Regular Town Board Meeting of the Van Buren Town Board, held at the Van Buren Town Hall, 7575 Van Buren Road, Baldwinsville, New York on September 6, 2011 at 7:30 pm.
Ms. Mary Frances Sabin Councilor
Mr. Derek Shepard Councilor
Mr. Howard Tupper Councilor
Mr. Ronald Dudzinski Councilor
Mr. Harold Johnson Councilor
Mr. Claude Sykes Supervisor
Absent: Ms. Patricia Dickman, Councilor
Mr. Jeff Brown Attorney
Mr. Jason Hoy Engineer
Mr. John Virginia Deputy Highway Superintendent
Mrs. Lynn McCormick-Precourt Town Clerk
Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call.
Citizens Comments:
Ms. Ruth Troy, Canton Woods Senior Center Director, was present to address the Board. Ms. Troy thanked the Board for their support of the center. She said the Town Clerk has copies of the 2010 annual report for review and also has it in electronic form if anyone wants it by email. Ms. Troy said September is National Senior Citizen month and they are featured on the Pride of Baldwinsville sign. Ms. Troy also said the “Walk through the Woods” fundraiser is September 24th at 9:00 am. She said they walk from the center to Syracuse Home where they have water and snacks and then back to the center. She said it is a very successful fundraiser.
Mr. Sykes asked if the back parking lot can be used right now.
Ms. Troy said yes, but she doesn’t know if it will be usable this winter. She thanked the Board for submitting the parking lot project for Community Development funds.
Mr. Loren Michels, 114 Cheerwood Drive, said he had an issue with a willow tree that fell in the easement and the Highway Department employees took care of the tree.
Ms. Wendy Van Der Water, 38 Tappan Street, thanked the Board for their proactive support of the YMCA and welcoming the center to Van Buren. She said they have great social and learning programs as well as fitness programs. She said the old Tri-County Mall location would be ideal and she hopes the town will keep an aggressive approach to making Radisson’s loss our gain.
Approve minutes of the 8/2/11 Regular Town Board meeting:
154-11-000 MOTION BY Mr. Dudzinski, seconded by Ms. Sabin, to approve the minutes of the 8/2/11 Regular Town Board meeting as published.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Abstain, Mr. Sykes – Yes
Motion Carried & Adopted
Approve minutes of the 8/16/11 Regular Town Board meeting:
155-11-000 MOTION BY Mr. Dudzinski, seconded by Mr. Tupper, to approve the minutes of the 8/16/11 Regular Town Board meeting as published.
Ms. Sabin – Abstain, Mr. Shepard – Abstain, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
Motion Carried & Adopted
Reconvene public hearing from August 2, 2011 on Local Law No. 6:
Mr. Sykes said the Town Board did not close this public hearing at the last meeting and we have received the following County Planning Board comments:
The Onondaga County Planning Board has determined that said referral will have no significant adverse inter-community or county-wide implications. The Board has offered the following comments in regard to the referral:
The Town is encouraged to review the Pilot Projects in the Onondaga County Settlement Plan that illustrate how form-based codes and Traditional Neighborhood Development can generate traditional, high quality rural village and hamlet settlement patterns that are more conducive to a diversity of mixed-uses (including home occupations) and housing types that generate walkable communities and high-quality places.
Mr. Sykes asked if there was anyone to speak in favor of this local law. No one spoke.
Mr. Sykes asked if there was anyone to speak against this local law. No one spoke.
Mr. Sykes asked if anyone had any additional comments on this law.
Mr. Fred Neff, 7832 E Dead Creek Road, said he is not for or against this local law, but is concerned about the light vehicle maintenance that will be allowed in the AR-80 and R-40 districts. He said there is not enough information about the definition of light vehicle maintenance and he is concerned about what may be allowed in the area.
Mr. Neff said he understands that the Board wants public input but is also concerned about meeting minutes and agendas that are not posted online. He said if the public is not aware of what is going on, they cannot come here to give their input.
