TOWN OF ESOPUS
PLANNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES
December 9, 2004

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: John McMichael
    Roxanne Pecora
    Russ Shultis, Chairman
    Linda Smythe
    Kathy Weitze
    Fred Zimmer

EXCUSED:   Dennis Suraci

ALSO PRESENT:  Miles Putman, Shuster Associates, Planning Board Consultant
    (arrived at 7:25 pm)
 
At 7:00 pm, Chairman Russ Shultis called the meeting of the Town of Esopus Planning Board to order beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  Russ then advised the public of the building’s fire exits, and roll call was taken.

Minutes

ROXANNE PECORA MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY LINDA SMYTHE, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD APPROVE THE OCTOBER 28, 2004 PLANNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES AS PREPARED.   ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.

Vouchers
A MOTION WAS MADE BY ROXANNE PECORA AND SECONDED BY FRED ZIMMER TO ACCEPT ALL VOUCHERS SUBMITTED AND READ.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH PASSED BY A 6-0 VOTE.
The vouchers submitted and read were as follows:

 Kristy L. Nelson.................(10/23/04 - 12/03/04)..............................................   26 Hrs.
 Daily Freeman....................(Schroeter Escrow Acct.).......................................   $     14.07
 Chazen Engineering...........(North/Heissenbuttel Escrow Acct.).....................   $     92.25
               Chazen Engineering...........(ESP/Fawn Meadows Escrow Acct.)....................   $    15.75
 Daily Freeman....................(North/Heissenbuttel Escrow Acct.).....................   $    15.04

At this time in the meeting, Chairman Russ Shultis announced that there was an error published in the Poughkeepsie Journal concerning the Esopus Lakes Project and a presentation for this evening at 7:00 pm.  Russ noted that Esopus Lakes was not on the agenda for this evening’s Planning Board meeting.  A possible workshop meeting, at a later date, would be discussed later in the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS

SAMTON - (2004-019) - 60 Suominens Lane, Rifton, NY
                 Minor 4 Lot Subdivision
   SBL #71.001-3-9.111

Applicant Claude Samton was present at this meeting.  He is proposing a 4 lot subdivision of a large residential parcel situated on a dead-end Town Highway.  Three lots will consist of vacant land.  Two flag lots are proposed  and waivers were granted to the two flag lots standards of 123-21.D(5) and (6).  Sketch Plan approval was conditionally granted in August.  AT THIS TIME, ROXANNE PECORA MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY LINDA SMYTHE, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE SAMTON CASE 2004-19.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.  Chairman Shultis called for input from the public.

Les Helms of 100 Suominen Lane stated that he and his wife had concerns regarding this proposed subdivision such as housing density, and increased traffic, noise, and pollution.

Yoda (inaudible) of 15 Suominen Road had the same issues as the Helms.

James Melbert of 1790 Route 213 in Rifton noted that the pavement of Suominen Road at the approximate spot where this subdivision is planned is anywhere from 12-13’ wide at present and there are no shoulders.  His concern was that if there is a fire or emergency at the southerly end of the dead-end road there is virtually no way for an ambulance to get through that emergency situation to a medical emergency which might occur farther north on Suominen Lane.  It was Mr. Melbert’s feeling that for some number of years development on Suominen Lane has been prohibited because of the narrowness of the road, and he respectfully submitted to the Board that four (4) additional building lots on Suominen Road will not do anything for the health, safety, and welfare of the current residents on that road.

For the record, Chairman Shultis noted that although this is a proposed four (4) lot subdivision, there is currently one (1) existing house so what is being looked at is an additional three residences.

Lidda Gurci of 15 Suominen Lane echoed everything that was said so far.  In addition, she brought up the impact of the additional small lots being subdivided and the trend it might start.  She noted that she has lived on Suominen Lane for three (3) years now and the steady commercial vehicle traffic load on the road has been unrelenting.  Ms. Gurci can’t imagine a continuous stream of commerical heavy vehicles for the next several years if more new construction gets under way with such small lots.  She felt it was a heavy environmental impact on the area for all the residents.

Hillary Fuller’s concerns was the possible extension of Suominen so that it connects to either Carney or Hardenburgh Roads.  She felt this would be a major change that would effect the quality of her life.  Hillary also had concerns regarding her children’s safety, and septic runoff.

