1997-11-24 RGMf AGENDA
TOWN BOARD
TOWN OF WAPPINGER
NOVEMBER 24, 1997
1. SUPERVISOR CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO FLAG
3. Accept Minutes: Special 9/20/97 9/29/97 Reg. 9/22/97 10/27/97
11/10/97
4. REPORTS OF OFFICERS Sup/Comet. Town .Justices Receiver of Taxelznl
SS tt�ore O'Sull{{van Wit To n lin n•ll Year End Re o t 12/3 /96
Bgdg. nsp. W. c�m. Dog ontrol_ �ii .ter Report:BUthess o. Cour
J
PETITIONS & COMMUNICATIONS Monitors,T/Court
a. Victor Fanuele, Wildwood Dr. re: installation of Drainage
pipes (Dana Place)
b. J. Paggi, Eng, to Twn. Reports: (1) BKHKR and G & R
properties/Sewer Connection (corn: 11/7/97) (2) Rockingham
Drainage (torr: 11/6/97) on Stafford complaint (3) Map, Plan,
and Report for the Fleetwook Water Dist. proposed connection
to the Village of Fishkill Water System
C. Request for return of Escrow Fees from Bombardieri Homes, Inc.
Lot #4, Red Hawk Hollow, $3,000. (W/Attny Rough Draft)
d. Request from Hughsonville Fire Dist. to use T/Voting machine
for 12/9/98 voting
e. G. Foster, H. Supt. Re: (1) Purchase order #318 (2) response
to Comptrollers Memo of 11/10/97
f. Resignation of Gerry diPierno from position of Recreation Direct
g. Elizabeth Doyle, D. Co. C.D. Adm. re: application for the
Community Development Block Grant Program
h. Diane Mayerhofer, Barbara Lane, re: Fleetwood Water
i. NYS Taconic Development Disabilities Services Office re:
Information on providing Community living opportunities for
people w/ developmental disabilities
j. J. Paggi, Eng. to Twn re: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund/
Town Water Projects
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS
7. BONDS & LETTERS OF CREDIT
a. 'Zoning Adm. Report
b. Letter of Credit - O'Donnell
8. RESOLUTIONS
a. Consider adoption of Local Law on Cell Tower Moratorium
b. R. Holt, Rec. Ch. request for Budget Amendment
c. Ann Buckley, Compt. request for Budget Amendments
d. A. Buckley, Compt. Memo re: payment to J. Paggi for Fltwd water
Dist. work
e. Consider Bids for Castle Point Handicap Accessible Bathroom
Facilities.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Arlene Cole - Easement Trench - Rockingham
10. NEW BUSINESS
11. ADJOURNMENT
REMINDER: Public Hearing on Cell Tower Moratorium 7:15 P.M.
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The Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger was held
on November 24, 1997 at the town Hall, 20 Middlebush Road, Wappingers
Falls, New York. Supervisor Smith Called the Meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
PRESENT
Constance Smith, Supervisor
Joseph Ruggiero, Councilman
Robert Valdati, Councilman
Vincent Bettina, Councilman
Elaine H. Snowden, Town Clerk
OTHERS PRESENT
Jay Paggi, Engineer to the Town
Al Roberts, Attorney to the Town
Graham Foster, Highway Superintendent
ABSENT
June Visconti, Councilwoman
The Supervisor requested all to join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
MINUTES
The Minutes of the Special Meetings of September 20, 1997, September 29,
1997, and Regular Meetings of September 22, 1997, October 27, 1997 and
November 10, 1997 having previously forwarded to the Board Members, were
now placed before them for their consideration. COUNCILMEN RUGGIERO
said he did not receive the Minutes of September 20th, and the Town Clerk
said they would be sent to him. COUNCILMAN VALDATI wished to refer to
the November 10th Meeting on page 3, which deals with the Supervisors
comments on the budget. He would like a transcript of the Supervisors
comments, (approximately five lines), from the Minutes before accepting
them.
COUNCILMAN VALDATI moved that the above stated Minutes, except the
Minutes of November 10th, 1997 as submitted by the Town Clerk, be and
they are hereby approved.
Seconded by Mr. RUGGIERO
Motion Unanimously Carried
REPORTS OF OFFICERS
Reports for the month of October were received from the Town Justices,
Supervisor/Comptroller, Receiver of Taxes, Sedore & O'Sullivan, Audit Town
Financial Year End Report 12/31/96, Building Inspector Report, Zoning
Administrators Report, and Report from DC Court Monitors, Town Court.
COUNCILMAN RUGGIERO moved to accept the reports and place them on
file.
Seconded by Mr. Bettina
Motion Unanimously Carried
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PETITIONS & COMMUNICATIONS
Correspondence was received from Victor Fanuele, Wildwood Drive regarding
the installation of drainage pipes on Dana Place. Mr. Fanuele is not
against the project, or any other project that will help residents of the Town,
but the timing, and lack of written assurance that his property would be
restored in a timely manner. On November 10, 1997 3 highway trucks
arrived at his home, and he was told for the first time that the drainage pipes
were going to be installed. He was not informed about the work, or how his
property would be restored. When told that his year old driveway would be
patched, he was upset and requested the men to get off his property. He
wants assurance that his property will be restored in a timely manner, and
will get a new driveway, not a patched one. Also, to do the work this time of
the year is absurd. He would have mud on the entire length of his property
and an incomplete driveway all winter. Mr. Foster informed the Board that
due to the interference of Mr. Fanuele, stopping the project, and the onset of
winter, it could not be completed at this time. Mr. Foster suggested a
survey be performed to find out where Mr. Fanuele's line is once and for all,
and in the Spring when he does get around to installing the drainage pipes,
he will not face a similar situation. Mr. Foster said he found a monument
that he believes is the edge of the road, which is well behind Mr. Fanuele's
fence. The work Mr. Foster was planning to perform, he believes is on Town
property.
COUNCILMAN RUGGIERO moved to authorize Engineer to the Town to
survey the property in question and report back to the Board.