Mr. Neff said he read the Onondaga County comments and asked what this local law will do to generate a high quality of life and walkable places.
Mr. Neff said he doesn’t understand why this much area has to be re-zoned to accomplish what the Board wants to do. He said he went through the process last year with a locksmith who wanted to locate a business on his road. He said if he hadn’t known about it and got neighbors to come and say they didn’t want it, it could have gone through and been approved. He said it is the same with this law, to include uses like light vehicle maintenance, at what point does it become more than that, an engine replacement? He said his concern is that there are not enough definitions in this law to protect residents living in residential areas.
Mr. Neff asked Mr. Brown what he thinks of this proposed law.
Mr. Brown said he has spoken with the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board attorneys and they are all comfortable with this approach.
Mr. Neff said he is concerned because once you allow these types of uses, how do you stop something that the residents feel is undesirable. How do the residents change this or repeal it if necessary?
Mr. Sykes asked Mr. Neff if he would be here tonight if he didn’t have problems on his road.
Mr. Neff said he would be, he said he moved here specifically because he wanted to get out of areas that were developing and he doesn’t want to see this type of development in his area. He said this law does not encourage small businesses.
Mr. Virginia, Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, said the locksmith plan was never going to go through, with or without the comments from the residents. Mr. Virginia asked Mr. Neff if he understood how this works with the review by both the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.
Mr. Neff asked Mr. Virginia if the locksmith knew it was pre-ordained that this would not go through and be approved.
Mr. Virginia said no.
Mr. Sykes said any possible projects would have to be approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board.
Mr. Neff said he would like it shown on the record that someone came tonight and showed some concern about this law.
Mr. Edward Cranston, Maple Road, said he was on the Zoning Board of Appeals and that everything they did was done in the proper manner. He said any problems that have been had with projects have also been out in the open. He said we are in a tough spot economically and if we don’t change it will get worse.
156-1-000 MOTION BY Ms. Sabin, seconded by Mr. Dudzinski, to close the public hearing at 7:55 pm.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Action on Local Law No 6 of 2011:
157-11-030 MOTION BY Ms. Sabin, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to approve the following local law number 6 of 2011:
Section 1. That Attachment 1 to Chapter 200, Article IV, Section 200-21 of the Code of the Town of Van Buren is hereby amended by adding the term, “ZP” to the following Districts under “D1 Administrative Office” on the Table of Land Uses by Zoning District:
AR-80
R-40
RH
Section 2. That Attachment 1 to Chapter 200, Article IV, Section 200-21 of the Code of the Town of Van Buren is hereby amended by adding the term “ZP” to the following districts under “D2 Personal or Professional Service” on the Table of Land Uses by Zoning District:
AR-80
R-40
RH
Section 3. That Attachment 1 to Chapter 200, Article IV, Section 200-21 of the Code of the Town of Van Buren is hereby amended by adding the term “ZP” to the following Districts under “D6 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Service” on the Table of Land Uses by Zoning District:
AR-80
R-40
Section 4. This Local Law is effective upon filing with the Secretary of State
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Resolution in support of bringing YMCA facility to Van Buren:
158-11-034 MOTION BY Ms. Sabin, seconded by Mr. Dudzinski, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE CONCEPT OF A YMCA FACILITY WITHIN THE TOWN OF VAN BUREN
WHEREAS, the Town of Van Buren Board has been informed that the YMCA is currently evaluating a number of sites as part of its plan to build a new facility in the Central New York area; and
WHEREAS, the YMCA promotes youth development, healthy living, social responsibility and community values as part of its mission; and
WHEREAS, the YMCA offers a wide variety of educational, artistic and health and wellness programs to help further its mission; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Van Buren Board has determined that the building of a YMCA facility would be beneficial to the Town of Van Buren and an asset to the community; it is hereby