At this time in the meeting, the Planning Board’s consultant arrived.

Barbara Kalmus explained that her concern was a past concern.    She noted that an old run down trailer that belonged to Mr. Samton, which was an eyesore, was just removed and she was worried that this was indicative of what was going to happen or the way the properties are going to be built or kept.

Michelle Sachse of 30 Suominen Road had the same concerns as the others.  In addition, she stated that the road was really conducive to family because it is pretty quite right now, and she felt three (3) more houses would really add to that and be a danger to her family.  Ms. Sachse was also concerned about leech fields and how they would affect their wells.  The widening of the road was a concern too.  Paul Sachse irritated the same.  He felt the geology of the area was not conducive to the compact concentration of the houses.
Liddia Gurci felt 3 additional houses would create considerably more density and noise pollution because of additional cars, snow blowers, snow mobiles, lawn mowers, etc.  She added that the landscape of the area is being altered dramatically whenever anybody does any building.

Hillary Fuller was concerned with septic runoff and their wells because they are on clay and rock and have underground streams.  In addition, Ms. Fuller noted that there are a ton of deer on Suominen and she felt with the more building that happens the more they come out creating more of a hazard.

Barbara Kalmus also had septic concerns and felt their quality of life would change and it would affect the surroundings making it not safe for their grandchildren.

Board member Linda Smythe explained to the public that the wells and septics shown on the proposed subdivision map are just that, proposed, and they must be approved by the Ulster County Health Dept.  Russ Shultis added that the issue of water, wells and septics comes up on a regular basis and noted that the Planning Board cannot guarantee anyone quality of water or quantity of water.  What the applicant will be subjected to, if an application is approved, as part of the building process, is having the septic fields approved by the Ulster County Health Dept.  Russ added that regarding the density issue, as a Board, the members are bound by the code of the Town.  This proposal is in an R40 district and the regulations for that state that the minimum is 40,000 sf.  Chairman Shultis noted that the Planning Board cannot change these regulations.  The Board can be receptive to the public concerns, but if they have a concern about the size requirement, the public would  have to discuss that with the Town Board to possibly make a zoning change.  Russ noted that this proposal is well within the current code.  Regarding the extension of Suominen Road, Chairman Shultis stated that he did not feel, with this application, there was property that would allow the extension onto Carney or Hardenburgh and noted this was not being proposed.  Russ then told Mrs. Kalmus that her concern with the trailer and the upkeep of this property appeared to be a zoning code violation which is not an issue for the Planning Board.  He suggested Mrs. Kalmus contact the Zoning Enforcement Officer.

Emergency vehicle access was discussed.  It was noted that the Planning Board could request that the local fire dept. and ambulance squad review this proposal regarding the same.  Jim Melbert stated that his only point on the safety issue was that the more houses you put on that road, the more chance there is that kind of emergency might arise which he just described and with only 12-13’ of pavement and no shoulders, he serious doubted an ambulance or fire truck could get by.  John McMichael noted that the Town Board could be petitioned to widen the road.   The public commented that they did not want the road widened.
 
Chairman Shultis noted that the issue of traffic concerns is an issue, but to say it is a problem, the Planning Board would need some concrete evidence of that.  Mrs. Sachse wondered how she could provide concrete evidence that traffic would be detrimental when the cars aren’t there yet.  Chairman Shultis suggested looking into a possible traffic study by an engineer.

Board member Fred Zimmer suggested that all the neighbors get together and purchase Mr. Samton’s lots.

Mrs. Fuller was concerned with traffic and speed from big trucks during construction and the safety of children on the road.

Liddia Gurci felt the quality of life that they bought their house for on this road is a very important issue and had a concern with her neighbors subdividing their properties.

Planning Board concerns and procedures were discussed by Chairman Shultis.

Les Kalmus’ concern was that this proposal has been before the Planning Board for 6 months now and they only get 20 minutes to comment on it.
Mrs. Fuller reiterated her environmental concerns.  Chairman Shultis noted that most of Mrs. Fuller’s concerns would be reviewed by the Ulster County Health Dept.  He then asked if Mrs. Fuller had a chance to look at the amount of disturbance that has been projected for each lot.  Mrs. Fuller said no.  RUSS THEN BEGAN TO EXPLAIN SITE DISTURBANCE, BUT KATHY WIETZE MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY FRED ZIMMER, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD CLOSE THE SAMTON PUBLIC HEARING.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RUSS SHULTIS WHO VOTED NO, WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION.  BY A 5-1 VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED.