Seconded by Mr. Valdati
Motion Unanimously Carried
Mr. Valdati asked Mr. Foster how much money was allocated to perform the
job, and Mr. Foster told him $50K, most of which has been spent for
materials. We have lost two weeks.
COUNCILMAN RUGGIERO moved to take this to a workshop for further
discussion.
Seconded by Mr. Valdati
Motion Unanimously Carried
Several Reports from Jay Paggi, Engineer to the Town. The first report
concerns BKHKR and G&R Properties Sewer Connection. His office received
a request from BKHKR and G& R Properties that they be included in Phase
3A of the Wappinger Sewer Transmission Treatment Improvement Area. G
& R has offered to perform all construction necessary to connect to the
existing Town of Wappinger Sewer, which is within 1,000 feet of their
property. As the addition of these commercial parcels to the Improvement
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Area will alleviate the financial burden on residential parcels at zero capital
costs to the Town of Wappinger, Mr. Paggi would recommend that Phase 3A
be extended to include these properties. In our next discussion, we will
include these properties.
COUNCILMAN RUGGIERO moved to accept the correspondence and place it
on file.
Seconded by Mr. Bettina
Motion Unanimously Carried
The second report concerns the Rockingham Drainage project and a phone
call received from the Stafford residence at 409 Old Hopewell Road,
regarding the blasting operations that took place during the Rockingham
Drainage Project. The Staffords complained that the blasting caused severe
damage to their water supply and septic tank. Mr. Paggi contacted PRK
Drilling and Blasting and informed them of the Staffords concerns. The
blasting insurance company has addressed the issue to their satisfaction,
and find that no damage was done due to the blasting that was accomplished
for the Rockingham Drainage Project and therefore denying any claims.
COUNCILMAN VALDATI moved to accept the report and place it on file.
Seconded by Mr. Ruggiero.
Motion Unanimously Carried
COUNCILMAN VALDATI moved to authorize Supervisor Smith send a
letter to the Staffords stating the Town Board has assessed this issue and
these are matters that should be handled with the Contractor.
Seconded by Mr. Ruggiero
Motion Unanimously Carried
The final report from Mr. Paggi is an updated/revised sheets for the "Map,
Plan & Report for the Fleetwood Water District Proposed Connection to the
Village of Fishkill Water System" which was submitted in draft form
previously dated October 1997.
COUNCILMAN BETTINA moved to accept the Map, Plan and Report for the
Fleetwood Water District Proposed Connection to the Village of Fishkill
Water System, with the updated/revised sheets of November 7, 1997.
Seconded by Mr. Valdati
Motion Unanimously Carried
Next is a request for the return of Escrow fees from Bombardieri Home, Inc.,
Lot #4 Red Hawk Hollow in the amount of $3,000. Also attached is a rough
draft of a proposed letter from Attorney to the Town Al Roberts to be sent to
Mr. Bombardieri in connection with correspondence regarding Red Hawk
Hollow and Jay Paggi.
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COUNCILMAN VALDATI moved to approve the return of escrow to
Bombardieri Homes, Inc., Lot #4 Red Hawk Hollow in the amount of $3000
upon the recommendations of the Building Inspector and Highway
Superintendent.
Seconded by Mr. Ruggiero
Motion Unanimously Carried
Next is to authorize Mr. Roberts to send the letter as drafted to Mr.
Bombardieri in connection with the correspondence regarding Red Hawk
Hollow and Jay Paggi.
COUNCILMAN VALDATI moved to authorize Al Roberts, Attorney to the
Town to send the letter, as drafted, to Mr. Bombardieri.
Seconded by Mr. Ruggiero
Motion Unanimously Carried
Correspondence from Eleanor Croshier, District Secretary for Hughsonville
Fire District, with a request for the use of a Town Voting Machine for their
annual upcoming District Election, to be held December 9, 1997.
COUNCILMAN VALDATI moved to approve the request from Mrs. Croshier,
District Secretary, for the use of a Town Voting Machine for their upcoming
election on December 9, 1997, with blanket approval for New Hackensack
Fire Company and Chelsea Fire, if requested.
Seconded by Mr. Bettina
Motion Unanimously Carried
A request from Graham Foster, Highway Superintendent for a Purchase
Order #318 payable to C.N. Wood in the amount of $5,000 for the repair of a
pump on the Vactor.
COUNCILMAN VALDATI moved to authorize Purchase Order #318 in the
amount of $5,000 payable to C.N. Wood for the repair the pump for the
Vactor.
Seconded by Mr. Bettina
Motion Unanimously Carried
Next is a response from Mr. Foster to the Comptrollers Memorandum of
November 10, 1997. Mr. Foster feels that Mrs. Buckley's memo effective
December 1, 1997 that there is to be no more spending, unless its an
emergency, is in direct violation of his purchase order procedure. Where do
you draw the line in what constitutes and emergency. In the mean time he
will keep a list of each purchase and will give Mrs. Buckley a daily list
beginning 12/1/97 through 12/31/97. Supervisor Smith said that would be
fine, and Comptroller Ann Buckley said if an emergency situation arises, by
all means purchase what is needed, and then advise her at once.
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COUNCILMAN RUGGIERO moved to accept the correspondence and place it
on file.
Seconded by Mr. Valdati
Motion Unanimously Carried
The resignation of Gerry diPierno from the position of Recreation Director
was received, effective immediately. He has accepted a management position
with a national company which demands substantial travel and
responsibilities. Thus he could not fulfill his duties of Town Recreation
Director. Supervisor Smith asked the Recreation Committee to resurrect the
applications of people that were previously interviewed for the position to
pick a qualified candidate who may still be interested.
COUNCILMAN VALDATI moved to accept the resignation of Gerry diPierno
as Town Recreation Director, and authorize the Town Clerk to send a letter
of appreciation.
Seconded by Mr. Ruggiero
Motion Unanimously Carried
A 1998 year application kit for the Community Block Grant Program for the
Town of Wappinger, was received from Elizabeth Doyle, CD Administrator.