RESOLVED AND DETERMINED, that the Town of Van Buren Board hereby endorses the concept of developing a YMCA facility within the Town of Van Buren, subject to formal planning board approval; and it is hereby further
RESOLVED AND DETERMINED, that the Town of Van Buren Board will work in good faith with the YCMA on the potential development of a YMCA facility within the Town of Van Buren.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Approve $600.00 in training cost for Justice Van Der Water’s attendance of NYS Magistrate’s Conference in Niagara Falls on 9/25-9/28/11:
159-11-027 MOTION BY Mr. Tupper, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to approve Justice Van Der Water’s training at the NYS Magistrate’s Conference in Niagara Falls from 9/25-9/28/11 in the amount of $600.00.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Appointment of Melissa MacConaghy to fill part time codes secretary position for 19.5 hours per week:
160-11-038 MOTION BY Mr. Tupper, seconded by Mr. Dudzinski, to appoint Melissa MacConaghy to fill part time codes secretary position for 19.5 hours per week.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Set public hearing for September 20, 2011 at 7:32 pm to hear comments on Local Law No. 7 of 2011 amending Chapter 86 (Animals) of the Town Code to add Article IV regarding control of livestock:
161-11-039 MOTION BY Ms. Sabin, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to set public hearing for September 20, 2011 at 7:32 pm to hear comments on Local Law No. 7 of 2011 amending Chapter 86 (Animals) of the Town Code to add Article IV regarding control of livestock.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Declare 1995 Ford F350 4x4 diesel dump truck with plow equipment as surplus and set bid date to receive sealed bids for September 19, 2011 at 10:00 am:
162-11-026 MOTION BY Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Dudzinski, to declare 1995 Ford F350 4x4 diesel dump truck with plow equipment as surplus and set bid date to receive sealed bids for September 19, 2011 at 10:00 am.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Mr. Sykes said the following dates have been scheduled for budget worksessions:
October 4, 2011:
6:00 pm Buildings and Grounds
6:20 pm Engineer
6:30 pm Justice Court
October 18, 2011:
6:00 pm Parks & Recreation
6:30 pm Codes
October 19, 2011:
7:00 pm Assessor
8:00 pm Town Clerk
October 20, 2011:
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm is general review, along with Supervisor, Comptroller, Town Board and Special Districts budget review
163-11-023 MOTION BY Ms. Sabin, seconded by Mr. Dudzinski, to set the bid date of September 19, 2011 at 10:00 am for the Maple Road sidewalk Community Development Project.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Approve change order on contract number 201-VB1 with LaFluer for next phase of Seneca Knolls Drainage and Road Improvement project:
Mr. Sykes said the town was able to lock in pricing on the next phase of the improvements in the amount of $201,810.00.
164-11-013 MOTION BY Mr. Tupper, seconded by Ms. Sabin, to approve change order on contract 201-VB1 with LaFluer for next phase of Seneca Knolls Drainage and Road Improvement project.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Councilor Committee Reports and Comments:
Mr. Shepard said the Personnel Committee will be meeting with International Union of Operating Engineers bargaining members on September 21st to start negotiations on a new contract.
Mr. Shepard said he will be doing a walk through with the Town of Lysander and Village of Baldwinsville representatives with Mace Markham of the Canton Woods Senior Center Board of Directors to identify future needs and repairs of the facility.
Mr. Shepard said he has the 2012 budget request for the Canton Woods Senior Center for the Town Board.
Mr. Dudzinski said the town received a grant from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Presrvation in the amount of $135,600 for improvements to the Erie Canal Trail. He said he has been working with volunteers to improve the trail and is excited to finally have some money to do real improvements on the trail. He encouraged people to use it for walking and biking.
Highway Superintendent Comments: None
Supervisor Comments: None
Citizens Comments: None
Engineer Comments: None
Attorney Comments: None
165-11-000 MOTION BY Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Dudzinski, to adjourn to the next Regular Town Board meeting on September 20, 2011 at 7:30 pm.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Meeting closed 8:20 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn Precourt
Town Clerk
Dated: 9/8/11
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