REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD
OF THE TOWN OF NEW
HARTFORD, NEW YORK
HELD AT BUTLER
MEMORIAL HALL IN SAID TOWN
ON WEDNESDAY, MAY
6, 2009 AT 6:03 P.M.
The Town Supervisor called the meeting to order at 6:03 P.M. and led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. The roll was then taken with the following Town Officials and Department Heads being present during the progress of the meeting.
TOWN BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilwoman Christine G. Krupa
Councilman David M. Reynolds
Councilman Richard B. Woodland, Jr.
Supervisor Earle C. Reed
ABSENT:
Councilman Robert A. Payne, III
OTHER TOWN OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Codes Enforcement Officer Joseph Booth
Dispatch Supervisor Jeffery Madden
Highway Superintendent Richard C. Sherman
Parks and Recreation Director Michael W. Jeffery
Planner Kurt L. Schwenzfeier
Senior Engineering Technician John Meagher
Town Clerk Gail Wolanin Young
Thereafter, a quorum was declared present for the transaction of business. Councilman Payne was absent due to out-of-town business for his full-time employer.
Fire Prevention
The Town Supervisor opened the Public Hearing at 6:04 P.M. and the Town Clerk had available the Notice of Public Hearing, Affidavit of Posting and Proof of Publication (May 1, 2009 Edition of the Observer Dispatch); the purpose of the Hearing was to offer Town residents an opportunity to speak for or against, or to comment upon, Local Law Introductory “D” of 2009 which, if adopted, would amend the Town Code by repealing the existing Chapter 65 thereof entitled FIRE PREVENTION and replacing it with a new Chapter 65 entitled FIRE PREVENTION. [NOTE: This legislation would repeal Local Law No. Five of 2009 as a result of several omissions in language in Local Law Introductory “I” of 2008, which was introduced at the December 29, 2008 Town Board meeting.]
The Supervisor inquired if anyone present wished to speak in the matter. Ralph Humphreys asked if this proposed legislation had anything to do with fees and whether non-profits and churches have to pay the same fee. Codes Enforcement Officer Booth responded that non-profits and churches would pay the same as others. Mr. Humphreys inquired if any consideration had been given during deliberations to a different fee for these particular groups. Codes Enforcement Officer Booth stated that the legislation on the docket tonight does not address fees; that was done at the April 8, 2009 Town Board meeting (Local Law No. Six of 2009).
There being no one further to speak in the matter, the Hearing was closed at 6:07 P.M.
Councilman Reynolds then moved that Local Law Introductory “D” of 2009 be adopted as Local Law No. Seven of 2009, in the following format; seconded by Councilman Woodland:
Local Law No.
Seven of 2009
A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD, BY REPEALING THE EXISTING
CHAPTER 65 THEREOF ENTITLED “FIRE PREVENTION”, AND REPLACING IT WITH A NEW
CHAPTER 65.
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of New Hartford, in the County of Oneida, as follows:
SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND INTENT
Every city, village, town, and county
charged under Subdivision 2 of section 381 of the Executive Law with
administration and enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention
and Building Code (the “Uniform Code”) shall provide for such administration
and enforcement of the code by local law, ordinance, or other appropriate
regulation.
This local law provides for the administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code, the Code of the Town of New Hartford, and the State Energy Conservation Construction Code (the Energy Code) in this Town. This local law is adopted pursuant to section 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law. Except as otherwise provided in the Uniform Code, other state law, or other section of this local law, all buildings, structures, and premises, regardless of use or occupancy, are subject to the provisions of this local law.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
In this local law in addition to the definitions set forth in the Uniform Code and the Code of the Town of New Hartford, the Town further adopts the following definitions:
“Building and/or Site Grading Permit” shall mean a permit issued pursuant to section 4 of this local law. The term “Building and/or Site Grading Permit” shall also include a Building and/or Site Grading Permit, which is renewed, amended or extended pursuant to any provision of this local law.
“Certificate of Occupancy” and “Certificate of Compliance” shall mean a certificate issued pursuant to subdivision (b) of section 7 of this local law.
“Town” shall mean the Town of New Hartford.
“Code Enforcement Officer” shall mean the Code Enforcement Officer and/or assistant Code Enforcement Officer and/or the Zoning Enforcement Officer responsible for the enforcement of the Code of the Town of New Hartford, the Uniform Code and the Energy Code appointed or approved pursuant to subdivision (a & b) of section 3 of this local law.
“Common Area” shall mean any area within a building that the public or tenants have access to or an area that accommodates electrical service equipment, furnaces, boilers or a common storage area
“Notice of Violation” shall mean an order issued in the form of a letter by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to subdivision (a) of section 17 of this local law.
“Energy Code” shall mean the State Energy Conservation Construction Code, as currently in effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.
“Operating Permit” shall mean a permit issued pursuant to section 12 of this local law. The term “Operating Permit” shall also include an Operating Permit which is renewed, amended or extended pursuant to any provision of this local law.
“Permit Holder” shall mean the Person to whom a Building and/or Site Grading Permit has been issued.
“Person” shall include an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, business trust, estate, trust, association, or any other legal or commercial entity of any kind or description.
“Stop Work Order” shall mean an order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to section 6 of this local law.
“Temporary Certificate of Occupancy” shall mean a certificate issued pursuant to subdivision (i) of section 7 of this local law.
“Uniform Code” shall mean the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, as currently in effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.
SECTION 3. CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND INSPECTORS
a) The Code Enforcement Officer shall be appointed in accordance with the New York State Civil Service Law and the personnel policies of the Town of New Hartford.
(b) The Code Enforcement Officer shall possess background experience related to building construction or fire prevention and shall, within the time prescribed by law, obtain such basic training, in-service training, advanced in-service training and other training as the State of New York shall require for code enforcement personnel, and the Code Enforcement Officer shall obtain certification from the State Fire Administrator pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated there under.
(c) In the event that the Code Enforcement Officer is unable to serve as such for any reason, an individual shall be appointed by the Town Board to serve as Acting Code Enforcement Officer. The Acting Code Enforcement Officer shall, during the term of his or her appointment, exercise all powers and fulfill all duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this local law.