Several of the projects to be considered are : Handicap Accessible Restroom
for Grinnell Library; Handicap Accessible Doors for the Town Hall;
Handicap Accessible Restroom for Schlathaus Park; A Town Swimming Pool.
Mr. Paggi investigated the cost associated with retro -fitting an automatic
opening handicap accessible door at the Town Hall building, and estimated
the project cost to be $25K. Mrs. Smith informed the Board that a Public
Hearing would need to be set.
SUPERVISOR SMITH moved to set the Public Hearing for the
recommendations and suggestion for the use of Community Development
Funds for December 22, 1997 at 7:15 P.M.
Seconded by Mr. Ruggiero
Motion Unanimously Carried
Correspondence from Diane Mayerhofer, Barbara Lane, regarding her
concerns with the Fleetwood Water situation and the availability of the
records having to do with Fleetwood Water. Supervisor Smith informed the
Board that she passed this letter on to Jay Paggi, Engineer to the Town to
answer, as it does address his pockets.
COUNCILMAN BETTINA moved to accept the correspondence and place it
on file.
Seconded by Mr. Valdati
Motion Unanimously Carried
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Correspondence was also received from David Sucato, Director of NYS
Taconic Development Disabilities Services Office, with information on
providing Community living opportunities for people with developmental
disabilities. The NYS Mental Hygiene Law (Section 41.34) calls for
involvement of local municipalities in the site selection process. As we find a
potential suitable site and will so inform you and pursue our proposal in
accordance with legal requirements.
COUNCILMAN VALDATI moved to accept the correspondence and place it
on file
Seconded by Mr. Ruggiero
Motion Unanimously Carried
A report from Jay Paggi, Engineer to the Town, on the Drinking Water State
Revolving Fund for Town Water Projects. As you recall, Combined Wappinger
Water, of which Fleetwood Water was a part, applied for DWSRF funding as
one $22 Million project. It has now been proposed, however, that Fleetwood
begin improvements as a separate smaller project. Since the Town would
like to receive funding for this small project, a call was made to the NYS
Department of Health in Albany, to see how this could be done.
The procedure to follow, according to Charles Hudson of the NYS Department
of Health is as follows:
• Combined Wappinger Water should be broken into three (3) smaller
projects, namely
a. Fleetwood
b. Four (4) District Improvement Area
c. Remaining Areas
• A pre -application form should be submitted for each project, placing them
on the multi-year list.
• The submission of plans and specs for any of the three would upgrade that
project readiness list, and make it eligible for funding.
• The remaining projects would stay on the multi-year list, until the Town
was ready to proceed.
Our office is now in the process of completing the pre -application forms for
the areas described. When these have been submitted, any course of action
decided upon by the Board regarding Fleetwood Water would be eligible for
DWSRF funding, while the remaining areas of Combined Wappinger Water
would remain on the NYS Department of Health's Intended Use Plan Multi -
Year list, until such time as the Town elects to proceed.
COUNCILMAN VALDATI moved to accept Mr. Paggi's report and place it on
file.
Seconded by Mr. Bettina
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Motion Unanimously Carried
At this time Steven Kissel, President of Turnkey Property Management was
recognized by the Board. He wished to address the Board to discuss the late
fee charges (water & sewer) for the White Gate Condominiums. Mr. Kissel
went on to explain that a check for $5,500 was cut and signed, and mailed on
the proper date. He is never late with a payment, the check must have
gotten lost in the mail, that is why the Town never received it. It never came
back to him. Mr. Kissel feels the $550 late fee was unfair. He went on to
explain his procedures for paying utilities, etc. He is requesting the Town
Board reverse their decision on the late fee. Supervisor Smith advised Mr.
Kissel that the Town Board would have a meeting to discuss and review
further, and get back to him in writing, with their decision.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Ruggiero gave an update on the Code Publishers. They have been
working with the Attorney to the Town. A memo was dispersed to Engineer
to the Town, Highway Superintendent and other department heads regarding
input on the Code Publishing recommendations. We are going to sit down
with the committee and go over some things we want to include that was
discovered by the Publishers. At the October 27th meeting, Mr. Ruggiero
was authorized to reply to Mr. Laurence Mercer's letter, in which he
complained of the outrageous cost of Water & Sewer. He stated he was a
Senior Citizen, and Military Veteran and wished to know if he would qualify
for any type of relief. Mr. Ruggiero informed Mr. Mercer of the programs
that were available to him, and he was very excited until he found out he had
to be 62. Mr. Ruggiero suggested he contact the Assessor and inquire about
the STAR program.
COUNCILMAN VALDATI on Highway. He asked Mr. Foster if there was
any avenue between the Town and the Village to share highway equipment.
Mr. Foster said yes, and in turn they have helped us. Also a while back Mr.
Valdati made a suggestion that the Town of Wappinger send their Agendas to
the Village, and we in turn would send our Agendas, so we may have closer
communication. Mrs. Snowden, Town Clerk informed Mr. Valdati that she
sends our Agenda to the Village every month, but has never received one
from the Village. Mr. Valdati suggested the Town of Wappinger consider
having semi- annual meetings with the Village of Wappingers Falls to share
concerns and ideas.
COUNCILMAN BETTINA had no reports at this time.
SUPERVISOR SMITH reported on the Legislative Committee in Albany and
they went through a number of Resolutions. If the Highway has any
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Resolutions they wish to include, Mrs. Smith will be going to Albany again
at the end of January. The Supervisors and Mayors Association sent a
Resolution today The Resolution concerns the STAR program, which is a
mandate without relief because they are only giving us 54 cents per parcel,
and it turns out to be $4K for us, and we know very well its going to cost us
much more, because it is a mammoth amount of work.. She also announced
that the Associations of Towns Meeting would be held February 19, 1998,
and she must send in reservations as soon as possible. Mr. Ruggiero, Mr.
