Orleans County Planning Board Minutes 1 January 25, 2018 Brian Napoli, Chairperson Tibbs Ahlberg, Vice-Chairperson COUNTY OF ORLEANS PLANNING BOARD 14016 Route 31 West Albion, New York 14411-9382 (585) 589-3198 County Planning Board Minutes Regular Meeting County Administration Building January 25, 2018 Conference Room C, 7:00 p.m. CPB ATTENDING: Brian Napoli, Dan Strong, Paul Hendel, William Camann, Michael Grabowski, Tracy VanSkiver, Terry Brown, Kevin Johnson, Andrew Kludt, Tim Elliott, Kirk Myhill, Elaine Berg, Gary Daum, Wesley Miller, Marty Busch, Kelly Cousins, Jean Benson CPB EXCUSED: Tibbs Ahlberg, Ron Vendetti, Thomas Keeler CPB ABSENT: Tom Fenton, Christine Buongiorne GUESTS: Ken DeRoller, John DeFilipps, Cheyenne Farewell, Rochelle Horner, Jim Simon, John Riggi, Taylor Quarles, David Snell, Dan Wolfe, Brenda Benjovsky, Scott Bennett, LuAnn Tierney STAFF: Jim Bensley, Sarah Gatti, Tim German Chairperson Brian Napoli called the regular meeting of the Orleans County Planning Board (CPB) to order at 7:00 p.m. He welcomed all present, noting the attendance of several elected officials. Kirk Myhill made a motion for APPROVAL of the minutes from the November 16, 2017 regular meeting as submitted, seconded by Kevin Johnson and carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Dan Strong, spokesperson for fellow Nominating Committee members Gary Daum and Kirk Myhill, recommended Brian Napoli and Tibbs Ahlberg retain their positions as Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson of the Board. Chairperson Napoli accepted the nomination and opened the floor to other
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Orleans County Planning Board Minutes 1 January 25, 2018
Brian Napoli, Chairperson Tibbs Ahlberg, Vice-Chairperson
COUNTY OF ORLEANS
PLANNING BOARD
14016 Route 31 West
Albion, New York 14411-9382
(585) 589-3198
County Planning Board Minutes
Regular Meeting County Administration Building
January 25, 2018 Conference Room C, 7:00 p.m.
CPB ATTENDING: Brian Napoli, Dan Strong, Paul Hendel, William Camann, Michael Grabowski,
Tracy VanSkiver, Terry Brown, Kevin Johnson, Andrew Kludt, Tim Elliott,
Kirk Myhill, Elaine Berg, Gary Daum, Wesley Miller, Marty Busch, Kelly
Cousins, Jean Benson
CPB EXCUSED: Tibbs Ahlberg, Ron Vendetti, Thomas Keeler
CPB ABSENT: Tom Fenton, Christine Buongiorne
GUESTS: Ken DeRoller, John DeFilipps, Cheyenne Farewell, Rochelle Horner, Jim
Simon, John Riggi, Taylor Quarles, David Snell, Dan Wolfe, Brenda Benjovsky,
Scott Bennett, LuAnn Tierney
STAFF: Jim Bensley, Sarah Gatti, Tim German
Chairperson Brian Napoli called the regular meeting of the Orleans County Planning Board (CPB) to
order at 7:00 p.m. He welcomed all present, noting the attendance of several elected officials.
Kirk Myhill made a motion for APPROVAL of the minutes from the November 16, 2017 regular
meeting as submitted, seconded by Kevin Johnson and carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Dan Strong, spokesperson for fellow Nominating Committee members Gary Daum and Kirk Myhill,
recommended Brian Napoli and Tibbs Ahlberg retain their positions as Chairperson and Vice-
Chairperson of the Board. Chairperson Napoli accepted the nomination and opened the floor to other
Orleans County Planning Board Minutes 2 January 25, 2018
nominations, of which there were none. Paul Hendel made a motion to close the floor to further
nominations and to APPROVE the appointment of Brian Napoli as Chairperson and Tibbs Ahlberg
as Vice-Chairperson of the Orleans County Planning Board in 2018, seconded by Terry Brown and
carried unanimously.