(d) The compensation for the Code Enforcement Officer and Inspectors shall be fixed from time to time by the Town Board of this Town.
(e) The Code Enforcement Officer shall administer and enforce all the provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, the Code of the Town of New Hartford, including this local law. The Code Enforcement Officer shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) to receive, review, and approve or disapprove applications for Building and/or Site Grading Permits, Certificates of Occupancy and Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates and Operating Permits, and the plans, specifications and construction documents submitted with such applications;
(2) upon approval of such applications, to issue Building and/or Site Grading Permits, Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates and Operating Permits, and to include in Building and/or Site Grading Permits, Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates and Operating Permits such terms and conditions as the Code Enforcement Officer may determine to be appropriate including, but not limited to, the posting of a bond, letter of credit, or certified check in a reasonable amount as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer;
(3) to conduct construction inspections, inspections to be made prior to the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates and Operating Permits, fire safety and property maintenance inspections, inspections incidental to the investigation of complaints, and all other inspections required or permitted under any provision of this local law;
(4) to issue Stop Work Orders;
(5) to review and investigate complaints;
(6) to issue orders pursuant to subdivision (a) of section 17 (Violations) of this local law;
(7) to maintain records;
(8) to collect fees as set by the Town Board of this Town;
(9) to pursue administrative enforcement actions and proceedings;
(10) in consultation with this Town’s attorney, to pursue such legal actions and proceedings as may be necessary to enforce the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and the Code of the Town of New Hartford including this local law, or to abate or correct conditions not in compliance with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, the Code of the Town of New Hartford or this local law; and
(11) to exercise all other powers and fulfill all other duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this local law.
SECTION 4. BUILDING/SITE GRADING PERMITS.
(a) Building and/or Site Grading Permits Required. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b) of this section, a Building and/or Site Grading Permit shall be required for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and/or the Code of the Town of New Hartford, including, but not limited to, the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure or any portion thereof, and the installation of a solid fuel burning heating appliance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit. Additionally, a Building and/or Site Grading Permit is required for installation of all fences, installation of retaining walls exceeding five (5) feet in height, excavation, grading and clearing for any building or use. No Person shall commence any work for which a Building/Site Grading Permit is required without first having obtained a Building/Site Grading Permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.
(b) The Officer shall act upon all applications for Building/Site Grading Permits within 30 days. Notice of refusal to issue any permit shall be given to the applicant or to his or her authorized representative in writing and shall state the reasons for such refusal
(c) The Officer may issue temporary permits for structures incidental to a building permit. Such permits shall expire after one year.
(d) At the discretion of the Officer or the Officer's designee, the permittee shall be required to have on the lot a receptacle of one cubic yard minimum size to provide temporary (in excess of 24 hours) storage of construction and demolition debris, except tree and brush stumps. The receptacle shall be provided with a tarp or other cover. The receptacle must be removed from the lot, as well as all trees, brush, stumps and other debris within 60 days of completion of construction.
(e) The applicant for any Building/Site Grading Permit(s) shall, if required by the Code Enforcement Officer, submit a plot plan showing sufficient data on proposed site grading, final proposed ground elevations and the discharge location of any proposed sump pump, all of which shall be approved by the Town Engineer prior to the issuance of any such permit(s).
(f) Exceptions. No Building/Site Grading Permit shall be required for work in any of the following categories:
(1) installation of swings and other playground equipment associated with a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses);
(2) installation of swimming pools associated with a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) where such pools are designed for a water depth of less than 24 inches and are installed entirely above ground;
(3) construction of temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery;
(4) installation of window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses);
(5) installation of partitions or movable cases less than 5'-9" in height;
(6) painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other similar finish work;
(7) installation of listed portable electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation or cooling equipment or appliances;
(8) replacement of any equipment provided the replacement does not alter the equipment’s listing or render it inconsistent with the equipment’s original specifications; or
(9) repairs, provided that such repairs do not involve (i) the removal or cutting away of a load bearing wall, partition, or portion thereof, or of any structural beam or load bearing component; (ii) the removal or change of any required means of egress, or the rearrangement of parts of a structure in a manner which affects egress; (iii) the enlargement, alteration, replacement or relocation of any building system; or (iv) the removal from service of all or part of a fire protection system for any period of time.
(g) Exception not deemed authorization to perform non-compliant work. The exemption from the requirement to obtain a building permit for work in any category set forth in subdivision (f) of this section shall not be deemed an authorization for work to be performed in violation of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or Code of the Town of New Hartford.
(h) Applications for Building/Site Grading Permits. Applications for a Building/Site Grading Permit shall be made in writing on a form provided by or otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer. The application shall be signed by the owner of the property where the work is to be performed or an authorized agent of the owner. The application shall include such information as the Code Enforcement Officer deems sufficient to allow a determination by the Code Enforcement Officer that the intended work complies with all applicable requirements of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and the Code of the Town of New Hartford. The application shall include or be accompanied by the following information and documentation:
(1) a description of the proposed work;
(2) the tax map number and the street address of the premises where the work is to be performed;
(3) the occupancy classification of any affected building or structure;
(4) where applicable, a statement of special inspections prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Code; and
(5) at least 2 sets of construction documents (drawings and/or specifications) which (i) define the scope of the proposed work; (ii) are prepared by a New York State registered architect or licensed professional engineer where so required by the Education Law; (iii) indicate with sufficient clarity and detail the nature and extent of the work proposed; (iv) substantiate that the proposed work will comply with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and the Code of the Town of New Hartford; and (v) where applicable, provide a licensed survey that shows any existing and proposed buildings and structures on the site, the location of any existing or proposed well or septic system, the location of the intended work, and the distances between the buildings and structures and the lot lines.
(6) All Site Grading Permits must be approved by the Town Engineer prior to the Code Enforcement Officer issuing said permit.