Bettina Mr. Paoloni Mr. Pa Mr. Roberts and Mrs. rs. Snowden said they
would attend. Mr. Valdati was not sure, but he would confirm by the end of
the week.
COUNCILMAN BETTINA moved to allow for per diem in advance for
Association of Towns Meeting to be held on February 19th.
Seconded by Mr. Ruggiero
Motion Unanimously Carried
BONDS & LETTERS OF CREDIT
Mr. Close submitted his amended report for the month of October on the
subdivisions, the amounts, expiration dates and call up dates. Also submitted
was a Letter of Credit from Craig O'Donnell. Mr. Roberts, Attorney to the
Town went on to explain that Mr. O'Donnell was supposed to submit a
Maintenance Bond secured by a Letter of Credit. The Maintenance Bond has
not been received yet. Once the Maintenance Bond is received, we can record
the Deed. Supervisor Smith said she would call Mr. O'Donnell the next day
and tell him he must come in and fill out the Maintenance Bond, then a copy
gets sent to Mr. Roberts.
COUNCILMAN RUGGIERO moved to accept Mr. Close's amended report
and place it on file and the Letter of Credit from Mr. O'Donnell.
Seconded by Mr. Valdati
Motion Unanimously Carried
RESOLUTIONS
A Public Hearing having been held on a proposed Local Law entitled "Cell
Tower Moratorium", the matter of its adoption was now place before the
Board for their consideration.
The following Resolution was offered by COUNCILMAN VALDATI who
moved its adoption, seconded by Mr. Bettina.
LOCAL LAW #6 OF 1997
TOWN OF WAPPINGER
A Local Law Entitled a "Cell Tower Moratorium" adopting a temporary 120 -
day moratorium on the approval, establishment, placement, construction,
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enlargement and erection of telecommunications towers, antennae and
facilities in the Town of Wappinger.
BE IT ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger as
follows:
Section 1: Title: Cell Tower Moratorium. This Local Law shall be
known and cited as Town of Wappinger Local Law No. #6 of 1997, entitled a
"Cell Tower Moratorium" by implementing a temporary 120 -day moratorium
on the approval, establishment, placement, construction, enlargement and
erection of telecommunications towers, antennae and facilities in the Town of
Wappinger.
Section 2: Legislative Intent and Purpose.
1. The Town of Wappinger contains several major transportation
corridors, including State Route 9, State Route 9D and State Route
376. There are presently no wireless telecommunications towers in the
Town. The Town has received several investigative inquires regarding
the placement and construction of wireless telecommunications towers
in the Town and there is currently one application to construct a
wireless telecommunications tower and one application for a 70 foot
wireless telecommunications tower/antenna for private commercial use
pending before the Planing Board and, in addition, the Zoning
Administrator has received several investigative inquiries and expects
to receive several more applications for such towers/antennae in the
near future.
2. It further appears that the Town of Wappinger and Southern Dutchess
County in general has a very limited number of potential sites which
would be acceptable for the installation of wireless telecommunications
facilities.
3. The Town's Zoning Law does not contain adequate provisions relating
to the establishment, location, approval and control of wireless
telecommunications towers and antennae. Since the time of the
enactment of the zoning Law, the technology with regard to
telecommunications towers has changed dramatically in the
communications industries. These changes in the technology
necessitate a comprehensive evaluation of a proper means to
accommodate this needed service as part of the Town's land use laws
and policies. The existing law on telecommunication towers and utility
structures does not address current technology or issues such as co -
location, use of existing towers or other structures, or prioritization of
potential location sites. It is imperative that the Town amend its
Zoning Law to provide procedures, standards and criteria for the
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approval, control and monitoring of these towers and antennae within
its boundaries.
4. The Federal Telecommunications Act was signed into law in February
of 1996. The effects of this Act upon the Town of Wappinger's ability
to regulate wireless telecommunications facilities require study by the
Town of Wappinger.
5. The changes in wireless telecommunications technology, additional
licenses granted by the Federal Communications Commissions, and the
increased demand for wireless telecommunications services have let to
a significant increase in the demand for wireless telecommunications
facilities within the Town of Wappinger and Southern Dutchess County
in general.
6. The citizens of the Town of Wappinger have expressed significant
concern relating to the location of wireless telecommunications
facilities within the Town. The primary concerns related to the
aesthetic effects and impacts on neighboring properties and the
community as a whole.
7. The citizens of the Town of Wappinger have also expressed a desire
that the Town of Wappinger receive adequate wireless
telecommunications services, proved that the facilities are designed
and located so as to address the community's aesthetic concerns.
8. The Town also recognizes that there is a public need for
telecommunications services, while simultaneously recognizing its
obligations under the Federal Communications Act. The town
acknowledges that telecommunications services are important modes of
communication. It is not the purpose of this law to prohibit such
services; to avoid rendering decisions in a reasonable period of time; to
discriminate among providers of functionally equivalent services; or to
regulate the entry of any commercial or private mobile service. To the
contrary, it is the purpose of this law to develop comprehensive land
use regulations tha will facilitate the location of towers and related
facilities in designated locations, and give clear notice to service
providers of the Town's provisions relating to siting and development of
same.
9. The Telecommunications Act preserves a right to non-discriminatory
zoning regulations. The town Board desires to provide for the
establishment, placement, construction, enlargement and erection of
commercial transmitting antennae (towers for wireless
telecommunications services) on a comprehensive town -side basis, and
provide zoning regulations that address modern technology and the
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needs of the providers of services. Towers and related facilities
incorporate large structures that are generally at a much larger scale
than surrounding structures. It is important to implement land use
regulations that maximize compatibility of towers with surrounding
land uses, minimize impact on visual resources, including the
significant ridge lines in the Town, and impact on community
character, and avoid any unnecessary proliferation of towers, either in
number or location.
10. Information received from the industry and from other governmental
agencies that have studied current technology establishes that wireless
telecommunication facilities can be designed and installed in ways that
will address these aesthetic concerns.