Director Jim Bensley of the Orleans County Department of Planning and Development (OCDPD)
presented the meeting calendar for 2018, noting that meetings will continue to be held on the fourth
Thursday of each month with referrals due at least one week prior to the meeting date. The exception
being the months of November and December when the meeting will be held earlier in the month to
avoid any conflict with the holidays. Tim Elliot made a motion to APPROVE the 2018 calendar,
seconded by Elaine Berg and carried unanimously.
Director Bensley presented the updated CPB roster, noting that new three year terms began for CPB
representatives for three municipalities as follows:
Carlton Terry Brown Full, William Camann Alternate
Clarendon Kevin Johnson Full, Russell Bosch Alternate
Shelby Kirk Myhill Full, (Alternate position vacant)
Tim German, Planner for OCDPD, presented the by-laws of the CPB, and asked members for any
suggested revisions. It was decided to defer the discussion of the by-laws until the next meeting, to
give members time to review them. Director Bensley noted that the CPB can vote on any revisions, but
they would then have to be sent to the County Legislature to be passed by resolution.
Sarah Gatti, Planner for OCDPD, presented an overview of 2017 referrals. She stated that the CPB saw
35 more referrals in 2017 than in 2016, an increase of 66 percent. In addition, 46 of 73 referrals were
recommended for approval or conditional approval, and the number of site plan review and special use
permit requests more than doubled from 2016.
Mr. German presented the land use training course offerings for the upcoming workshop to be held
May 31st at the Hoag Library in Albion. He asked the CPB members to review the list and select
possible topics. Topic selection will occur at the next meeting of the CPB.
Zoning Referrals
18-01 BARRE Request for Area Variance for Non-Conforming Lot on Route 98
(tax parcel 95.3-1-15.1) in General Business District
LuAnn Tierney, Chairperson of the Barre Zoning Board of Appeals, stated that there are many non-
conforming parcels near the parcel in question. The parcel in question was altered contrary to the
Town’s zoning; there is essentially no setback along the south side of the building and a minimum lot
Orleans County Planning Board Minutes 3 January 25, 2018
width variance of 147 feet is needed along the east face of the building. She noted that the amount of
relief needed is significant and that there are safety and traffic concerns.
Mr. Strong stated that his concern is that, given the limited space on the north, west, and south sides of
the building, fire suppression could become a problem if a fence were to be constructed around the
building. In this case, the only way to get around the building would be by scaling the fence, and
transferring the piece of real estate in question may compound the problem. He stated that any
disagreement between the neighboring landowners could make the situation even more difficult.
Jean Benson asked if there is any parking on the site. Ms. Gatti replied that there is theoretically
enough space to park, but it would be very close to Route 98 and would neither be safe nor would it
meet parking requirements. Gary Daum stated that at past events held at the Grange, cars would park
along the side of the road and on the neighboring lot. However, it is now a very high-traffic area.
Ms. Benson asked about the proposed use of the building. Ms. Tierney replied that the prospective
buyer was considering using it for storage but may have backed out of the sale. There is no room on
the lot for a septic system and the building does not have water connected. Mr. Hendel asked what
specifically would be stored in the building. Ms. Tierney replied that she did not know. There is access
to the building from the front and back doors. There is no door on the north side of the building.
Ms. Benson asked how the building can be without a septic system. Scott Bennett, representing the
Barre Presbyterian Church, stated that the building has been used exclusively for chicken barbeques
and garage sales for the past 40 years.
Dan Strong pointed out that if the building will be used for storage, there will need to be enough space
to allow loading and unloading.
