Town of Rockland Planning Board

May 5, 2010

Members present: Chairman Thomas Ellison, Richard Barnhart, Chris Andreola, Nancy Hobbs, Carol Park, James Severing.  Absent: Phil Vallone.  Also present were the Town Supervisor, Ed Weitmann, Councilman Robert Eggleton, Code Enforcement Officer, Charles Irace and engineer for the town, Wes Illing.

Chairman Ellison opened the meeting with the pledge to the flag.  On a motion by Nancy, seconded by Rick the minutes were accepted as presented.

Correspondence:

• Sullivan County response to the Marchino Subdivision and the Sonoma Falls project – both were acceptable to the county. 
• Notifications of training opportunities

Supervisor Weitman reported that the Sullivan County Division of Planning notified him of several properties that would be classified as agriculture districts.

Carol attended a seminar on sustaining a healthy community and inquired if this would be acceptable training towards the yearly hours.  Chairman Ellison believes they would be and asked for some information on the course.

Wes stated that he has not heard from the cell tower company concerning the Dickman site and this years planting.  He will make contact with them to see if this has been done.

At 7:15 p.m. the regular meeting was recessed and a public hearing was opened for the William Haas Subdivision on Gulf Road, Roscoe.  Mr. Bruce Fulton presented the Board with updated maps showing the requested land contours.  He also presented a copy of a road maintenance agreement, perk and deep test pit results and an erosion control narrative.

There being no one from the public wishing to comment Rick made a motion to close the public hearing, Jim seconded and all were in favor.  On a motion by Jim, seconded by Nancy and all being in favor the Town of Rockland Planning Board declares itself lead agent. Chairman Ellison read and completed the SEQR. On a motion by Chris, seconded by Rick and all being in favor a negative declaration was made.  Jim made a motion to grant final approval of this subdivision pending the County’s 239 review, Chris seconded and all were in favor.  The fee was paid by the applicant.

Mr. Richard Martin appeared before the Board.  He owns a house on Hunter Lake and would like to build a new one.  He applied for a building permit 10 years ago but was unable to proceed with the project.  When he re-applied he found that the Town Code had changed and the Code Enforcement Officer sent him before this Board for a special use permit.

He has the required set backs and in fact the new house would be located 5′ further from the lake. Mr. Martin would be utilizing the old septic leach field and replacing the tank.  The old house is two bedrooms and the proposed new one would have three.    He would need an engineer to review the site and plans and draft a letter in support of the use of the septic system.  Wes will arrange to see the site for storm water mitigation and report back to the Board.

Mr. Thomas Ward appeared before the Board with information for Peck’s Market. They would like to build an addition on the rear of the building.  This would be a mechanical room for a rack system to run compressors.  The addition would be insulated and the newer equipment will run quieter.  Some neighbors have already called the Code Enforcement Officer concerning this. 

After discussion this Board asked that a certificate or letter be presented attesting to the fact that the new equipment will in fact run quieter than the old so as not to disturb the neighbors.  They also asked that fencing and landscaping be added to make the site more appealing.  An elevation certificate will also be needed.

Mr. Elwin Wood appeared before the Board with updated information on the Sonoma Falls project.  This property will be classified as agriculture and requests for waivers were submitted.  The County 239 review was also received and approved.  On a motion by Jim, seconded by Rick and all being in favor, final approval was granted for this Special Use Permit application.         

There being no further business before this Board Chris made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all were in favor.

Submitted by:

Mary Hankins

TOR Planning Board Secretary