11. The Town of Wappinger requires time to study the feasibility of
requiring co -location of wireless telecommunications facilities within
the limited number of potentially acceptable sites within the Town of
Wappinger.
12. Processing applications for wireless telecommunications facilities at
the present time without the information to determine the need for or
the ability to design such facilities so as to allow for co -location or
nearby siting of additional facilities may result in the inability to allow
adequate sites for competing providers. Beneficial services may not be
able to provide without careful allocation of existing sites.
13. The law of the State of New York allows a municipality to enact a
moratorium of reasonable duration for the purpose of implementing
needed land use regulations.
14. In order to balance the needs for comprehensive zoning regulation and
the need to provide services, the Town has chosen to enact this
moratorium in the narrowest possible way. The Town has chosen to
implement a very short moratorium period of 120 days, rather than a
longer period. The Town intends to undertake evaluation,
consideration, public discussion, and possible implementation of new
zoning regulations in a timely fashion. Service providers and members
of the public will be welcome to participate during this process.
15. Additionally, this law allows applicants to appear before the
appropriate boards and agencies of the Town for discussion, and allows
public hearings on applications to be held, although it does not allow
final action to be taken by any board or agency on the application. To
the extent the law remains the same after the end of the moratorium,
the work done on the project during the moratorium period would
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remain valid. Naturally, all decisions after the moratorium will have
to be made under the law in effect at the time the decision is made.
16. This moratorium also provides a limited exemption from the
moratorium for proposed facilities to be located on existing towers, or
other structures, under conditions set forth herein.
17. Finally, in order to avoid or minimize any undue hardship that may
arise from a strict application of the Local Law, the Town Board has
provided for a review and appeals procedure to entertain and, if
appropriate, to grant variances.
Section 3: Moratorium Law.
1. Pursuant to the statutory powers vested in the Town of Wappinger to
regulate and control zoning and land use, the Town Board hereby
enacts a temporary 120 -day moratorium on the establishment, location,
placement, construction, enlargement and erection of
telecommunications towers and facilities, for the purpose of allowing
the development of comprehensive zoning regulations to control the
location and development of such facilities.
2. For the purposes of this Local Law, the term "telecommunications"
towers and facilities' shall include all towers, monopoles, 3 -sided
towers, guy -wired towers, and any other tower or other support
structure or other facility used to support telecommunications
antennae or other communications devices, or otherwise used in
connection with telecommunications services, including but not limited
to the transmission or receiving of radio, television, telephone or
microwave communications, and any structures accessory thereto.
However, this Local Law is not intended to cover police or fire
communications, or facilities used exclusively for private radio and
television reception and private citizen's bands, amateur radio and
other similar private residential communications. If any question
arises under this law as to whether a particular tower or other facility
is covered by this Local Law, the Zoning Board of Appeals is
empowered to interpret this law in the same manner as interpretations
of the Zoning Law.
3. During the effective period of this Local Law:
A. Pending Applications. No currently pending applications for
establishment, placement, construction, enlargement or erection of a
telecommunications tower or facility, or for approval for subdivision
plat, site plan, special permit, area variance or use variance,
building permit, or certificate of occupancy for a proposed
telecommunications tower or facility, shall be finally considered or
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voted upon by any board or agency of the town of Wappinger while
this moratorium Local Law is in effect.
B. New Applications. No new application for establishment,
placement, construction, enlargement or erection of a
telecommunications tower or facility, or for approval or a
subdivision plat, site plan, special permit or area or use variance,
building permit or certificate of occupancy for a proposed
telecommunications tower or facility, shall be finally considered or
voted upon by any board or agency of the town of Wappinger while
this Local Law is in effect.
C. Without limiting the foregoing:
i) The Planning Board Shall not make any decision or findings, or
grant any approval to a subdivision plat, site plan, special
permit, or other permit which would have as the result the
establishment, placement, construction, enlargement or erection
of a telecommunications tower or other facility.
ii) The Zoning Board of Appeals shall not make any decision or
findings or grant any approval to a special permit, area variance
or use variance, or other permit which would have as the result
the establishment, placement, construction, enlargement or
erection of a telecommunications tower or facility.
iii) The Planning Board acting as Architectural Review Board shall
not make any decision or findings or grant any approval which
would have as the result the establishment, placement,
construction, enlargement or erection of a telecommunications
tower or facility.
iv) The Building Inspector or Zoning Enforcement Officer shall not
issue any permit which would have as the result thereof the
establishment, placement, construction, enlargement or erection
of a telecommunications tower or facility.
D. Nothing in the provisions of Sections A, B and C above shall be deemed
to preclude an applicant from appearing before the appropriate boards
or agencies for discussions relating to proposed locations for facilities,
or from the holding of public hearings relating to such proposals.
However, no final action or approval shall be take on these
applications.
4. Construction with other Laws. All local laws, ordinances, rules or
regulations of the Town of Wappinger and any parts thereof in conflict
with the provisions of this Local Law are hereby suspended to the extent
13
112497.RGM
necessary to give this Local Law full force and effect during the effective
period.
5. Effective Period and Coverage of Local Law. The Local Law shall apply to
all zones and all real property within the Town of Wappinger. It shall be
in effect for 120 days after its effective date, and shall expire following
either the expiration of 120 days from its effective date, or the passage of
zoning amendments governing the placement of commercial towers or
antennae relating to wireless telecommunications services, which ever
shall occur first. w
6. Penalties. Any Person, firm or corporation that shall establish, place,
construct, enlarge or erect any commercial tower or antenna for the
provision of wireless telecommunications services in violation of the
provisions of this Local Law, or shall otherwise violate any of the
provisions of this Local Law shall be:
A. Guilty of an offense and, upon conviction, shall be subject to a fine of
$350.00; and
B. Subject to an application to the Supreme Court of Dutchess County for
injunctive relief in favor of the Town of Wappinger to cease any and all
such actions which conflict with this Local Law and, if necessary, to
remove any construction which may have taken place in violation of
this Local Law;
C. Subject to payment of reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by the Town
of Wappinger to enforce this Local Law and the penalties set forth in
section A and B hereof; and
D. Subject to payment of the costs incurred by the Town of Wappinger to
enforce this Local Law and the penalties set forth in sections A and B
hereof, including, but not limited to, the cost of removal of any tower
constructed in violation of this Local Law and the remediation of the
surrounding area.
