TOWN OF WOODSTOCK
APPROVED PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
September 29, 2011
Members Present: Paul Shultis, Jr.; James Huben; Paul Henderson; Allan Duane; Peter Cross; Thomas Unrath and Lorin Rose
Others Present: Therese Fernandez, Secretary; Drayton Grant, Esq., Planning Board Attorney (left meeting 7:20 pm)
Meeting was called to order at 7:25 pm. Determination of a quorum. There was no electricity for the duration of the meeting due to storm. Minutes are transcribed from Secretary's notes taken during meeting.
Agenda: No changes
Minutes: None this time
Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program presentation on stream access and recreation activities was cancelled.
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CAROL JELLINGHAUS AND PAUL & CATHERINE SHULTIS, PB# 11-0986A: Public Hearing for proposed lot line revision was cancelled by representative for Ms. Jellinghaus. To be rescheduled at later date.
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A general discussion, related to Special Use Permit (SUP) issues with RUPCO that are on agenda later in evening, was started by Mr. Cross saying that the Town Zoning Regulations need SUP language that protects the Planning Board (PB) from the SUP not being adhered to. Applicant needs to come back to the PB before doing additional or different work or taking action. Chairman Mr. Shultis said that it is the same with Site Plans; also that the Town needs a Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO) who will enforce zoning laws.
Mr. Rose suggested a meeting between the PB and ZEO.
Mr. Cross asked, who checks to see conditions of SUP are met? Mr. Duane said that maybe someone from the PB should do a joint site visit with ZEO. Mr. Shultis said that was done in the past but then "it fell apart". He feels that the Town needs a Building Inspector and ZEO as two separate positions; that Building Inspectors complain about having to do Zoning Enforcement since it is so much additional work, a burden. A liaison between Building Dept. and PB would be good idea.
Mr. Rose suggested requiring two signatures on SUPs or Certificates of Occupancy or Compliance - PB member and Building Inspector. Mr. Shultis responded saying that could be possible, but he is not sure if it would meet State or Town law. There is enforcement but he feels it's not equal or fair. The Board could try this with a new Site Plan Review (SPR) or SUP application.
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DOUG ABEL & JENNY BROWN - WOODSTOCK FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY (WFAS), SUP# 10-381B: Request from applicants for provisional SUP approval to hold their ThanksLiving Event on October 16, 2011, and use of chartered bus for attendees. Mr. Abel was present.
Mr. Shultis said that if SUP is not an issue, then they would consider the circumstances the same as when the summer Jamboree event was held; a sound test of decibel readings would be done again. ThanksLiving event has different tents, location, music. The PB could see how parking and amplification works. The Zoning Board of Appeals decision [concerning number of accessory structures] would not be made until after the event.
Mr. Abel stated that this is only their second event of the year.
Mr. Shultis noted that WFAS is having a fundraiser at the Bearsville Theater rather than at farm site.
Mr. Abel continued that they are requesting a chartered bus for 28-30 passengers. This would replace quite a few cars that need parking and that they would consider doing this for the future as well.
Mr. Shultis agreed; feels that consolidation of people would mean less impact to neighbors, less traffic; parking would be in pasture so the lot doesn't need a turning radius. Mr. Abel said they would change site plan.
Mr. Shultis brought discussion of request to the Board. Mr. Rose said that WFAS would be operating under their old SUP approving one event in November that is now being moved up to October; doesn't see any problem with request. Could use this as opportunity to do a "dry run" of conditions of new SUP: tent permit, ZEO, porta-potties, etc.
Mr. Henderson asked about how much time for music. Mr. Abel responded, three hours.
None of the other members expressed any reservations concerning the request.
Gay Leonhardt, contiguous neighbor in audience, had concerns about adherence to SUP conditions but said that she appreciated the sound decibel readings. The accessory building issue started in November 2010, not addressed yet a year later. She feels it's a case of "proceed as you want to go".
Mr. Shultis said that there have not been other complaints he's aware of; that they are keeping it in use with event plan.
Ms. Leonhardt added that she feels speeches are especially loud. Mr. Abel responded that there will be fewer speakers at lower volume and that sound absorbing hay bales will be used.
Tony LaJoie, also a neighbor in audience, said that the WFAS website says the event is sold out and now they are coming in afterwards to get approval. He also added to the discussion earlier about the Building Inspector and PB "discord" by saying he feels penalties should be imposed for non-compliance to SUPs.
Mr. Shultis made a Motion to approve the WFAS request to hold a Special Event on October 16, 2011, in accordance with the conditions of the new pending SUP and the existing SUP and a trial run of sound decibel testing. Seconded by Mr. Henderson. All aye. Vote: 7-0-0-0.
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RURAL ULSTER PRESERVATION CO., INC. / WOODSTOCK COMMONS, SPR#05-326 & SUP#05-368: Continued Public Hearing was cancelled due to no electricity and widespread power outage. Rescheduled to October 16, 2011.
The Board discussed what GIS Equipment was needed. PB needs to submit request for items on Jerry Washington's voucher, Juno Trimble GIS and software, possibly a laptop, laser printer (if not already in the works with Town Supervisor Jeff Moran) and a Canon digital camera. Secretary will prepare memo.
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Motion to adjourn at 8:10 pm by Paul Shultis, Jr.; seconded by Peter Cross. All aye.
Minutes approved February 2, 2012