The Planning Board came back to this application under Old Business later in the meeting.

SCHROETER - (2004-30) - 50/51 Carney Road, Rifton/Union Center (Ulster Park), NY
        Minor 3 Lot Subdivision
        SBL #63.003-7-22.1

The applicants are proposing the division of a 45+ acre vacant tract split by a town highway.  Three lots of close to 5, 6 and 33 acres are proposed.  Todd Schroeter was present at this meeting.  LINDA SMYTHE MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY ROXANNE PECORA, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR TODD AND NANCY SCHROETER, CASE #2004-30.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.  Chairman Shultis called for public comments.  None were made.  ROXANNE PECORA THEN MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY LINDA SMYTHE, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD CLOSE THE SCHROETER PUBLIC HEARING.  BY A 6-0 VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED.

The Planning Board came back to this application under Old Business later in the meeting.

NORTH/HEISSENBUTTEL - (2004-27) - 286/287 Soper Road, West Esopus, NY
                                   Minor 3 Lot Subdivision
          SBL #71.001-4-3

This proposal is to do a minor 3 lot subdivision of a vacant parcel on the slopes of Schaupeneak Mountain.  The site is traversed by a Town Highway.  Mr. & Mrs. Heissenbuttel and Mr. North were present at this meeting.  ROXANNE PECORA MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY KATHY WEITZE, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE NORTH/HEISSENBUTTEL SUBDIVISION, CASE 2004-27.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.  Chairman Shultis called for public comments.  Marianne Mizel of 99 Hardenburgh Road stated that her and her husband had no objections to this subdivision.  WITH NO OTHER COMMENTS TO BE MADE, LINDA SMYTHE MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY FRED ZIMMER, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.

The Planning Board came back to this application under Old Business later in the meeting.
 
OLD BUSINESS

SAMTON - (2004-019) - 60 Suominens Lane, Rifton, NY
                 Minor 4 Lot Subdivision
   SBL #71.001-3-9.111

Applicant Claude Samton was present at this meeting.  He is proposing a 4 lot subdivision of a large residential parcel situated on a dead-end Town Highway.  Three lots will consist of vacant land.  Two flag lots are proposed  and waivers were granted to the two flag lots standards of 123-21.D(5) and (6).  Sketch Plan approval was conditionally granted in August.  Chairman Shultis asked for member comments regarding this application.  Kathy Weitze noted that the Board had asked for comments from the affected fire house as well as the Town of Esopus Ambulance Squad in the past so she felt a standard had been set by the Board doing so and perhaps the Board should consider doing the same here.  John McMichael agreed with Kathy Weitze.  It was also noted that the proposed houses shown on the map are not in planning, they are just on the map to show that the lots are buildable.  Applicant Claude Samton then addressed the Board.  He explained that originally he wanted to build a house for his boys and for some friends and according to the Town’s zoning he could not do that without subdividing his property.  Claude noted that according to the zoning, he could have had many more houses on the site, but he decided not to and just make three additional parcels to his 11 acres, each over 2 acres.  He stated that he had no immediate plans to put up a house; this is in preparation for possibly building in the future.  Mr. Samton thought he was a good, quiet neighbor and noted that he inherited a junk yard with the property which he cleaned up.  Claude also noted that he came to the area before most of the neighbors, and he didn’t object when four additional homes were built beyond him on the dead-end road.  RUSS SHULTIS MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY KATHY WEITZE, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD TABLE THE SAMTON APPLICATION UNTIL THE JANUARY MEETING AND HAVE THE APPLICANT APPROACH THE FIRE DEPT. THAT SERVICES THAT AREA AND ALSO CONTACT THE AMBULANCE SQUAD TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THE CONCERNS AND GET SOMETHING IN WRITING FROM THEM STATING WHETHER OR NOT THEY FEEL THIS PROPOSAL WOULD HINDER THEIR ABILITY TO SERVICE THE SITE IN ADDITION TO THOSE RESIDENTS ALREADY THERE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.  IN ADDITION, IT WAS REQUESTED THAT CLAUDE SAMTON CONTACT AL LARKIN TO GET HIS OPINION ON THE TRAFFIC IMPACT OF THIS PROPOSAL.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FRED ZIMMER AND LINDA SMYTHE WHO VOTED NO, WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION.  BY A 4-2 VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED.