(i) Construction documents. Construction documents will not be accepted as part of an application for a Building and/or Site Grading Permit unless they satisfy the requirements set forth in paragraphs (5) and (6) of subdivision (h) of this section. Construction documents which are accepted as part of the application for a Building and/or Site Grading Permit shall be marked as accepted by the Code Enforcement Officer in writing or by stamp. One set of the accepted construction documents shall be retained by the Code Enforcement Officer, and one set of the accepted construction documents shall be returned to the applicant to be kept at the work site so as to be available for use by the Code Enforcement Officer. However, the return of a set of accepted construction documents to the applicant shall not be construed as authorization to commence work, nor as an indication that a Building and/or Site Grading Permit will be issued. Work shall not be commenced until and unless a Building and/or Site Grading Permit is issued.
(j) Issuance of Building/Site Grading Permits. An application for a Building and/or Site Grading Permit shall be examined to ascertain whether the proposed work is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code, Energy Code and the Code of the Town of New Hartford. The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a Building/Site Grading Permit if the proposed work is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code, Energy Code and the Code of the Town of New Hartford.
(k) Building/Site Grading Permits to be displayed. Building/Site Grading Permits shall be visibly displayed at the work site and shall remain visible until the authorized work has been completed.
(l) Work to be in accordance with construction documents. All work shall be performed in accordance with the construction documents which were submitted with and accepted as part of the application for the Building/Site Grading Permit. The Building/Site Grading Permit shall contain such a directive. The Permit Holder shall immediately notify the Code Enforcement Officer of any change occurring during the course of the work. The Building and/or Site Grading Permit shall contain such a directive. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that such change warrants a new or amended Building/Site Grading Permit, such change shall not be made until and unless a new or amended Building/Site Grading Permit reflecting such change is issued.
(m) Time limits. Building/Site Grading Permits shall expire 12 months after the date of issuance. A Building and/or Site Grading Permit which has become invalid or which has expired pursuant to this subdivision may be renewed upon application by the Permit Holder, payment of the applicable fee, and approval of the application by the Code Enforcement Officer. The renewal rate shall be 25% of the original building permit cost and only one renewal is allowed.
(n) Demolition permits. Demolition permits are required whenever work is to be undertaken to dismantle any portion of any building, and shall be performed in conformance with all applicable local, state and federal laws. Demolition permits shall expire 30 days from the date of issuance and only four (4) permits shall be issued per calendar year per structure.
(o) Work hours. Any work being performed within the Town of New Hartford shall not commence earlier than 7AM and continue later than 7PM except work wholly contained within the structure.
(p) Revocation or suspension of Building/Site Grading Permits. If the Code Enforcement Officer, Town Engineer and/or Town Planner determines that a Building/Site Grading Permit was issued in error because of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or that the work for which a Building/Site Grading Permit was issued violates the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or the Code of the Town of New Hartford, the Code Enforcement Officer shall revoke the Building and/or Site Grading Permit or suspend the Building/Site Grading Permit until such time as the Permit Holder demonstrates that (1) all work then completed is in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and the Code of the Town of New Hartford and (2) all work then proposed to be performed shall be in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and the Code of the Town of New Hartford.
(q) Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in section 18 (Fees) of this local law must be paid at the time of submission of an application for a Building and/or Site Grading Permit, for an amended Building and/or Site Grading Permit, or for renewal of a Building and/or Site Grading Permit.
(r) Required information; liability policy. The plans and specifications or statements shall be accompanied with the full name and address of the owner or owners of record of the structure. For the purpose of this code, any person, firm or corporation holding the fee title to real property, or his or their duly authorized agent or attorney or the guardian, conservator or trustee, shall be regarded as the owner. Unless otherwise expressly waived in writing by the Code Enforcement Officer, the owner or contractor shall be required to have a liability policy in an amount determined by the Code Enforcement Officer for comprehensive general liability coverage with a per location and per project endorsement which names the Town as an additional insured or co-insured during the period of time the permit is in use, or until the permit expires or is revoked by the Code Enforcement officer. The Code Enforcement Officer shall promulgate an official Codes Department policy detailing potentially dangerous or hazardous conditions and/or materials which will also require insurance pursuant to this section.
SECTION 5. CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS.
(a) Work to remain accessible and exposed. Work shall remain accessible and exposed until inspected and accepted by the Code Enforcement Officer or by an Inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer. The Permit Holder shall notify the Code Enforcement Officer when any element of work described in subdivision (b) of this section is ready for inspection.
(b) Elements of work to be inspected. The following elements of the construction process shall be inspected, where applicable:
(1) work site prior to the issuance of a Building and/or Site Grading Permit;
(2) footings and foundation;
(3) preparation for concrete slab;
(4) framing;
(5) building systems, including underground and rough-in;
(6) fire resistant construction;
(7) fire resistant penetrations;
(8) solid fuel burning heating appliances, chimneys, flues or gas vents;
(9) Energy Code compliance; and
(10) a final inspection after all work authorized by the Building and/or Site Grading Permit has been completed.
(c) Inspection results. After inspection, the work or a portion thereof shall be noted as satisfactory as completed, or the Permit Holder shall be notified as to where the work fails to comply with the Uniform Code, Energy Code or Code of the Town of New Hartford. Work not in compliance with any applicable provision of the Uniform Code, Energy Code or Code of the Town of New Hartford shall remain exposed until such work shall have been brought into compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, and the Code of the Town of New Hartford, reinspected, and found satisfactory as completed.
(d) Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in section 18 (Fees) of this local law must be paid prior to or at the time of each inspection performed pursuant to this section.
SECTION 6. STOP WORK ORDERS.
(a) Authority to issue. The Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to issue Stop Work Orders pursuant to this section. The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a Stop Work Order to cease and desist:
(1) any work that is determined by the Code Enforcement Officer to be contrary to any applicable provision of the Uniform Code, Energy Code or Code of the Town of New Hartford, without regard to whether such work is or is not work for which a Building and/or Site Grading Permit is required, and without regard to whether a Building and/or Site Grading Permit has or has not been issued for such work, or
(2) any work that is being conducted in a dangerous or unsafe manner in the opinion of the Code Enforcement Officer, without regard to whether such work is or is not work for which a Building and/or Site Grading Permit is required, and without regard to whether a Building and/or Site Grading Permit has or has not been issued for such work, or
(3) any work for which a Building and/or Site Grading Permit is required which is being performed without the required Building and/or Site Grading Permit, or under a Building and/or Site Grading Permit that has become invalid, has expired, or has been suspended or revoked.