David Snell of Snell Realtors made the case that there is enough space in front of the building to
parallel park two cars, and that holding tanks may be used instead of a septic system. He compared the
building to the row-type buildings in downtown Albion, in that they can only be accessed from the
front or rear. He stated that he is in favor of the use that is being proposed, and that it would be
preferable to have the building in use rather than allow it to fall into disrepair. Dan Strong replied that
the heart of the matter is that the lot could become a detriment to the town. Marty Busch further
pointed out that the staff recommendation clearly states that pre-existing non-conforming lots may not
be further reduced in size, pursuant to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance. Chairperson Napoli agreed that
the CPB bases its recommendations on the local ordinance.
Mr. Brown asked how old the building is and if it is historic. William Camann replied that it is not
historic to his knowledge. David Snell noted the need to increase property values, as they have been
falling across the County recently. Ms. Benson asked if Barre has a hamlet district. Ms. Gatti clarified
that the subject lot is in a General Business district. Ms. Benson asked what would need to be done to
make the lot conforming. Ms. Gatti replied that the building would need to be moved to another lot,
Orleans County Planning Board Minutes 4 January 25, 2018
although the lot itself would still be non-conforming in size. She also stated that only the area
variances associated with the parcel’s subdivision are in question. Any other future uses could come
back to the CPB, and denial of the variance would not necessarily restrict future potential uses.
Gary Daum noted the upcoming bicentennial for the Town of Barre, and that the Grange is one of the
few buildings in the Town that has not changed over the years. Re-use of the building is worth looking
into, but not at the expense of going against the Town’s zoning.
RECOMMENDATION for 18-01: Paul Hendel made a motion for DENIAL, seconded by Andrew
Kludt and carried by all voting members (Wesley Miller abstaining).
18-02 YATES Request for Amendment to Zoning Ordinance: Revising Wind
Energy Facilities Law of 2008
Mr. Daum stated that the new law is the result of collaboration between the Yates Planning Board and
Town Board. The law was originally adopted in 2008. He then turned over the floor to Town
Supervisor Jim Simon. Supervisor Simon stated that the ongoing Western Orleans Comprehensive
Plan (WOCP) update as well as the Kendall-Yates-Carlton Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (KYC
LWRP) amendment have re-affirmed and updated the goals and objectives of Yates and neighboring
municipalities. The Town of Yates volunteered to be involved in the Consensus Building Institute’s
Renewables on the Ground Round Table via teleconference. The discussion was centered around how
New York State’s energy goals can be met, with a focus on solar and wind. He stated the Town
officials have been in an ongoing learning process regarding these developments.
Supervisor Simon cited the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as recommending that
no industrial wind energy facilities be sited within three miles of the shoreline of the Great Lakes. He
also cited a rule adopted by the State of Vermont Public Utilities Commission under the State Public
Service Board, regarding acceptable noise emissions from wind turbines. A second part of the rule
regarding setbacks based on turbine height was not adopted but was nonetheless recommended by
experts. He noted that New York State has to date failed to adopt standards of its own. The Town also
researched setback regulations in other towns and found a range of setback dimensions.
Mr. Hendel asked if anyone has mapped out where wind turbines will be allowed under the new
ordinance. Supervisor Simon responded that he has not, but the three-mile setback from Lake Ontario
would preclude wind turbines from being sited the northern part of the Town. He mentioned the
Article 10 siting board, and its stated intent to respect the local ordinances of subject municipalities.
Mr. Hendel stated that if and when this law goes to court, he wants to be sure that the CPB will not be
named in any litigious actions that may take place. He said that while he respects the rights of towns to
enact their own laws, he also wants to protect the CPB. Director Bensley replied that the same issue
was raised in 2016 when the law was last amended, and that since the CPB is not a final action body
and only issues advisory recommendations, it would not be party to any lawsuit.
Orleans County Planning Board Minutes 5 January 25, 2018
Mr. Brown stated that it seems that given the setback requirements, one would need a property of one
mile by one mile in order to site a turbine. Supervisor Simon replied that that is not necessarily the
case. He cited the need to protect non-participating landowners and to protect the rural, leisure-based
nature of the area, and also to protect the lakefront along with its migratory paths.
