Minutes of the Special Town Board Meeting held Tuesday, March 14, 2006, at 6:00 PM, at the Keene Town Hall. The following Town Board Members were present: William B. Ferebee, Supervisor, Robert M. Biesemeyer (arrived a few minutes late), Marcy Neville and Lawrence Jaques, Members of Council. Also present were the following Planning Board Members: Baird Edmonds, David Deyo (arrived a few minutes late), Tom Hickey, Mike Hartson and Linda LaBarge, and also Frank Slycord, Building Code Officer and Ellen Estes, Town Clerk.

The Chairman, Mr. Ferebee, called the meeting to order explaining that the Town Board wanted to meet with the Planning Board “just to get together and see what’s going on”. He said the Planning Board is doing a great job and no one is complaining.
He asked the Members of the Planning Board if they had any issues or concerns.

Baird Edmonds said that the Members of the Planning Board were interested in what the Town Board required of them and would like to get some guidance.

Tom Hickey stated that he thought things were going smoothly, he said that most applications are permitted in the end, sometimes after a change or two.

Larry Jaques said one of the items that had attracted attention recently was the driveway that was blasted in Adrian’s Acres.
Mr. Edmonds responded that the Planning Board sometimes doesn’t know about road issues until they are started since they don’t technically issue road permits. He said if a project includes a road, they look it over and make suggestions, but usually the road is in before the individual comes to the Planning Board with plans to build.
Frank Slycord, the Building Code Officer, said he has received mandated forms regarding stormwater runoff and said the requirement of this reporting may began the governing of roads.
Mr. Hartson said he thought the County required knowing about roads connecting to County Roads and asked if the Town requires the same.
Mr. Slycord said he would be responsible for reporting this on the reporting forms he mentioned.

Mr. Edmonds said another big concern of his was the commercial design of new businesses, which he said would have a large impact on changing the Town over the next 25 years.
He said this issue is related to the Grant that Marcy Neville applied for which would fund planning design, including visual aids, which would help an interested party.
Mr. Slycord asked if architecture could be added to the site plan review law.
Mr. Biesemeyer said “it sort of is”, he said the law states that new development should be in keeping with the character of the Town.
Ms. Neville said she felt the Town should be proactive about commercial design and thought it was worth looking at how other Towns are handling this.
She felt that parking was a problem and thought it would be more and more of a problem in the future.
She felt that as new businesses are created they should be held responsible for supplying a place for parking, whether behind the business or in joint lots owned by more than 1 business. She felt strongly about front yards being removed to supply parking, that one day everything would be paved.
Mr. Deyo said municipal parking was not something new, he felt other Towns supply municipal parking and urged the Town to purchase areas for lots if anything became available.
Mr. Edmonds said he would like to have the Town Board take a more comprehensive look at the commercial issues and give the Planning Board some guidance.
Mr. Biesemeyer said the Town Board trusts the Planning Board.

Mr. Edmonds said he would like to offer suggestions on design but said he doesn’t feel the Planning Board has the authority to do so. He said some people ask “what do you think”, but said most don’t want to hear what they think.
Ms. Neville said she encourages the Planning Board to look at parking, lighting and design.

Mr. Edmonds said another problem that arises is that there is no basic lot size and that some areas have reached their density for building with no way to stop more.
Mr. Deyo said the 15 foot setback from the neighboring property line is just a suggestion.
This brought up a discussion about a project in Keene Valley that was rushed and was a bad decision made by the Planning Board. Ms. Neville said she was on the Planning Board at the time and agreed.

There was a discussion on the area of interpretation in the site plan review law.
Ms. Neville said it was important that the Boards agree on the interpretation.
Mr. Biesemeyer felt this area of interpretation allows the Planning Board to be flexible.
Again, Ms. Neville said she felt the Board should get comfortable with lighting, parking and signage.
Mr. Deyo pointed out that there are far less businesses in Town now then there was 25 years ago.

Mr. Ferebee said he encourages new business and said that pushing parking also is fighting both ends.
Mr. Edmonds said he encourages the Town to buy parking if something comes available.
Ms. Neville said she still suggests that the Planning Board encourage new businesses to consider parking.

Mr. Ferebee began to thank the Board for coming, when Mr. Slycord said he had a couple things.
He said he would be attending schooling for the Safety Program at the County DPW on March 21, 22 & 23.
He also asked the Town Board if they would consider relocating Donna Reed Austin next tax season to the Assessor’s Office. He said that the interruptions and distractions in his office, and the tying up of the telephone, it makes it impossible for him to get his work done on his scheduled days.

Mr. Ferebee again thanked the Board for coming and the meeting was adjourned at 6:48 PM.

Ellen S. Estes, Town Clerk
March 16, 2006

William B. Ferebee, Supervisor
Paul R. Martin, Councilperson
Robert M. Biesemeyer, Councilperson
Marcy Neville, Councilperson
Lawrence Jaques, Councilperson

cc: Planning Board
Frank Slycord