(4) any work that is being conducted without proof of the required general liability insurance coverage as required in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 4 (r) of this local law.
(b) Content of Stop Work Orders. Stop Work Orders shall (1) be in writing, (2) be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer, (3) state the reason or reasons for issuance, and (4) if applicable, state the conditions which must be satisfied before work will be permitted to resume.
(c) Service of Stop Work Orders. The Code Enforcement Officer shall cause the Stop Work Order, or a copy thereof, to be served on the owner of the affected property (and, if the owner is not the Permit Holder, on the Permit Holder) personally or by registered mail. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted, but not required, to cause the Stop Work Order, or a copy thereof, to be served on any builder, architect, tenant, contractor, subcontractor, construction superintendent, or their agents, or any other Person taking part or assisting in work affected by the Stop Work Order, personally or by registered mail; provided, however, that failure to serve any Person mentioned in this sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the Stop Work Order.
(d) Effect of Stop Work Order. Upon the issuance of a Stop Work Order, the owner of the affected property, the Permit Holder and any other Person performing, taking part in or assisting in the work shall immediately cease all work which is the subject of the Stop Work Order.
(e) Remedy not exclusive. The issuance of a Stop Work Order shall not be the exclusive remedy available to address any event described in subdivision (a) of this section, and the authority to issue a Stop Work Order shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the right and authority to pursue any other remedy or impose any other penalty under section 17 (Violations) of this local law or under any other applicable local law, State or Federal law. Any such other remedy or penalty may be pursued at any time as may be prescribed by law.
SECTION 7. CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY,
CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE and TEMPORARY CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY
(a) No building, use or structure hereafter erected, relocated or altered as to outside dimensions shall be used, changed in use or occupied until a certificate of occupancy or compliance shall have been issued by the Code Enforcement Officer stating that the use, land or structure complies with all applicable provisions of this chapter. For previously existing construction, the Code Enforcement Officer may, on request, issue a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance if the Code Enforcement Officer determines that the use of the building in question meets the requirements of this chapter. The Code Enforcement Officer may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of compliance at the Code Enforcement Officer's discretion.
(b) A certificate of occupancy, or certificate of compliance shall be issued only if:
1) the proposed use of the building or land conforms to the provisions of this chapter
2) conforms to the plot plan
3) conforms to approved plans
4) as built drawings, are provided, if applicable
5) conforms to the purpose and description for which the permit was issued
6) building and/or site work is complete to outward appearance in accordance with the building and/or Site Grading Permit issued
7) the building or structure is properly supplied with water
8) the building or structure is properly supplied with approved sanitary disposal facilities
9) all improvements shown on the site plan are installed to the satisfaction of the Code Enforcement Officer, Town Engineer, and/or Town Planner or when applicable sufficient performance guaranty has been posted in the form of a certified check, letter of credit, or bond for improvements not yet completed.
(c) Any building or land which has been granted a special use permit, site plan approval, or variance by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals. Every certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance for which special use permit or site plan approval or variance has been granted shall contain a detailed statement of any conditions to which the same is subject and include, by attachment, a copy of such Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals decision.
(d) Performance guaranty. No certificate of occupancy or compliance shall be issued until all improvements shown on the site plan are installed or sufficient performance guaranty has been posted for improvements not yet completed. The sufficiency of such performance guaranty shall be determined by the Planning Board after consultation with the Code Enforcement Officer, Town Engineer and/or Town Planner.
(e) The Code Enforcement Officer shall promptly make or cause to be made an inspection of each building or site for which application for a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance has been made and shall grant or deny such certificate within 10 days from the date of application.
(f) For any building that is part of a Town-approved project requiring the construction or extension of a public road in addition to the regulations stated in this section atparagraph (b) above, no certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance shall be issued until all infrastructure improvements with the proposed easements and/or rights-of-way are installed, approved, certified by the Engineer of Record and accepted and approved by the Town. For details of highway construction and dedication requirements, see Code of the Town of New Hartford, Chapter 102, Streets and Sidewalks, Article II.
(g) At the time a certificate of occupancy is applied for, and the developer is unable to complete the installation of the top course or other approved infrastructure improvements within the proposed easement and/or rights of way, and those deficiencies are determined by the town planner or engineer to be noncritical to the occupancy of the building, safety of the traveling public and the proper operation and maintenance of the highway and other public infrastructure, the developer, at the request of the Town Planner or Town Engineer shall execute an agreement with the town and provide surety in the form of a certified check, bond, or letter of credit in an amount equal to two times the value of the deficiencies determined by the town planner or town engineer. In addition, where applicable, the following documents, prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Code by such person or persons as may be designated by or otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer, at the expense of the applicant for the Certificate of Occupancy and/or Certificate of Compliance, shall be provided to the Code Enforcement Officer prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy and/or Certificate of Compliance:
(1) a written statement of structural observations and/or a final report of special inspections, and
(2) flood hazard certifications.
(h) Contents of Certificates of Occupancy and/or Certificates of Compliance. A Certificate of Occupancy and/or Certificate of Compliance shall contain the following information:
(1) the Building and/or Site Grading Permit number;
(2) the date of issuance of the Building and/or Site Grading Permit;
(3) the address and tax map number of the property;
(4) the name of the property owner of record;
(5) if the Certificate of Occupancy and/or Certificate of Compliance is not applicable to an entire structure, a description of that portion of the structure for which the Certificate of Occupancy and/or Certificate of Compliance is issued;
(6) the use and occupancy classification of the structure;
(7) the type of construction of the structure;
(8) the assembly occupant load of the structure, if applicable;
(9) if an automatic sprinkler system is provided, a notation as to whether the sprinkler system is required;
(10) any special conditions imposed in connection with the issuance of the Building and/or Site Grading Permit; and
(11) the decision of the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals as may relate to the subject property regarding a special use permit, site plan approval or variance; and
(12) the signature of the Code Enforcement Officer issuing the Certificate of Occupancy and/or Certificate of Compliance and the date of issuance.
