve the minutes. Mrs. Flaherty seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

Agenda Item 3: Public Hearing on Application for Area Variance for Patrick Reilly of 2914 Route 23C Jewett, NY, Tax Map 131.00-1-15 District: Rural Residential.
Mr. Coloton made the motion to open the Public Hearing. Mrs. Flaherty seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and the Hearing opened at 7:02 pm.
Mr. Reilly mailed the certification of mailing, the notices sent and the certification of posting of the sign and Mrs. Dwyer acknowledged receipt. Mrs. Dwyer reported that the Greene County Planning Board reviewed the application at its October meeting and notified the Board of its approval. Mr. Coloton asked for comments. Mrs. Marian Enders, a neighbor, stated that she is delighted with the proposal since it will improve the aesthetic character of the neighborhood. There were no other comments from the public. Mrs. Dwyer made the motion to close the Public Hearing. Mrs. Williams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and the hearing closed at 7:06 pm.

Agenda Item 4: Application for Area Variance for Patrick Reilly of 2914 Route 23C Jewett, NY, Tax Map 131.00-1-15 District: Rural Residential.
Mrs. Dwyer reported that she had verified with Mr. Tom Cross, Building Inspector. that Mr. Reilly has not complied with the filing requirements for the Building and Zoning Permit Application. The plans and specifications are not in, the plot plan is not in and the fee is not paid. She also noted that the Variance Appeal application is not complete without the plans. Mr. Reilly showed the proposed plans and specification for the house to the Board bur has not yet provided copies for the file. She stated the Board has 62 days from the date of the Public Hearing to make a decision on the application and recommended waiting until the paperwork is complete before considering the proposal. Mrs. William noted there is a discrepancy in the amount of the variance requested. The paperwork states the deck is 14 feet and the minutes reflect it could be 8 or 10 feet. Mr. Reilly stated that an 8 foot deck is too small and he would settle for a 10 foot deck. Mrs. Dwyer stated that the variance would then be for 12 feet, and Mr. Reilly agreed. Mr. Reilly stated that he had not heard from DEP, and discussed his concerns. Mrs. Dwyer recommended that he meet with Mr. Cross with the plans and specs and discuss DEP requirements with him. Mr. Coloton requested confirmation that the plans will reflect a new foundation and Mr. Reilly assured him they will. Mr. Coloton recommended tabling this proposal until the December meeting in order to give Mr. Reilly time to provide the additional paperwork. Members agreed.

Agenda Item 5: Application for Area Variance for James T Varelas of 2342 Route 23C, Jewett, NY., Tax Map # 131.00-2-30, District: Rural Residential.
No one appeared on this application. Mrs. Dwyer stated that no other paperwork, building permit application or fee payment had been received. This application will not be processed until all paperwork is received.

Agenda Item 6: Administrative Review of Zoning Board of Appeals Application Activity
Mrs. Williams stated she has not finished the review of the minutes and members agreed to postpone this item until the next meeting.

Agenda Item 7: Other Business
Mr. Coloton sent a letter to the Town Board and is planning on attending the meeting tonight to recommend the online training program used by the Town of Hunter to meet the requirements.
Mr. Coloton suggested sending a letter to Mr. Mallory inquiring on whether he is able to continue serving on this Board. Members agreed.

There being no other business, Mrs. Flaherty made the motion to close the meeting. Mrs. Williams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. The meeting ended at 7:50 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Ann Dwyer,
Secretary

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Accepted