Ms. Benson asked why these particular distances were recommended. Supervisor Simon replied that
the general consensus is that noise and infrasound cause sleep disturbance and can lead to physical
problems over time. He cited the World Health Organization’s recommended limits to nighttime noise
levels, saying that noise will travel further over flat terrain. The height of turbines has grown from 500-
feet to over 700 feet since the Town has first enacted their Wind Energy Ordinance, hence the need for
the amended ordinance.
Taylor Quarles, representing Apex Wind Energy, stated that he understands the decision of the Town,
but in regard to Mr. Hendel’s question about the ultimate result of the ordinance, the Law essentially
represents a wind energy ban. He said that Apex has submitted comments heavily disputing the claims
made by the Town Board, and that the USFWS has made no recommendation specific to the
Lighthouse project. He stated that Apex works with USFWS to design wildlife studies and ensure
proper siting of facilities, and that the noise limit given by Supervisor Simon roughly represents
normal background noise.
Andrew Kludt asked what exactly is meant by infrasound. Supervisor Simon replied that it is sound
that is below the audible range. He stated that it can cause health problems, particularly in people with
autism or other conditions, and must be accounted for by developers. He stated that the USFWS
recommendation does in fact apply to the Lighthouse project in Yates and Somerset, as the agency has
monitored the site for potential impacts to birds and bats and has stated that the risk could rise to
severe levels.
Ms. Berg asked if there was a lot of public input regarding the law. Supervisor Simon replied that the
Town did receive a lot of input both for and against it. He said that while he and the developer do not
see eye to eye, they have made an effort to be collegial and understanding of one another throughout
the process. Some residents even want the new law to go further. He said that in the Town of Somerset,
wind turbines were previously only permitted in industrial zones, which did in effect constitute a ban.
He also stated that the Town’s residents are overwhelmingly in support of the new law, with good
science to support it.
Dan Strong asked if there have been any studies done to examine the potential reduction in property
values stemming from wind developments. Supervisor Simon stated that there have been studies cited
by those both for and against wind energy, that there is a wide spectrum of stated economic impacts,
and that it is difficult to obtain current and up to date studies. He further stated that one professor cited
a 14 percent reduction in property values.
Orleans County Planning Board Minutes 6 January 25, 2018
RECOMMENDATION for 18-02: Martin Busch made a motion for APPROVAL, seconded by Kelly
Cousins and carried by all voting members (Gary Daum abstaining).
OTHER BUSINESS
Director Bensley announced that the Department of State approved grants for Orleans County and the
Village of Medina for the Erie Canal LWRP, with $62,000 going to the County and $32,500 going to
Medina. This will be a collaborative project involving all towns and villages adjoining the canal in the
County, and it will likely be several months before the next steps of the process take place.
Ms. Gatti presented a letter draft letter to be sent to local land use officials regarding the importance of
the CPB receiving referrals that are complete and containing the required content. Terry Brown made a
motion to APPROVE the letter, seconded by Gary Daum and carried unanimously.
County Legislator Ken DeRoller addressed the CPB regarding the recent clearing of the Erie Canal
banks. He stated that the project was possible following the transfer of the New York State Canal
Corporation from the Thruway Authority to the New York Power Authority, and that the intent of the
project was to address potential deterioration of the canal banks brought on by pressure from the root
systems of the trees.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Tim Elliot made a motion to ADJOURN at 8:10 PM, seconded by
Andrew Kludt and carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Timothy German
Acting Executive Secretary
Orleans County Planning Board Minutes 1 March 22, 2018
Brian Napoli, Chairperson Tibbs Ahlberg, Vice-Chairperson
COUNTY OF ORLEANS
PLANNING BOARD
14016 Route 31 West
Albion, New York 14411-9382
(585) 589-3198
County Planning Board Minutes
Regular Meeting County Administration Building
March 22, 2018 Conference Room C, 7:00 p.m.
