Town of Huron Planning Board Minutes - subject to approval
Regular Meeting 8 September 2008
Call to Order: Larry Lockwood called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Attendance: Larry Lockwood, Jack McGuire, Chris Kenyon, Joe Snyder, Charles Boogaard
Other Officials Present: Laurie Crane-Supervisor, Roger Gallant-Building Inspector, Dave Buisch- Councilman, Russ Teeple-Councilman, Charles Tompkins-Justice
Guests: Robert Crane, Pam Brooks, Sam Lentine (did not stay)
Approval of Minutes: On motion of Chris Kenyon, seconded by Jack McGuire, the minutes from the August 4, 2008 meeting were approved with the following changes -
Coastal Erosion: After the public hearing, the Town Board moved that the Law be sent back to the Planning Board for review and further consideration, recommending changes in unnecessarily restrictive language, and more acceptable to the residents of Huron.
Coastal Erosion: 25% coverage rather than prohibited.
Note that Charlie Tompkins and Sam Lentine had sent e-mails.
E-mail from Joe Snyder responding to certain statements made at the August Planning Board meeting. e.g. The records note that Charlie was appraised in writing of the Planning Board actions regarding Coastal Erosion review. The February 18, 2008 e-mail clearly refers to "decks". Charlie made no clarification or objection until 6 months later.
Outdoor Furnaces: One Town Board member thought there were changes needed to the Law.
Correspondence: General Transportation information - e-mail about Natural Resource Damage Conference.
Old Business:
Coastal Erosion - Dave Buisch and Alan Knauf discussed what DEC permits and the changes for the Town of Huron. Non major additions permitted by Huron with DEC permit. Alan submitted changes to allow non-major additions as a regulated activity - not limited to open-air decks - subject to coastal erosion management - not subject to septic inspection. Joe Snyder stated he does not support the change. Building inspector permits to comply with all regulations including septic.
Jack questioned who would issue permit, ZBA variance would be scheduled if needed and not referred to DEC.
Mr. Teeple stated that the original Coastal Erosion regulation was to make it easier for residents and was supposed to mirror DEC regulations but apparently something got mixed up and the Huron Law became stricter.
Jack McGuire moved to accept the amended proposal (copies were given to all members). Motion was seconded by Charles Boogaard. New proposal is to be presented to the Town Board, another public hearing will be held and if the Town Board adopts it, it goes to the DEC for final approval.
Outdoor Furnaces - Larry read several comments that had been made by the public at the last hearing - who makes variance decisions, lot size, let state regulate, permit fees, time line for offenses, too restrictive, distance from property lines, distance from nearby structures, is this the proper time to regulate in view of the present economy, catalytic converters now on the market, other meeting nights to accommodate more people, bring the regulation back for review, most of the residents are against the regulation.
Roger and Russ reviewed the draft as rewritten (copy given to all members). The town has an obligation to protect the health and smoke issue.
Charles brought up the subject of what is burned and that the pipe should be above the peak of any structures to eliminate smoke disturbing nearby homes.
Pam Brooks, Garner Road, stated that there is smoke from indoor wood stoves as well as fireplaces, etc. used inside a house. She questioned taxes being increased for everything outside a house and would the outdoor furnace be taxed. If a stove is deemed necessary to be removed, what happens if the house has young children who need to be kept warm. Would the fine put a lien on the property? She indicated that 60 people at the hearing were against the regulation.
Bob Crane stated that he didn't think there would be too many furnaces put in as they are not fuel efficient.
Russ Teeple said there are stoves that burn many things now - e.g. corn pellets, etc.
Joe Snyder said fuels should be restricted - manufacturers of the stoves indicate what is recommended. The state encourages regulations.
Jack McGuire felt that the Town Board did not want regulations.
Charles questioned a nuisance law (there is one on the books).
Joe felt it would have an effect on the fair market value of the property - permits should be given to the assessors.
Russ Teeple stated many houses burn because of furnaces and fireplaces whereas that wouldn't happen with an outdoor furnace.
Mr. Crane questioned the set-backs especially when there are no structures in the near distance. He also questioned if a permit was needed if the stove was grandfathered in.
Joe thought the months of operation should be limited if the set-backs are not met. Bonfires on LeRoy Island were brought up as emitting smoke. Joe thought the regulation should be revisited and the Board would try to revise.
Dave Buisch thought the Planning Board needed to convince the Town Board that a law is needed. Joe thought the Planning Board needed to prove to the Town Board what they are doing and why. Chris thought it is necessary to look to the future.
New Business:
Sign-in attendance sheets for the public at meetings is advised.
County Planning Board - Larry stated that the Woodburning stoves were discussed and the Sign Law was approved.
Adjournment:
On motion of Jack McGuire, seconded by Chris Kenyon, the following motion was approved. Moved that the meeting be adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Next regularly scheduled meeting:
The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, October 6, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the Huron Town Hall.
Noel Heckler, Clerk