(i) Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted to issue a Temporary Certificate allowing the temporary occupancy of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, prior to completion of the work which is the subject of a Building and/or Site Grading Permit. However, in no event shall the Code Enforcement Officer issue a Temporary Certificate unless the Code Enforcement Officer determines (1) that the building or structure, or the portion thereof covered by the Temporary Certificate, may be occupied safely, (2) that any fire- and smoke-detecting or fire protection equipment which has been installed is operational, and (3) that all required means of egress from the building or structure have been provided. The Code Enforcement Officer, Town Engineer, and Town Planner may include in a Temporary Certificate such terms and conditions as he or she deems necessary or appropriate to ensure safety or to further the purposes and intent of the Uniform Code including, but not limited to, surety in the form of a certified check, bond or letter of credit in an amount equal to two times the value of any deficiencies.. A Temporary Certificate shall be effective for a period of time, not to exceed 6 months, which shall be determined by the Code Enforcement Officer and specified in the Temporary Certificate. During the specified period of effectiveness of the Temporary Certificate, the Permit Holder shall undertake to bring the building or structure into full compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and the Code of the Town of New Hartford.
(j) Revocation or suspension of certificates. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that a Certificate of Occupancy and/or Certificate of Compliance or a Temporary Certificate was issued in error because of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, and if the relevant deficiencies are not corrected to the satisfaction of the Code Enforcement Officer within such period of time as shall be specified by the Code Enforcement Officer, the Code Enforcement Officer shall revoke or suspend such certificate.
(k) Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in section 18 (Fees) of this local law must be paid at the time of submission of an application for a Certificate of Occupancy and/or Certificate of Compliance or for Temporary Certificate.
SECTION 8. NOTIFICATION REGARDING FIRE OR EXPLOSION.
The chief of any fire department or company providing fire fighting services for a property within this Town shall promptly notify the Code Enforcement Officer of any fire or explosion involving any structural damage, fuel burning appliance, chimney or gas vent.
SECTION 9. UNSAFE BUILDING AND STRUCTURES
Unsafe structures and equipment in this Town shall be identified and addressed in accordance with the procedures established by Local Law Number No. 2 of 1982 Chapter 52 and Local law No. 8 of 1994 Chapter 94, as now in effect or as thereafter amended from time to time.
SECTION
10. EMERGENCY ACTION
If the Code Enforcement Officer is notified that a violation exists which requires immediate action to avoid a direct hazard or imminent danger to the health, safety or welfare of occupants of a building, or to other persons, the Code Enforcement Officer shall direct that such violation be immediately remedied by the property owner or occupant at his/her sole expense or shall take direct action on his or her own initiative to abate the hazard or danger. Any costs incurred the Code Enforcement Officer for such action shall be paid for by the property owner, occupant or person responsible for the violation. The Code Enforcement Officer shall keep on file an affidavit stating with fairness and accuracy the items of expense and date of execution of action taken and is furthermore authorized to institute a suit, if necessary, against the person liable for such expenses in order to recover said costs.
SECTION 11. INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
(a) The architect or professional engineer whose seal and signature appear on the drawings for buildings or structures other than one- or two-family dwellings, or his/her designated representative, shall be responsible for making periodic visits to the construction site to familiarize him/herself with the progress and quality of the construction and to determine, in general, if the construction is proceeding in accord with the plans, drawings, specifications and addenda thereto which have been approved by the Code Enforcement Officer, and/or Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. Said architect or engineer shall file reports with the Code Enforcement Officer at regular intervals, indicating the times of such visits, the status of the construction and any defects or discrepancies between the actual construction and the approved plans, drawings and specifications affecting structural, fire, health or life safety which he/she may observe. Said architect or engineer shall also advise the Code Enforcement Officer when such discrepancies have been corrected.
(b) The architect or engineer shall not be required to make exhaustive or continuous on-site inspections to check the construction. He/she shall not be responsible for construction means, methods, techniques, sequences or procedures or for safety precautions and programs in connection with the construction, nor shall he/she be responsible for the contractor's failure to carry out the construction in accord with the approved plans, drawings and specifications.
(c) Upon completion of the construction, the architect or engineer shall file a certificate of completion with the Code Enforcement Officer stating that, to the best of his/her knowledge, the building or structure has been completed in accord with the approved plans, drawings, specifications and addenda thereto, insofar as structural, fire, health and life safety are concerned, or shall state any defects of which he/she is aware.
SECTION 12. OPERATING PERMITS.
(a) Operation Permits required. Operating Permits shall be required for conducting the activities or using the categories of buildings listed below:
(1) manufacturing, storing or handling hazardous materials in quantities exceeding those listed in Tables 2703.1.1(1), 2703.1.1(2), 2703.1.1(3) or 2703.1.1(4) in the publication entitled “Fire Code of New York State” and incorporated by reference in 19 NYCRR section 1225.1;
(2) hazardous processes and activities, including but not limited to, commercial and industrial operations which produce combustible dust as a byproduct, fruit and crop ripening, and waste handling;
(3) use of pyrotechnic devices in assembly occupancies;
(4) buildings containing one or more areas of public assembly with an occupant load of 100 persons or more; and
(5) buildings whose use or occupancy classification may pose a substantial potential hazard to public safety, as determined by resolution adopted by the Town Board of this Town.
Any person who proposes to undertake any activity or to operate any type of building listed in this subdivision (a) shall be required to obtain an Operating Permit prior to commencing such activity or operation.
(b) Applications for Operating Permits. An application for an Operating Permit shall be in writing on a form provided by or otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer. Such application shall include such information as the Code Enforcement Officer deems sufficient to permit a determination by the Code Enforcement Officer that quantities, materials, and activities conform to the requirements of the Uniform Code. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that tests or reports are necessary to verify conformance, such tests or reports shall be performed or provided by such person or persons as may be designated by or otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer, at the expense of the applicant.
(c) Inspections. The Code Enforcement Officer or an Inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect the subject premises prior to the issuance of an Operating Permit.
(d) Multiple Activities. In any circumstance in which more than one activity listed in subdivision (a) of this section is to be conducted at a location, the Code Enforcement Officer may require a separate Operating Permit for each such activity, or the Code Enforcement Officer may, in his or her discretion, issue a single Operating Permit to apply to all such activities.