SCHROETER - (2004-30) - 50/51 Carney Road, Rifton/Union Center (Ulster Park), NY
        Minor 3 Lot Subdivision
        SBL #63.003-7-22.1

The applicants are proposing the division of a 45+ acre vacant tract split by a town highway.  Three lots of close to 5, 6 and 33 acres are proposed.  Todd Schroeter and Mary Parker were present at this meeting.  Chairman Shultis called for Board comments.  John McMichael questioned the deeding over of the road.  It was noted that the Town Board was made aware of this offer and a draft of the road description was received.  Discussion was had.  Miles Putman noted that if the Town does not accept this offer, the Planning Board could change the same to a road reservation area as a condition of approval.  ROXANNE PECORA MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY KATHY WEITZE, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD REFER THIS APPLICATION TO CHAZEN ENGINEERING, THE PLANNING BOARD’S ENGINEER, TO LOOK AT SITE DISTURBANCE, EROSION CONTROL AND STORM WATER DRAINAGE.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.

NORTH/HEISSENBUTTEL - (2004-27) - 286/287 Soper Road, West Esopus, NY
                                   Minor 3 Lot Subdivision
          SBL #71.001-4-3

This proposal is to do a minor 3 lot subdivision of a vacant parcel on the slopes of Schaupeneak Mountain.  The site is traversed by a Town Highway.  Mr. & Mrs. Heissenbuttel and Mr. North were present at this meeting.  Board comments were called for.  John McMichael questioned the silt fence locations.  At this time, Planning Board Engineer Nancy Clark’s review was discussed.  It was noted that regarding item 5. of Nancy’s review, the Board required the applicant to go to Section 107-29 13 of the code and put that wording on the maps because there was a question about the health dept. issue.  In that particular section is included the wording about the federal wetlands.  Chairman Shultis told Nancy Clark there are no federal wetlands; it’s just that wording was included in that item of the code.  The applicant did what the Board told him to do.  The Planning Board requested from the applicant that a grading and erosion control plan be submitted.  It was suggested that the applicant give his engineer a copy of Nancy’s review and call her to iron out the items in the same to her satisfaction.  Chairman Shultis will call Nancy Clark to discuss items 5. & 6. of her review since the Board felt these were non-issues.

ZELNIK - (2004-35) - 444 New Salem Road, May Park, NY
             Lot Line Adjustment
                                     Tax SBL #56.019-2-29 & 30

Attorney Andrea Moran represented the applicant at this meeting.  Miles Putman of Shuster Associates gave his project review of this application.  A copy of the same is on file and a copy was given to Ms. Moran.  This proposal is to take 3.631 acres from Tax SBL #56.019-2-30 and add it to the rest of Mr. Zelnik’s property to the west (56.019-2-29), leaving about 6 acres of land inclusive of the house and barn.  Chairman Shultis called for Board comments.  John McMichael suggested having all the property shown on the subdivision map.  It was noted that the inset map shows all the property involved.  It was John McMichael’s personal opinion that all the property should be shown on the actual map.  Russ Shultis noted that last month the Board requested a zoning block be shown on the map and this was not shown on the revised map submitted this month.  A sample of a zoning block was shown to Ms. Moran.  In addition, a letter dated 11/18/04 was received by the Board regarding a waiver request to the Public Hearing requirement.  A copy of the same is on file.  Miles Putman, the Planning Board’s consultant, stated that the Planning Board cannot grant, or an applicant ask for, a waiver to procedures and approval.  Waivers are only for Article IV and V.  Miles noted that what the applicant really should be asking for is that the application be deemed a lot line adjustment and approved as such which does not require a waiver at all.  According to Section 107-16A, if the Planning Board says an application is a lot line adjustment, it can move to approve the same without a public hearing.  ROXANNE PECORA MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY FRED ZIMMER, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD WAIVE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS APPLICATION AS PER 107-16A.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.  ROXANNE PECORA THEN MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY KATHY WEITZE, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD APPROVE THE LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT FINDING THAT IT IS AN UNLISTED ACTION UNDER SEQR WITH  A DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE WITH THE CONDITION THAT THE APPLICANT ADD THE ZONING BLOCK AND AN AFTER AREA FOR TAX PARCEL 29 ON THE INSET MAP AND SUBMIT TEN PAPER PRINTS AND A REPRODUCIBLE MASTER PLAT SIGNED BY THE LANDOWNER.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.