7. Hardship/Exceptions.
A. Application to the Town Board. Where an owner of property, or other
aggrieved party, affected by this Local Law can show that he would
suffer undue hardship from the moratorium, or where public health,
safety and welfare requires, then the owner of said property may apply
to the Town Board in writing for a variance from strict compliance with
this Local Law upon submission of documentary proof to support the
claim. For the purposes of this Local Law, the necessity to wait
through the 120 -day period to obtain a final decision regarding an
application shall not alone constitute undue hardship requiring relief
from the provisions of the law.
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y s'�
112497.RGM
B. Procedure. Upon submission of a written application to the Town
Clerk by the property owner seeding a variance of this Local Law, the
Town Board shall, within thirty (30) days of the receipt of said
application, schedule a Public Hearing on said application upon five(5)
days written notice in the official newspaper of the Town. At said
Public Hearing, the property owner and any other parties wishing to
present evidence with regard to the application shall have an
opportunity to be heard, and the Town Board shall within thirty (30)
days of the close of said Public Hearing render its decision either
granting or denying the application for a variance from the strict
requirements of this Local Law. If the Town Board determines that a
property owner will suffer an undue or unnecessary hardship if this
Local Law is strictly applied to a particular property, then the Town
Board shall vary the application of this Local Law to the minimum
extent necessary to provide the property owner relief from strict
compliance with this Local Law.
C. Judicial Remedy. Any Party aggrieved by the determination of the
Town Board on an application for a variance from the strict compliance
with this Local Law may appeal said decision to the Supreme Court,
State of New York, Dutchess County, pursuant to Article 78 of the Civil
Practice Laws and rules within thirty (30) days of the
filing of said decision in the office of the Town Clerk.
8. Exemptions.
The following shall be exempt from the provisions of this Local Law:
A. The establishment, placement, construction, enlargement or erection
of a telecommunications tower or facility which has received all
required approvals from the Town of Wappinger Zoning Board of
Appeals, the Planning Board, the Architectural Review Board, the
Building Inspector and/or the Zoning Enforcement Officer, prior to the
effective date of this Local Law.
B. Approval, permitting establishment, placement, construction,
enlargement or erection of antennae or other transmitting or receiving
components on already existing towers or other structures, such as
buildings, billboards, water towers, and similar facilities, so long as
the added component does not increase the size or height of the
structure to which it is attached. When there is a question as to
whether a proposed application comes within the terms of this
exemption, the Zoning Board shall be authorized to interpret this
section, in the same manner as other interpretations of the Zoning
Law. All activities exempted from this moratorium must still be
15
112497.RGM
authorized and receive all required permits by the Zoning Board,
Building Inspector and/or Zoning Enforcement Officer, and any other
appropriate agency, under the existing provisions of the Code of the
Town of Wappinger.
Section 4: Separability.
The provisions of the Local Law are separable and if any provision, clause,
sentence, subsection, work or part thereof is held illegal, invalid or
unconstitutional, or inapplicable to any person or circumstance, such
illegality, invalidity or unconstitutionality, or inapplicability shall 1 not affect
or impair any of the remaining provisions, clauses, sentences, subsections,
words or parts of this Local Law or their application to other persons or
circumstances. It is hereby declared to be the legislative intent that this
ordinance would have been adopted if such illegal, invalid or unconstitutional
provision, clause, sentence, subsection, word or part had not been included
therein, and if such person or circumstance to which the Local Law or part
thereof is held inapplicable had been specifically exempt therefrom.
Section 5: Supersession.
Pursuant to Municipal Home Rule Law Section 22, the provisions of this
law are intended to supersede any inconsistent provision of State or Local
Law, including those of the following sections of New York State Town Law
which set forth the procedures for reviewing site plans, subdivisions and
variances to wit: Town Law 274-a (8), 274-b (6), 276 (5). 276 (6). 276 (8), 267-
a (5), 267-a (5), 267-a (7), 267-a (8); and the provisions of the Town of
Wappinger Zoning Law or any other Local Law which are inconsistent
therewith.
Section 6: Effective Date.
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon adoption and filing as
provided by the Municipal Home Rule.
ROLL CALL VOTE VOTE
Supervisor Smith Aye
Councilman Ruggiero Abstain
Councilman Valdati Aye
Councilman Bettina Aye
Councilwoman Visconti Absent
Motion Carried
Recreation received a check from Marshall & Sterling Insurance as a result of
an accident on September 26, 1997 involving their 1993 Green Pickup Truck.
Mr. Holt, Recreation Chairman requests approval for the following budget
amendment in order to pay for repairs, which will be done by Showroom Auto
Collision, Inc.
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112497.RGM
Increase Revenue Account 2680A Insurance Recoveries and increase Budget
Expenditure Account 7110.4A in the amount of $1,655.59.
COUNCILMAN VALDATI moved to approve the Budget Amendment in the
amount of $1,655.59 to repair the truck, as requested by Ralph Holt,
Chairman of Recreation.
Seconded by Mr. Ruggiero
Motion Unanimously Carried
A request from Ann Buckley, for the following Budget Amendments.
A Fund
Increase 1910.4A Unallocated Ins.
Increase 2665A A Sale of Equipment
To pay premium for new truck:
Increase 3510.4A Dog Control
Decrease 1990.4A Contingent Acct.
To pay animal hospital to end of year for services
HIGHWAY
Increase 3502DB SHIPS
$ 100.00
100.00
4,249.50
4,249.50
42,724.78
Increase 5112.41DB SHIPS Imp. 42,724.78
To reflect monies received from New York State Thruway Authority for
SHIPS Program.