(e) Duration of Operating Permits. Operating Permits shall remain in effect until reissued, renewed, revoked, suspended or the contents of storage is changed or otherwise altered as specified in Section 12(a) above.
(f) Revocation or suspension of Operating Permits. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that any activity or building for which an Operating Permit was issued does not comply with any applicable provision of the Uniform Code, Energy Code and the Code of the Town of New Hartford, such Operating Permit shall be revoked or suspended.
(g) Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in section 18 (Fees) of this local law must be paid at the time submission of an application for an Operating Permit, for an amended Operating Permit, or for reissue or renewal of an Operating Permit.
SECTION 13. FIRE SAFETY AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS
(a) Inspections required. Fire safety and property maintenance inspections of buildings and structures shall be performed by the Code Enforcement Officer or an Inspector designated by the Code Enforcement Officer at the following intervals:
(1) Fire safety and property maintenance inspections of buildings or structures which contain an area of public assembly shall be performed at least once every twelve (12) months.
(2) Fire safety and property maintenance inspections of buildings or structures being occupied as dormitories shall be performed at least once every twelve (12) months.
(3) Fire safety and property maintenance inspections of all multiple dwellings not included in paragraphs (1) or (2) of this subdivision, and all non-residential buildings, structures, uses and occupancies not included in paragraphs (1) or (2) of this subdivision, shall be performed at least once every thirty-six (36) months.
(b) Any owner of a building or structure designated for inspection and found to be not in compliance with the Uniform Code, Energy Code or the Code of the Town of New Hartford shall be subject to a notice of violation in accordance with section 17 here in.
(c) Inspections permitted. In addition to the inspections required by subdivision (a) of this section, a fire safety and property maintenance inspection of any building, structure, use, or occupancy, or of any dwelling unit, may also be performed by the Code Enforcement Officer or an Inspector designated by the Code Enforcement Officer at any time upon:
(1) the request of the owner of the property to be inspected or an authorized agent of such owner;
(2) receipt by the Code Enforcement Officer of a written statement alleging that conditions or activities failing to comply with the Uniform Code, Energy Code or the Code of the Town of New Hartford exist; or
(3) receipt by the Code Enforcement Officer of any other information, reasonably believed by the Code Enforcement Officer to be reliable, giving rise to reasonable cause to believe that conditions or activities failing to comply with the Uniform Code, Energy Code or the Code of the Town of New Hartford exist;
(d) Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed as permitting an inspection under any circumstances under which a court order or warrant permitting such inspection is required, unless such court order or warrant shall have been obtained.
(e) Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in section 18 (Fees) of this local law must be paid prior to or within 30 days of billing for each inspection performed pursuant to this section. Non payment shall be subject to a notice of violation in accordance with section 17 herein. This subdivision shall not apply to inspections performed by The Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
SECTION 14. COMPLAINTS
The Code Enforcement Officer shall review and investigate complaints which allege or assert the existence of conditions or activities that fail to comply with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, the Code of the Town of New Hartford, including this local law, or any other local law or regulation adopted for administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or the Code of the Town of New Hartford. The process for responding to a complaint shall include such of the following steps as the Code Enforcement Officer may deem to be appropriate:
(a) performing an inspection of the conditions and/or activities alleged to be in violation, and documenting the results of such inspection;
(b) if a violation is found to exist, providing the owner of the affected property and any other Person who may be responsible for the violation with written notice of the violation and affording opportunity to abate, correct or cure the violation or proceeding in the manner described in section 17 (Violations) of this local law;
(c) if appropriate, issuing a Stop Work Order;
(d) if a violation which was found to exist is abated or corrected, performing an inspection to ensure that the violation has been abated or corrected, preparing a final written report reflecting such abatement or correction, and filing such report with the complaint.
SECTION 15. RECORD KEEPING.
(a) The Code Enforcement Officer shall keep permanent official records of all transactions and activities conducted by all Code Enforcement Personnel, including records of:
(1) all applications received, reviewed and approved or denied;
(2) all plans, drawings specifications and construction documents approved;
(3) all Building and/or Site Grading Permits, Certificates of Occupancy and/or Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates, Stop Work Orders, and Operating Permits issued;
(4) all inspections and tests performed;
(5) all statements and reports issued;
(6) all complaints received;
(7) all investigations conducted;
(8) Notices of Violation issued;
(9) all other features and activities specified in or contemplated by sections 4 through 14, inclusive, of this local law, including; and
(10) all fees charged and collected.
(b) All such records shall be public records open for public inspection during normal business hours. All plans and records pertaining to buildings or structures, or appurtenances thereto, shall be retained for at least the minimum time period so required by State law and regulation.
SECTION 16. PROGRAM REVIEW AND REPORTING
(a) The Town Board of this Town may request that the Code Enforcement Officer submit an annual written report and summary of all business conducted by the Code Enforcement Officer and the Inspectors, including a report and summary of all transactions and activities described in section 15 (Record Keeping) of this local law and a report and summary of all appeals or litigation pending or concluded.
(b) The Code Enforcement Officer shall annually submit to the Secretary of State, on behalf of this Town, on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State, a report of the activities of this Town relative to administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code, Energy Code and the Code of the Town of New Hartford.
(c) The Code Enforcement Officer shall, upon request of the New York State Department of State, provide to the New York State Department of State, from the records and related materials this Town is required to maintain, excerpts, summaries, tabulations, statistics and other information and accounts of the activities of this Town in connection with administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code, Energy Code and the Code of the Town of New Hartford.