CPB ATTENDING: Brian Napoli, Ron Vendetti, Paul Hendel, Kevin Parker, Tom Fenton, Michael
Grabowski, Terry Brown, Kevin Johnson, Andrew Kludt, Gary Daum, Wesley
Miller, Kelly Cousins, Monica Seeler
CPB EXCUSED: Elaine Berg, Marty Busch, Kirk Myhill, Dan Strong
CPB ABSENT: Tibbs Ahlberg, Tracy VanSkiver, Thomas Keeler
GUESTS: Daniel Seeler
STAFF: Sarah Gatti, Tim German
Chairperson Brian Napoli called the regular meeting of the Orleans County Planning Board (CPB) to
order at 7:00 p.m. He welcomed all present.
Andrew Kludt made a motion for APPROVAL of the minutes from the January 25, 2018 regular
meeting as submitted, seconded by Ron Vendetti and carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Timothy German, Planner for the Orleans County Department of Planning and Development (OCPD),
asked the CPB for proposed revisions to the by-laws that were distributed at the previous meeting.
Chairperson Napoli suggested three revisions:
Revising the language of Section 3 to account for the possibility of a January meeting being
cancelled
Orleans County Planning Board Minutes 2 March 22, 2018
Revising the language of Section 4 regarding meeting cancellation by majority vote of members
present
Adding the Pledge to the Flag to Proceedings under Section 9
Sarah Gatti, Planner for OCDPD, stated that the procedure for updating the by-laws is to draft the
revisions, present them to the CPB for a motion, and send them to the Legislature to be approved by
resolution.
Mr. German asked the CPB for suggested course selections for the upcoming land use training at the
Hoag Library. Paul Hendel noted that there has not been a basic training course offered in some time,
and suggested Introduction to Planning and Zoning for those local land use board members who may be
new to the job. Terry Brown suggested orienting new board members toward attending the introductory
courses. Kelly Cousins noted that some of the introductory courses are also offered online. Mr. Hendel
also suggested the Case Law course. Chairperson Napoli noted that the Department of State (DOS)
trainers must send an attorney to teach that course. Ms. Gatti suggested choosing alternative courses in
the event that an attorney is not available. Ron Vendetti suggested the State Environmental Quality
Review (SEQR) course. Ms. Cousins suggested the Historic Preservation course. The Comprehensive
Planning course was also suggested. Ms. Gatti stated that she would confer with DOS and report back.
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Gatti announced that the Lyndonville Village Board and County Legislature have approved a tax
exemption area on the east side of Main Street between Eagle Street and Riverside Drive. Property
owners making improvements to historic structures in this area will see no increase in their property tax
assessments for five years, after which the assessment will increase twenty percent annually until full
assessment is reached. Ms. Cousins stated that the Village hopes that this will be an incentive for
investment in the buildings. In addition, the Lyndonville School District and Town of Yates are
considering following suit.
Ms. Gatti also announced the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council’s Local Government
Workshop to be held at the Burgundy Basin Inn in Pittsford on May 18th. Attendees will earn credits
toward their required annual hours of training.
Zoning Referrals
18-04 CARLTON Request for Amendment to Zoning Ordinance: Regulating Solar
Energy Systems
Ms. Gatti presented the referral to the CPB, stating that Carlton is the last of the lakeshore towns to adopt
solar regulations, and the eighth municipality in the County to do so since 2016. Terry Brown confirmed this,
stating that the law is based on the others that have come before the CPB to date, and that there was no need
for any specific changes in relation to the solar regulations of other municipalities.
Orleans County Planning Board Minutes 3 March 22, 2018
RECOMMENDATION for 18-01: Gary Daum made a motion for APPROVAL, seconded by Kevin
Johnson and carried by all voting members (Terry Brown abstaining).