COUNCILMAN RUGGIERO moved to approve the above Budget
Amendments as requested by Ann Buckley, Comptroller.
Seconded by Mr. Bettina
Motion Unanimously Carried
A memo from Ann Buckley regarding the Engineer charges to do the study
for Fleetwood Water. There are insufficient funds in the Fleetwood Water
District to pay these charges. Since this project will be bonded at some point
in time, may the district borrow seed monies $25K from B. Fund? This will
be paid back when bonding occurs. If this is approved, the entry would be:
B Fund 391B $25,000
Fleetwood Water Capital Fund HB
HB Fund 630HB $25,000
This entry will set up due to B Fund from HB Fund.
COUNCILMAN BETTINA moved to authorize the district to borrow seed
monies, $25K, from B Fund, in order to pay the Engineer for work performed
on the Fleetwood Water District, as requested by Ann Buckley, Comptroller.
Seconded by Mr. Ruggiero
Motion Unanimously Carried
Next is to consider the Bids for the Castle Point Handicap Accessible
Bathroom Facilities. Comptroller, Ann Buckley informed the Board that we
17
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��` 112497.RGM
have a $30K CD Grant from 1996, and a $20K CD Grant from 1997, $15K
has been allocated from Parkland Trust. We have $65K for the project. We
need another $8,897 in order to complete this project, the Board must first
authorize the transfer of $8,970 from Parkland to Community Development
for the project.
COUNCILMAN VALDATI moved to authorize the transfer of $8,970 from
Parkland Trust to Community Development in order to cover the cost of the
project.
Seconded by Mr. Ruggiero. Motion Unanimously Carried
Next is to award the Bid. Five bids were received and opened on November
24, 1997. As you are aware, this is the second bid for the project. The first
bids were rejected in an attempt to generate additional interest in the
Project, and possibly lower the bid prices The office of Paggi and Martin has
reviewed all Bids and find them to be mathematically correct and in proper
format, and recommends that the Contract be awarded to Colonial Builders,
Inc., for $73,970.00 they being the lowest bid.
COUNCILMAN BETTINA moved to award the bid for the installation of
Handicap accessible bathrooms at Castle Point, to Colonial Builders for
$73,970.00 as recommended by Engineer to the Town, Jay Paggi, they being
the lowest bid.
Seconded by Mr. Valdati
Motion Unanimously Carried
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Additional Correspondence from Arlene Cole of 4 Scott Drive satisfying her
thirty day obligation to notify the Town that that there are rats living in the
easement trench that runs through Rockingham Farms where it borders her
property. She is notifying the Town, if Town workers do anything to disturb
the nesting areas of these rats to migrate onto her property, she will hold the
Town responsible for this occurrence and will expect the Town to pay for any
damages to her property, including any expenses that may occur in the
course of eradicating the rats from her property.
COUNCILMAN VALDATI moved to accept the correspondence and place it
on file.
Seconded by Mr. Bettina
Motion Unanimously Carried
COUNCILMAN VALDATI on Highway, asked Mr. Foster if anything further
has been done on the Wheeler Hill Project. Mr. Foster said, not at this time,
but if we have an open winter we may be able to get some work done. Also,
has any headway been made with the utilities to move the telephone poles
back. Mr. Foster explained that we should not have to move more than two
IN
112497.RGM
poles, and Central Hudson was supposed to move them, but as of yet nothing
has been done. Mr. Valdati requested Mr. Foster to please follow up so when
the time comes to improve that area that its already has approval.
COUNCILMAN BETTINA has noticed that there is a lot of Well drilling in
the Chelsea Area. Residents have called him with their concerns about the
quality of water. There have been several incidents of Cancer. He feels it is
something that will have to be addressed. His main concern, is, the quantity
and quality of water in that area, he would like a workshop to discuss this
further.
For the Boards information, Jay Paggi, Engineer to the Town said he
received a call from the Engineer that works for the Federal Government at
Castle Point V. A. Hospital, stating that there is a potential to be excess
capacity. He asked the Town from the South, and Town from the North if
there was any interest in possibly utilizing some of that excessive capacity.
COUNCILMAN RUGGIERO. We had voted on a project for the sewer main
on All Angels Hill Road. What is the status? Mr. Roberts, Attorney to the
Town said the project has been bogged down at his office on a technical
specifications of a proprietary nature. He does have a research memo
started. SUPERVISOR SMITH requested Mr. Roberts to put this on a
priority list a little higher.
COUNCILMAN VALDATI on Wappinger Park Water. About a month ago,
Mike Tremper of CAMO Pollution notified the Town the chloride levels in the
Wappinger Park wells were at a point where they are nearing or over the
maximum levels set by the NYS Health Code. What is the status of the
water, and is anything going to be done. SUPERVISOR SMITH explained
that Mr. Tremper did talk to the Board of Health and probably he will have
to send notices to the residents. Mr. Valdati is requesting, that when the time
comes for residents to be notified, we also include the notification of a
meeting, to explain the problems.
Due to the early onset of winter, the Highway work is finished for the year,
but additional funds are needed for parts and repairs of trucks. Graham
Foster, Highway Superintendent is requesting a transfer of $10K within
Highway from 5110.4 to 5130.4.
COUNCILMAN RUGGIERO moved to authorize the above transfer as
requested by Mr. Foster.
Seconded by Mr. Bettina
Motion Unanimously Carried
There was no other Business to come before the Board.
COUNCILMAN RUGGIERO moved to close the Town Board Meeting,
seconded by Mr. Bettina, and Unanimously Carried.
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112497.RGM
The Town Board Meeting closed at 9:05 P.M.
Elaine H. Snowden
Town Clerk
20
112497.PH �vf
A Public Hearing was held by the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger on
November 24, 1997 at the Town Hall, 20 Middlebush road, Wappingers Falls,
New York on the proposed Local Law entitled "Cell Tower Moratorium."
Supervisor Smith opened the Meeting at 7:15 P.M.