SECTION 17. VIOLATIONS
(a) Notice of Violation. The Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to order in writing the remedying of any condition or activity found to exist in, on or about any building, structure, or premises in violation of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, the Code of the Town of New Hartford, including this local law. Upon finding that any such condition or activity exists, the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a Notice of Violation. The Notice of Violation shall (1) be in writing; (2) be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer; (3) specify the condition or activity that violates the Uniform Code, and/or the Energy Code, the Code of the Town of New Hartford including this local law; (4) specify the provision or provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, the Code of the Town of New Hartford including this local law which is/are violated by the specified condition or activity; (5) specify the period of time which the Code Enforcement Officer deems to be reasonably necessary for achieving compliance; (6) direct that compliance be achieved within the specified period of time which shall not exceed 30 days; and (7) state that an action or proceeding to compel compliance may be instituted if compliance is not achieved within the specified period of time. The Code Enforcement Officer shall cause the Notice of Violation, or a copy thereof, to be served on the owner of the affected property personally or by registered mail. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted, but not required, to cause the Notice of Violation, or a copy thereof, to be served on any builder, architect, tenant, contractor, subcontractor, construction superintendent, or their agents, or any other Person taking part or assisting in work being performed at the affected property personally or by registered mail; provided, however, that failure to serve any Person mentioned in this sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the Notice of Violation.
(b) Summons. The Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to cause the Town Court to issue an Information/Complaint in the event compliance with the Notice of violation is not achieved.
(c) Civil Penalties. In addition to those penalties proscribed by State law, any Person who violates any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or the Code of the Town of New Hartford including this local law, or any term or condition of any Building and/or Site Grading Permit, Certificate of Occupancy, Certificate of Compliance, Temporary Certificate, Stop Work Order, Operating Permit or other notice or order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to any provision of this local law, shall be liable to a civil penalty of a fine and/or imprisonment as prescribed in §118-80 of the Code of the Town of New Hartford. Failure to timely remit payment in full of any civil penalty assessed by the Town shall result in a judgment in favor of the Town and against the owner of the affected property. Notice of judgment and the amount thereof shall be served on the owner of the affected property personally or by registered mail. Said notice shall allow ten (10) days from the date of the notice to cure or otherwise pay the outstanding civil penalty. In the event the civil penalty is not satisfied in full within the prescribed ten (10) day period, the outstanding civil penalty shall be filed in the Office of the Oneida County Clerk as a judgment against the owner of the affected property and shall become a lien upon the lot, tract or parcel of land or property where the violation was found to exist.
(d) Abatement by Town; Lien. In addition to those penalties prescribed by State law, any person found guilty of violating any provision of the Uniform Code, Energy Code, or Code of the Town of New Hartford, including this local law or any term or condition of any Building and/or Site Grading Permit, Certificate of Occupancy, Certificate of Compliance, Temporary Certificate, Stop Work Order, Operating Permit or other notice or order of the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to any provision of this local law and who fails, refuses, or neglects to abate the violation(s) within the amount of time ordered by the Court to abate, the Code Enforcement Officer may, after presentment to and approval from the Town Board, undertake to abate the subject violation(s) through use of Town facilities or equipment, or through use of outside independent contractor(s) to do the work necessary to abate all or some of the existing violations. Any costs incurred by the Town to accomplish the abatement can and shall be filed in proper form in the Office of Oneida County Clerk as a judgment against the owner of the affected property and shall become a lien upon the lot, tract or parcel of land or property where the violation was found to exist.
(e) Injunctive Relief. An action or proceeding may be instituted in the name of this Town, in a court of competent jurisdiction, to prevent, restrain, enjoin, correct, or abate any violation of, or to enforce, any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, the Code of the Town of New Hartford, including this local law, or any term or condition of any Building and/or Site Grading Permit, Certificate of Occupancy, Certificate of Compliance, Temporary Certificate, Stop Work Order, Operating Permit, Compliance Order, or other notice or order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to any provision of this local law. In particular, but not by way of limitation, where the construction or use of a building or structure is in violation of any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, the Code of the Town of New Hartford including this local law, or any Stop Work Order, Compliance Order or other order obtained under the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, the Code of the Town of New Hartford including this local law, an action or proceeding may be commenced in the name of this Town, in the Supreme Court or in any other court having the requisite jurisdiction, to obtain an order directing the removal of the building or structure or an abatement of the condition in violation of such provisions. No action or proceeding described in this subdivision shall be commenced without the appropriate authorization from the Town Board of this Town.
(f) Remedies Not Exclusive. No remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be the exclusive remedy or remedy available to address any violation described in this section, and each remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the other remedies or penalties specified in this section, in Section 6 (Stop Work Orders) of this local law, in any other section of this local law, or in any other applicable law. Any remedy or penalty specified in this section may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, simultaneously with, or after the pursuit of any other remedy or penalty specified in this section, in Section 6 (Stop Work Orders) of this local law, in any other section of this local law, or in any other applicable law. In particular, but not by way of limitation, each remedy and penalty specified in this section shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the penalties specified in subdivision (2) of section 382 of the Executive Law, and any remedy or penalty specified in this section may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, simultaneously with, or after the pursuit of any penalty specified in subdivision (2) of section 382 of the Executive Law.
SECTION 18. FEES
A fee schedule shall be established by resolution of the Town Board of this Town. Such fee schedule is set forth in the Code of the Town of New Hartford at Section 118-93 thereof. Such fee schedule may be amended from time to time by similar resolution. The fees set forth in, or determined in accordance with, such fee schedule or amended fee schedule shall be charged and collected for the processing of applications, the issuance of Building and/or Site Grading Permits, amended Building and/or Site Grading Permits, renewed Building and/or Site Grading Permits, Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates, Operating Permits, fire safety and property maintenance inspections, and other actions of the Code Enforcement Officer described in or contemplated by this local law.
SECTION 19. INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENTS
The Town Board of this Town may, by resolution, enter into an agreement, in the name of this Town with other governments to carry out the terms of this local law, provided that such agreement does not violate any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, the Code of the Town of New Hartford, Part 1203 of Title 19 of the NYCRR, or any other applicable law.
SECTION 20. PARTIAL INVALIDITY
If any section of this local law shall be held unconstitutional, invalid, or ineffective, in whole or in part, such determination shall not be deemed to affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of this local law.
SECTION 21. EFFECTIVE DATE
This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing in the office of the New York State Secretary of State in accordance with section 27 of the Municipal Home Rule Law.
A roll call vote ensued:
Councilwoman Krupa - Aye
Councilman Reynolds - Aye
Councilman Woodland - Aye
Councilman Payne - ABSENT
Supervisor Reed - Aye.
