PUBLIC HEARING

AUGUST 1, 2006

GALWAY TOWN HALL

Supervisor Hargrave called the Public Hearing to order at 7:02 p.m.  The following Town Board Members were present:         

PRESENT:             Supervisor George Hargrave                              Councilman Michael Tillson Councilman William Topper                            Councilwoman Susan Sutch

Councilman George Weed

OTHER PRESENT:  B. Hendries; D. Greenwood; H. Kopper; M. Kopper; M. Boeleo; J. Lombard; J. Buhrmaster; L. Buhrmaster; E. Neal; Leonard Glywa; Fred Sindel; M. Concilla, Code Enforcement Officer; J. Sivik, Deputy Town Clerk; several other residents; M. DeFoe, Town Clerk. 

Supervisor Hargrave advised audience that the purpose of tonight_s public hearing was to obtain input from the community on proposed zoning draft.  Written comments would also be taken.  There would be no arguments or debates.    

Town Clerk read legal notice placed in the Daily Gazette on July 9, 2006, July 25, 2006 & notice will be in again on August 28, 2006.

Supervisor Hargrave advised that the Consultant, Nan Stolzenburg was unable to attend tonight_s meeting.  Supervisor Hargrave advised that Councilwoman Sutch did a great article for the newsletter on proposed changes.  He stated that the Town Board was not doing any real comprehensive changes to zoning districts.  What the Consultant & Town Board was looking to do was bring the Zoning Regulations in line with the Comprehensive Plan.  Supervisor Hargrave stated the highlighted areas as indicated in newsletter.  Most changes are from the State, bringing the zoning into compliance with State Code while giving the Planning & Zoning Boards the tools they need to work.   

Brian Hendries _ Had major concern with Planned Development District section 115-43.  Councilwoman Sutch stated that the Planned Development District regulation have not been changed at all.  Councilwoman Sutch explained process for a Planned Development District.  Dave Greenwood - From the Lake District feels the fencing section is definitely needed.  He questioned if there was any possibility of adding further language to section 115.51A to address grandfathered fences that are not in compliance with proposed regulations but should be?  Herb Kopper _ Felt soil survey maps should be used to designate density in different zones within town.  Herb felt that a licensing system for businesses was needed.  He also had concerns with the location of Adult Businesses in the Commercial Zone.  Mary Lynn Kopper _ Would like Board to take another look at the fencing regulations and address appropriate fencing.  On a Planning Board level, Mary Lynn would like to have maps available for their use depicting rock stratus in the Town.  Marsha Boeleo _ Asked for examples of surrounding towns where unique PDD proposals have been presented and passed by their boards.  Supervisor will research information and get back to Marsha with results. Jim Lombard _ Lake District resident, had concerns with outdoor wood furnaces with reference to health hazard to surrounding neighbors.  If something is addressed in zoning on this, he would suggest that no grandfather clause be allowed.  Supervisor Hargrave had given information from the Town of Charlton to Board Members to review addressing Outdoor Wood Furnaces.  John Burhmaster _ Lake District resident and previous member of the Comprehensive Plan Committee commended Town Board for work on zoning update.  John_s concerns were with section 115-20 Lake District, (E) Specific regulation for the district & (F) Holding tank Regulations.  Lou Burhmaster _ Resident of Lake District advised that the Lake Association has a testing program in place and the water quality is clean.  Lou_s concerns were with the heavy restrictions on small lots in Lake District.  Elizabeth Neal _ She is a hobby sheep farmer and referenced page 24 domestic animals per acre, feels this 2 per acre is very restrictive.  Elizabeth stated that the standard stocking rate for goats & sheep is 5 per acre.  Councilwoman Sutch stated that Board would have to look into Department of Agriculture_s recommendations on this issue.  Leonard Glywa _ Had questions of with page 91 under Special Use Permits, F3 (Noise).  Leonard advised that regulations state noise level can_t exceed 70 dBa.  He feels this is an unrealistic figure, this is a farming community and no farm equipment is that low.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that they would give information to Consultant to address.  Leonard believes there is a Federal Law that keeps Town_s from stipulating the size allowed on a satellite dish, page 99 5B.  Fred Sindel _ Questioned if update from tonight_s meeting would

be incorporated into document for meeting on the 29th?  Supervisor Hargrave was not sure, if updates were made public would be advised.  Supervisor Hargrave asked if there were any further questions.  There were no questions.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that suggestion made tonight would be given to Consultant, she would then come back to Board with any suggested changes.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that Board didn_t change much; most of what is different is administrative to bring up to State Code.                        

The public hearing was adjourned at 8:04 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Margaret L. DeFoe

Town Clerk