Present:
Constance Smith Supervisor
Joseph Ruggiero, Councilman
Robert Valdati, Councilman
Vincent Bettina Councilman (Arrived at 7:16 P.M.)
Elaine H. Snowden, Town Clerk
Others Present:
Al Roberts, Attorney to the Town
Jay Paggi, Engineer to the Town
Graham Foster, Highway Superintendent
Absent:
June Visconti, Councilwoman
The Town Clerk offered for the record, the Affidavit of Posting and
Publication duly signed and notarized. (These Affidavits are attached hereto
and made part thereof of the Minutes of this Hearing). Supervisor Smith
announced the reason for the Public Hearing is to discuss the Cell Tower
moratorium for 120 days until we can introduce some zoning changes to
provide some standards and monitoring of the towers in the Town of
Wappinger. We have sent the information to Dutchess County Planning
Department. They have sent back their approval.
Supervisor Smith asked if there were any questions or comments from the
audience. Lloyd Frink of 13 S. Remsen was recognized by the Board, and
wished to know the legal definition of a Cell Tower. Attorney to the Town Al
Roberts, informed Mr. Frink that there is no legal definition of a Cell Tower,
it's any Tower that is going to be used for transmission of telecommunication
services. That area is pre-empted by Federal Legislation, except it does
permit the Towns to adopt appropriate zoning, and we are attempting to
control the proliferation of antennas within the Town. In order to accomplish
this, we need to adopt a zoning ordinance accordingly. Mr. Frink informed
the Board that there were many amateur Ham radio operators including
himself, in the area. He was concerned that this legislation would preempt
them from enjoying their hobby and was requesting the Town to work with
amateur radio operators. He also wished to point out that the amateur radio
operator provided a valuable service to the community. Mr. Roberts notified
Mr. Frink, that there is a provision in the proposed moratorium that states,
the Local Law is not intended to cover police or fire communications or
1
112497.PH
facilities used exclusively for private radio and television reception and
private citizens' bands, amateur radio and other similar private residential
communications.
Hank DiMarco, of 9 Pleasant Lane was also recognized by the Board, and he
voiced his opinion if favor of the moratorium.
There were no more questions or comments.
COUNCILMAN BETTINA moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by
Mr. Ruggiero, and Unanimously Carried.
The Meeting closed at 7:22 P.M.
Elaine H. Snowden
Town Clerk
2
TOWN BOARD: TOWN OF WAPPINGER
DUTCHESS COUNTY: NEW YORK
IN THE MATTER
M
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
ON A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW
ENTITLED "CELL TOWER MORATORIUM "
STATE OF NEW YORK )
) ss:
COUNTY OF DUTCHESS )
AFFIDAVIT OF
POSTING
ELAINE H. SNOWDEN, being duly sworn, deposes and says:
That she is the duly elected, qualified and acting Town Clerk of the
Town of Wappinger, County of Dutchess and State of New York.
That on November 11, 1997, your deponent posted a copy of the
attached Notice of Public Hearing on the proposed Local Law entitled "Cell
Tower Moratorium", on the signboard maintained by your deponent in her
office in the Town Hall of the Town of Wappinger, 20 Middlebush Road,
Wappingers Falls, Dutchess County, New York.
Elaine H. Snowden
Town Clerk
Town of Wappinger
Sworn to before me the
day of v �. , 1997
I)k N A, k �e
NOTARY PUBLIC
vi Yr)r1C
r C_'onnif
1
Southern Dutchess News 40�
914 297-3723
84 EAST MAIN STREET — WAPPINGERS FALLS
NEW YORK - 12590
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
State of New York,
County of Dutchess,
Town of Wappinger.
JOAN MILLER ,, of the
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING """"""
TOWN OF WAPPINGER'
NOTICE IS HEREBY,'f31VEN the. Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County, New York,
Town Board of theTown olWappingdr•
will conduct day PUBLIC HEARING a,•'' being duly sworn, says that he is, and at the several
7:15 p.m. at the Town Nall, Town of
Wappingers 20 Mlddleloush Road, times hereinafter was, the .....
......
Wappingers Falls, Newyork; of whit
time all veanopk"erea<enaehard' of the SOUTHERN DUTCHESS NEWS
.shall have an opportunlgr to be heard'; , a
as to whether the Town Board of the
Town ofWappinger shall adopt apro newspaper printed and published every Wednesday
posed Local Law entitled `Cetl Tower<.
Moratorium-daympratori m on Chas in the Town of Wappinger,Dutchess County, New
tem-
porary 12o -day moratorium on the y
approval, establishment, lobation,•.,
construction. enlargement. and arec•. York, and that the annexed NOTICE was duly
tion of wireless telecommunications;
tiesIntheTowno, Wapipi gerand In ill published in the said newspaper for one ..weeks
ties in the Town of Wappinger in or-,
der to allow the Town to undertakes
evaluation, consideraua,.public dia• successively in each week, commencing on the
cussion, end possible impiementa-
tioing of same
in timeguiationsshion.elat .... l Z hh day of ... 4............ 19..... and on the
Ing to earns In a timely fashion. V e m b e r 9 7
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE
that copies of the proposed Local following dates thereafter, namely on
Law are available for review and in-
spection at the office of the Town
Clerk on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to •................................................................
4:00 p.m., at the Town Hall, 20
Middlebush Road, Wappinger Falls, and ending on the 12th Nov
New York. day O f ............. .
BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD•
OF THE TOWKOFWAPPINOER 19.97 both days inclusive.
ELAINE SNOWDEN'
TOWN CLERK
Dated: November 10, 1897
Subscribed and sworn to before me
this ..12th day of No em e , ,lg 97
Notary Public
My commission expires .................................
RACHEL. WISHART
NUARY MOM, STA TF LF NF:L'! YORK
QUALIFIE i) R' 0010FS, );r,il;Ty
!+ 14-116:,39+2
f;QMMI5SI0N EXPIRES MARCH 3i, 19