Suzanne Scales

The Planning Board meeting addressed several key agenda items requiring review and potential action. Discussions included a 2-lot subdivision for 22 Berme Rd, requiring variances for lot area, lot width, and building coverage, and clarification on shared septic and driveway easements. For the PEENPACK SAND & GRAVEL site plan amendment on LYBOLT RD, the board waived the public hearing for minor changes to the building footprint, though further review was tabled pending the Town Attorney's availability. A public hearing was scheduled for January 14, 2026, for the 819 US RTE 209 LU 2-lot subdivision, which also required ZBA variances. The GWEH dam removal project for McAllister Lake Dam involved determining SEQRA lead agency status, with a potential deferral to the NYS DEC due to the dam being classified as high hazard. An amended site plan for IPP SOLAR's Maple Crest Solar Phase I involved lot line changes and panel relocation due to terrain constraints, which the Chairman suggested continuing to the next meeting for full review. A separate site plan review for IPP SOLAR's Maple Crest Drive EV Chargers confirmed the removal of batteries and discussed power sourcing, with minimal environmental disturbance expected.

The Town Board Meeting agenda included presentations regarding the March 24, 2026 DMV schedule and Pavement Resurfacing of Route 209. Key discussion points involved Old Business concerning Local Law #1 related to Property Tax Exemptions for Volunteer Firefighters, including those serving adjoining municipalities. New Business centered on the Supervisor's Re-Appointments for 2026, specifically the re-appointment of Danielle L. Glynn as Bookkeeper/Clerk to the Supervisor and the motion to re-appoint Joyce Cirulli as Deputy of Emergency Management and P/T Floating Clerk. The board also planned to review the Resolution #7 for the 2026 Fuel Bid, several proposed Local Laws (including Local Law #2 regarding notice of defect in civil actions, Local Law #3 amending taxation exemptions, Local Law #4 on Short Term Rentals, and Local Law #5 concerning Retirement Medical Benefits for FT Elected Officials), and the Budget Officer Report covering General & Highway Abstract #4 and Street Lighting #2.

The primary focus of the meeting was a public hearing concerning the Peenpack Sand & Gravel Amended Site Plan. The amendment involved modifying a previously approved 100x80 garage by squaring off a corner, and revising the dimensions of a 7ft wide lean-to addition. The Town Attorney confirmed that all comments from the Town Engineer were addressed. The public hearing was closed, and the Board granted a conditional approval for the amended site plan, conditioned upon the payment of required fees.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an executive session with the Town Attorney to discuss legal matters. The primary business involved an area variance application by Robin Kelley concerning a proposed subdivision of a property on Berme Road into two parcels: one with a three-bedroom home and shed, and the other with a two-car garage and apartment. The Board discussed criteria such as neighborhood character, substantiality of the variance, self-creation, and feasibility. The Board ultimately approved the variances with exceptions, specifically excluding the shed due to its placement near the property line, and forwarded concerns regarding a second driveway, separate leach fields, and well/septic placement to the Planning Board for further review.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding an area variance request for a garage at 92 Academy Avenue. The applicant explained that the proposed 12x24 pre-built garage must be located on the side of the home due to existing well lines in the rear and driveway configuration constraints, which prevents placement in the rear or other locations. The variance was subsequently granted. A second public hearing addressed area variances for a subdivision at 819 US Route 209. The variances sought relief from the Town Zoning definition for a 'Flag lot' pole depth (requesting 112 ft instead of 200 ft) and a reduction in frontage due to a highway marker (requesting 45 ft instead of 50 ft). These variances were also granted before the meeting adjourned.