VINING - (2004-34) - 30 Carney Road, Rifton-Union Center, NY
                                     Minor 2 Lot Subdivision
                                     Tax SBL #63.003-7-26

The applicants’ son, Dave Vining, was present at this meeting.  This proposal is for a two lot minor subdivision of a  sloping 4.8 acre residential lot.  Miles Putman of Shuster Associates, the Planning Board’s consultant, gave his project review for this application.  A copy of the same is on file and a copy was given to Dave Vining.  Chairman Shultis called for Board comments.  John McMichael questioned the distance from the proposed well and septic.  Dave Vining explained that he currently was having John Davison of Brinner & Larios draw up a plan to present to the Board of Health.  Discussion was had regarding topo.  Fred Zimmer noted that a benchmark was shown on the applicant’s plan and suggested that the Planning Board request the same on future plans being submitted.  Russ Shultis noted that upper northwest part of Carney Road on the map did not have a distance noted completing the map.  He suggested the applicant speak with his surveyor to correct this matter.  KATHY WEITZE MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY LINDA SMYTHE, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2004, AT 7:10 PM.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.

ESP LAND DEV./FAWN MEADOWS - (2003-08) - Major 4 Lot Re-Subdivision w/Dead-end Dedicated Street
                  SBL #63.004-3-11.34

Scott Saso was present at this meeting.  Chairman Shultis noted that the Town hac created the required drainage district regarding this application.  In addition, a letter dated Dec. 2 from Gary H. Thorn, the applicant’s engineer, was submitted which stated that he inspected the construction work related to the road installation and to the best of his belief and understanding it conforms to his original design which was submitted and approved by the Town of Esopus.  A copy of the same is on file.  The Board was also in receipt of a letter dated Dec. 8 from Alan Larkin, Highway Supt., regarding an estimate to complete Fawn Meadows Road to town specs ($25,375).  A copy of the same is on file.  RUSS SHULTIS MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY KATHY WEITZE, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD GRANT CONDITIONAL FINAL PLAT APPROVAL FOR CASE 2003-08 WITH THE FOLLOWING THREE CONDITIONS WHICH ARE ALSO SPELLED OUT IN THE PLANNING BOARD MINUTES FROM JANUARY 22, 2004 ON PAGE 4 OF 14:

1.  THE APPLICANT MUST PAY ALL REQUIRED FEES IN ACCORDANCE WITH ESOPUS TOWN CODE
     76-2.E(e).  (Rec Fees)

2.  THE APPLICANT MUST SATISFY ALL THE APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS AS OUTLINED IN
     ESOPUS TOWN CODE ARTICLE VI.  (Road Dedication)

3.  THE APPLICANT MUST ESTABLISH A DRAINAGE DISTRICT OR THE APPROPRIATE MEANS TO
     MAINTAIN THE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS ON THE SITE; INCLUSIVE OF THE PREPARATION OF
     ENGINEERING PLANS AND ALL LEGAL DOCUMENTATION.  PURSUANT TO ESOPUS TOWN CODE
     CHAPTER 71, THE APPLICANT WILL BEAR THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREPARATION OF
     THE AFOREMENTIONED ENGINEERING PLANS AND LEGAL DOCUMENTS.

ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.

Chairman Shultis told Scott Saso, for the record, that he was going to be required to maintain the road until it is accepted by the Town.

NEW BUSINESS - None
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

Presubmission - Casey

Mr. Joe Casey presented a possible proposal for property off Route 9W and Old Post Road which has some state designated wetlands.  Maps were reviewed.  Mr. Casey noted that years back the original plan for this property was 12 building lots plus a 13th lot up along the highway.  The property is zoned commerical along 9W and residential in the back.  Joe Casey stated that the big problem is the long access road that goes through the buffer of the wetland.  It was the Planning Board’s feel that this was a difficult piece of property to develop.  They felt the applicant would be facing a lot of challenges along the way.  These challenges were touched on briefly.  Mr. Casey noted that he was willing to change the proposal in order to make development work.  It was suggested that Mr. Casey check with the State DOT first about a road cut.

