Diane Gair

The Town Board Zoning Update meeting focused on the progress of zoning changes. Key discussion points included defining the term "rural character," outreach efforts (YouTube content, Facebook reminders, emails, hamlet walks), and the status of four proposed zones within the low-density residential area. The meeting also covered the parameters of each zone (lot size, density, yards, site plan review), transfer of development rights, commercial uses, site plan review standards, non-residential subdivisions, overlay zones for streams and habitat corridors, and hamlet zoning. The board discussed the schedule for completing the zoning update, including upcoming meetings and public feedback sessions.

The Conservation Working Group Meeting focused on reviewing and discussing a working draft map of the town, outlining proposed zoning areas including existing plan development, hamlet core, hamlet neighborhood, suburban character, rural character (two levels), and high priority preservation. The group also reviewed a table summarizing proposed rules for these zones, focusing on density, lot sizes, setbacks, and transfer of development rights. Discussions included the concept of transfer development rights, allowing landowners to sell development rights without developing their land, and the goal of focusing development in hamlets to reduce sprawl. The meeting also involved identifying high priority conservation areas and addressing potential zoning discrepancies.

This board meeting focused on the zoning update process, aiming for completion by the end of 2021. Discussions included the process for the zoning update, with a suggestion to streamline the process by having working groups send proposals directly to the town board, CAC, and planning board for review and feedback, rather than going through the planning group as an intermediary. Concerns were raised about the potential for excluding planning board and CAC members, and the need to ensure their input is considered. The current status of working groups and their progress on identifying new zones was reviewed, along with a timeline for completing the zoning update by December. The method for collecting and incorporating feedback from various boards and community groups was also discussed.

The workshop involved a review and discussion of the 2022 budget for various accounts (A3410.1, A3410.2, A3410.4, 301 Utilities, 302 Firefighting Expenses, 303 Danby Buildings & Grounds, 304 West Danby Buildings & Grounds, 305 Equipment Maintenance, 306 Apparatus Maintenance, 307 Fuel for Apparatus, 308 Fire Contract, 309 Insurance, A3410.9 Contingency, A9030.8 Social Security Employer Expense, A9030.7 Medicare Employer Expense, A9040.8 Worker's Comp and VFBL, A9060.9 Cancer Insurance, A9045.0 Life Insurance, A9050.8 Unemployment, Re-employment Service Fund, A9060.8 Accident and Sickness, A9710.6 Redemption, A9710.7 Interest, A9901.9 Transfer to Reserve Accounts). Key decisions included adjustments to salaries for the Secretary and Treasurer, and reallocations across numerous sub-accounts within the various budget categories. Several accounts remained unchanged. The budget is preliminary and subject to change.

The meeting covered key financial matters, including the approval of bills and review of the treasurer's report, which included updates on the 2014 audit, insurance refunds, OSC tax freeze requirements, and outstanding invoices. Chiefs' reports provided updates on station usage requests, equipment repairs, training, and upcoming events. Committee reports addressed purchasing, buildings and grounds, insurance, trucks, and other areas. Discussions included apparatus inventory, grant applications (AFG, Fire House Subs, Community Foundation), and the upcoming election. The meeting concluded with scheduling decisions for the organizational and first regular meetings in 2015.