PROCEEDINGS OF A SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING HELD AT THE TOWN MUNICIPAL OFFICE ON JANUARY 31, 2008.

The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Taylor at 7:00 p.m. with the following present:

Ronald C. Taylor, Supervisor                            Merle C. Otis, Hwy Supt.

Mary C. Smith, Town Clerk                             Steve Harter, Ck to Supervisor

Michael C. Gracey, Councilman                        Gene Langone, Atty 

William Jesmore, Councilman                            Terry Buckley, Assessor

John Shatraw, Councilman                                Jessica Jenack, Planner

Mark Thompson, Councilman                          Dean Russell, ZEO

Also, present were planning board members, Fred Tontarski, Karl Vebber, Jerry Hobbs, Larry Covell, Steve Putney, Samuel Biondolillo, and Kris Dimmick from BCA.

Public hearing was opened at 7:10 p.m. to hear comments on proposed Local Law 3-2008 moratorium for storage facilities, vehicle rental establishments, truck rental establishments, and medium trucks rental establishments.  This also includes any pending applications that are before the planning board.

John Drozd, resident next to the proposed project would like to see the moratorium approved this would give the planning board time to take a look at this area to see what they would like developed there.

Karen Drozd concurs with her husband and they like what  the Town has done so far in this area and she feels that we need to take the time to do it right.

Joe Converse owns self storage on Route 283, and he says that he is 57% full, would like the town to approve the moratorium so that the town can get a handle on what development that would be appropriate in this area.

Walt VanTassel can understand what the Drozds’ stated and what Mr. Converse stated however he feels that this is against him and that no one else has presented plans to the town yet. He is against this moratorium which includes any pending applications.

Karl Vebber, Planning Board member supports the moratorium; this would give the Planning Board the needed time to look at our zoning laws, to provide a good guideline for future proposals.

Jerry Hobbs, Planning Board member is not against storage facilities, but we are in the middle of a comprehensive plan with Behan Planning Associates, LLC, and we are spending a large amount of money on the plan, he believes that we should give them time to present us with what they think is best for this area.

Fred Tontarski, Planning Board chairman can understand where Walt is coming from however the planning board needs time to come up with some guidelines.

Hearing closed at 7:30 p.m.

A motion was made by Gracey and seconded by Thompson to approve Local Law 3-2008, moratorium which includes all pending applications and that the Planning Board works on this issue as soon as possible.  Gracey –yes, Shatraw – yes, Thompson – yes, Jesmore – abstained, Taylor – yes.  Passed.

A motion was made by Thompson and seconded by Shatraw that Local Law 2- 2008 Moratorium for storage facilities be removed from the books.  Carried Ayes 5 No 0.

Public hearing was held at 7:20 p.m to hear comments on proposed Local Law 4- 2008 to opt out of Exemption 487 of the Real Property Tax Law on exemptions of Solar or Wind Energy Systems or Farm Waste Energy Systems.  No one commented.

A motion was made by Shatraw and seconded by Thompson that the board adopt Local Law 4-2008 as Local Law 3-2008 Exemption 487 of the Real Property Tax Law.  Carried Ayes 5 Nay 0.

A motion was made by Thompson and seconded by Gracey that the board appoints Ronald Cooper, LaFave Road, Watertown to the Zoning Board Appeals Board to complete the unexpired term of David Dewey which expires 12/31/2008.  Carried Ayes 5 Nay 0.

A motion was made by Thompson and seconded by Gracey that the board have a joint planning board and Town Board work session on February 28, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.   Carried Ayes 5 Nay 0.

A motion was made by Gracey and seconded by Jesmore that the board go into executive session to discuss a personnel issue at 8:25 p.m.  Carried Ayes 5 Nay 0. 

A motion was made by Jesmore and seconded by Thompson that the board returns to regular session at 8:40 p.m.  Carried Ayes 5 Nay 0.

A motion was made by Thompson and seconded by Shatraw that the board adjourns meeting at 8:55 p.m. Carried Ayes 5 Nay 0.

Respectfully given:

Mary C. Smith, RMC

Town Clerk