Kathy Weitze

At this time in the meeting, Chairman Shultis and the other Planning Board members thanked Kathy Weitze for all her years of service on the Board.  Kathy has chosen not to be reappointed to the Board when her term expires at the end of this year.

ZBA Referrals

One ZBA referral (McHugh) was received.  It was agreed that a ‘No comment’ response should be returned to the ZBA regarding this referral.

Library

At this time, Board members Roxanne Pecora and Fred Zimmer recused themselves from the Board to discuss the proposed new library.  Roxanne Pecora represented the Library as Trustee at this portion of the meeting.  She noted that the Library intends to put up a new building on Canal St.  It is there understanding that the Library does not come under the requirement for SEQR because it falls under the Public Buildings Law, Section 50, as well as under Education Law.  In addition, under 239M of the General Municipal Law it also would mean that there would be no need for a referral to the Ulster County Planning Board and under Town zoning code, site plan review, it would mean there is not need for site plan review.  Roxanne stated that what the library is requesting is that the Planning Board provide them with a letter confirming this so they can send the same to their architect and consultants for the record.  She also noted that the Library intends to come before the Planning Board as a courtesy to present their plan and ask for comments and suggestions that are non-binding.  Some discussion was had.  It was noted that this would be similar to what the Esopus Fire House did.  RUSS SHULTIS MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY LINDA SMYTHE, THAT HE, AS CHAIRMAN, PREPARE A LETTER TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE LIBRARY STATING THAT IT IS THE PLANNING BOARD’S OPINION THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE TO APPEAR BEFORE THE PLANNING BOARD CITING THE INFORMATION THAT HE HAD IN FROM OF HIM.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.

Kathy Weitze left the meeting.
Appointments

At this time in the meeting, letters and resumes from potential Board members were reviewed.  It was the Planning Board’s recommendation to the Town Board that Joe Guido be appointed to replace Kathy Weitze.  It was the Board’s feeling that it would be a plus for both the Town and the Boards to have one person on both the ZBA as well as the Planning Board.  Roxanne Pecora noted that state regulations recommend having a common member on the Planning and Zoning Boards.  The Board’s second choice was Charles Snyder.  Regarding other Planning Board appointments for consultant, engineer, attorney and secretary, it was the Board’s feeling that they should remain the same as this year (Shuster Associates, Chazen Engineering, Peter Graham and Kristy Nelson).  ROXANNE PECORA MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY LINDA SMYTHE, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD RECOMMEND TO THE TOWN BOARD THAT RUSS SHULTIS BE REAPPOINTED AS PLANNING BOARD CHAIRMAN.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 5-0 VOTE.  Next, it was noted that a Planning Board member is required, per Town code, to be a member of the Waterfront Advisory Board.  Kathy Weitze was the Planning Board’s representative.  A new representative is now needed.  John McMichael volunteered to be the Planning Board’s rep/member to the Waterfront Board.  Chairman Shultis will prepare a letter for the Town Board regarding all recommendations and appointments.

Recreation Fees

Chairman Shultis noted that the Town Board requested the Board’s input about increasing the recreation fees.  After some discussion, the Board felt the current fee should be raised to $1,000 per lot for 3 lots and above.

Esopus Lakes

Discussion was had regard attorney and engineer services for the Planning Board for the possible Esopus Lakes proposal.  It was agreed that the Board should stay with Peter Graham as the attorney, and Russ Shultis will check with Conrad & Pretorios as the engineer.  Next, Russ Shultis explained that both Dan Shuster of Shuster Associates and Peter Graham felt that the Planning Board should get together with them to have a game plan in place before having a workshop with Esopus Lakes.  Discussion was had.  It was agreed that nothing further should be done with Esopus Lakes until a formal application is presented and an escrow account established.  It was noted that an old escrow account still exists from years ago.

Public Hearings

Discussion was had regarding public hearings and how they are conducted.

Adjournment

WITH NO OTHER BUSINESS PENDING, ROXANNE PECORA MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY FRED ZIMMER, TO CLOSE THE MEETING.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION.  MEETING ADJOURNED.

        Respectfully submitted,

        Kristy L. Nelson
        Secretary