18-05 MEDINA Request for Site Plan Review to Construct Medical Office
Building at 11472 Maple Ridge Rd in General Business (GB)
and Maple Ridge Overlay (MRO) District.
Mr. German introduced the referral, stating that the proposal is for an approximately 6,000 square foot
building for use as a medical office. He stated that the dimensional requirements of the Maple Ridge
Overlay District have been met, a water main extension is being proposed from the road to the rear of
the project site, and that it appears that the site is designed such that future development to the rear of
the lot will be most expedient. Finally, on-site stormwater management facilities are proposed, and the
Village’s consultant engineer is reviewing the submitted stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP).
Paul Hendel asked if the building would house a single tenant or several. Ms. Gatti clarified that the
building would be used as a dialysis center. Tom Fenton asked if the facility would be owned by Oak
Orchard Health. Mr. German answered that it would be owned and operated by a private company. Mr.
Brown noted that the site plan shows the parking lot connecting to neighboring parking lot of the GCC
campus via a cross easement, so that there will be two ways in and out. Mr. Brown also asked if any fire
hydrants are planned for the site. Ms. Gatti replied that according to Marty Busch, the Medina Fire
Department would like two fire hydrants to serve the site.
RECOMMENDATION for 18-05: Kelly Cousins made a motion for APPROVAL, seconded by Terry
Brown and carried unanimously.
18-06 MURRAY Request for Special Use Permit to Establish Business at 16305
Route 31 in Residential Agricultural (RA) District.
Mr. Vendetti introduced the referral, stating that the applicant seeks to re-establish a business selling
topsoil, landscape stone, and other similar materials. He indicated on the submitted site plan where
material stockpiles would be located. He also stated that there had previously been complaints from
neighbors regarding dust generated by topsoil screening, and that the Town of Murray had initiated legal
proceedings against the applicant before terminating that route in favor of granting a special use permit.
The owner had since retired and allowed the special use permit to expire. He stated that the submitted
site plan is printed on a tax map, and that the stated distances are roughly representative of the site but
not perfect.
Mr. Daum asked if the neighbors’ issues regarding the business would be resolved if the business were
allowed to re-open. Mr. Vendetti replied that it was not immediately clear if that would be the case. Mr.
Hendel clarified that the CPB must determine whether the application meets the special use permit
requirements for the Town of Murray, and allow the Town to decide specific restrictions thereto. Ms.
Orleans County Planning Board Minutes 4 March 22, 2018
Gatti stated that the main concern in the staff recommendation is the lack of a to-scale site plan drawing,
and given the contentions nature of the matter, it could invite controversy.
RECOMMENDATION FOR 18-06: Terry Brown made a motion to return the referral as
INCOMPLETE, seconded by Tom Fenton and carried by all voting members (Ron Vendetti
abstaining).
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Gary Daum made a motion to ADJOURN at 7:33 PM, seconded by
Tom Fenton and carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Timothy German
Acting Executive Secretary
Orleans County Planning Board Minutes 1 April 26, 2018
Brian Napoli, Chairperson Tibbs Ahlberg, Vice-Chairperson
COUNTY OF ORLEANS
PLANNING BOARD
14016 Route 31 West
Albion, New York 14411-9382
(585) 589-3198
County Planning Board Minutes
Regular Meeting County Administration Building
April 26, 2018 Conference Room C, 7:00 p.m.
CPB ATTENDING: Dan Strong, Tom Keeler, Wes Miller, William Camann, Kevin Johnson, Michael
Grabowski, Ronald Vendetti, Monica Seeler, Kelly Cousins, Marty Busch, Elaine Berg,
Tim Elliott, Paul Hendel, Tibbs Ahlberg, Brian Napoli
CPB EXCUSED: Andy Kludt, Kirk Myhill, Gary Daum
CPB ABSENT: Tracy VanSkiver, Tom Fenton
GUESTS: Ken DeRoller, Robin Nacca, Alex Nacca, Richard Cox, Daniel Seeler, James Kirby, Robert