Thereafter, Local Law Introductory “D” of 2009 was declared unanimously carried and duly adopted as Local Law No. Seven of 2009.
Councilman Reynolds introduced the following Resolution for adoption; seconded by Councilwoman Krupa:
(RESOLUTION
NO. 89 OF 2009)
RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby accept as submitted the minutes of the Regular Town Board meetings held April 8 and April 22, 2009 and the minutes of the Special Town Board meeting held April 28, 2009 and does further waive the reading of the same.
The Supervisor polled the Board members who voted as follows:
Councilwoman Krupa - Aye
Councilman Reynolds - Aye
Councilman Woodland - Aye
Councilman Payne - ABSENT
Supervisor Reed - Aye.
The Resolution was declared unanimously
carried and duly ADOPTED.
PUBLIC
PRESENTATIONS (Public Comments)
Dr. C. P. Rao had read some of the significant parts of the GEIS for the southern part of the Town; his main concern is that, if the Town implements the recommendations made in the GEIS, he and many others who have small tracts of land are going to be affected by the proposed changes. He wrote “…the study is trying to address the effect of potential future development in different parts of the Town on the Storm Water Management, Traffic, and the Infrastructure.” He believes the issues of Traffic and Infrastructure are essentially of the same magnitude for all four (4) of the scenarios studied in the GEIS and further believes the most significant factor that is affected by different scenarios is the Storm Water Management. He further wrote “….the Storm Water Analysis in the study is based on the assumption that the current construction practice of clearing the lot of the trees and shrubs, and replacing them with 23 to 30 per cent of impervious surface.” He believes this practice of construction is more than likely to be continued unless the Town encourages and provides incentive to construct Green Buildings. Further, he believes that instead of changing the zoning laws, if the Town adopts Green Building Ordinances, and holds the new developers/builders responsible for managing the runoff from their lot in an environmentally friendly manner, the Storm Water problem would be mitigated at the point of origin or source. Dr. Rao believed the Town should be responsible for the runoff from the streets, thereby reducing the amount of runoff to be managed to 30 – 50 percent. This way, the Town would not be curtailing the future development beyond designated boundaries of the study. He said it is easier and economical to incorporate the Low Impact Developments such as Rain Gardens, Pervious Pavements, rotating the downspouts to harvest the rain water, etc. in new construction than to retrofit them.
Dr. Rao believed that the issue of affordable housing should not be limited to area inside the designated developmental boundaries; if a developer would like to build affordable single dwellings outside the designated developmental boundaries, the scenarios of five (5) acre and ten (10) acre lots are not practical. Dr. Rao believed even one (1) acre lots would be cost prohibitive if one takes into account the cost of the land and the present construction costs.
Town Supervisor Reed responded that the Town Planning Board is in the infant stages of the southern GEIS and encouraged Dr. Rao to attend the May 11, 2009 Planning Board meeting. Supervisor Reed believed the Planning Board would well receive his comments and input.
Upon query of Councilwoman Krupa, Dr. Rao replied that he owns about 230 acres.
Dr. Shaheen owns about 150 acres and is very cognizant of retaining the beauty and watershed in the southeastern part of the Town…he has no intention of selling off his land. With regard to traffic, there is no congestion even near the school on Chapman Road. To put an imposition of a 5-acre lot on future development would be unaffordable. He would like to see 1-acre lots, recalling that when he was on the Planning Board, the Zoning Laws required 100-foot frontage in an R-1 Residential area and 120 feet frontage in an R-1A Residential area. The Town Board also encouraged Dr. Shaheen to attend the May 11, 2009 Town Planning Board meeting.
Beverly Roberts of Roberts Appraisal Service informed the Town Board that effective April 1, 2009 mortgage lender, Fannie Mae, would not purchase any more mortgages for non-conforming lots. She expressed concern that the Town’s zoning law states that non-conforming lots can’t be rebuilt without a variance. Ms. Roberts stated this is an issue in many other municipalities as well. Codes Enforcement Officer Joseph Booth stated that zoning property is to eliminate non-conforming uses. Ms. Roberts said all she’s looking for is to rebuild a single family home in a single family-zoning district.
Ralph Humphreys and his attorney, Murray Kirshtein, presented a Petition for the Town of New Hartford to annex a small portion of the Cherrywood Mobile Home Community located in the Town of Kirkland into the Town of New Hartford. Currently, there are seven (7) residents who would be eligible to vote in favor of New Hartford annexing the Kirkland property; five (5) have signed the Petition and two (2) are enroute from Florida, the latter of who are unable to be contacted. The only access into the Cherrywood Mobile Home Community is through the Town of New Hartford, there being no frontage in the Town of Kirkland. Attorney Kirshtein stated that water and sewer service is by agreement between the Towns of Kirkland and New Hartford and has been under control of the Town of New Hartford since about 1990. He has been informed that the Kirkland Town Attorney is in favor of New Hartford’s annexation. Attorney Kirshtein stated the annexation would be in the interest of both towns and the residents who would then have one public body governing the homes. He and Mr. Humphreys will be meeting with Kirkland Town Officials on May 11, 2009. Attorney Kirshtein requested the submissions to the Oneida County Planning Department (GML–239 review) be done as rapidly as possible. That Department has reported in the past either no objection or no comment on rezoning and/or subdivision going back to 1990. He stated that the Oneida County Health Department and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation have also given their approval. The Town Board directed that Councilman Woodland and Attorney Gerald Green also attend the May 11, 2009 meeting with Kirkland Town Officials and then report to the Town Board at the next meeting.
Town
Clerk:
Town Clerk Young presented the requests of Planning and Zoning Board members to attend training mandated by the State. The following Resolution was introduced for adoption by Councilman Reynolds and duly seconded by Councilman Woodland:
(RESOLUTION NO. 90
OF 2009)
WHEREAS, Section 77-b of the General Municipal Law allows the governing board of municipalities to authorize any officer or employee to attend a convention, conference or school conducted for the betterment of such municipality;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of New Hartford does hereby grant permission to the following officials to attend a training seminar in the Town of Schuyler municipal offices on June 3, 2009, with expenses to be borne by said Town as budgeted; this 4-hour course will meet the statutory requirement for training:
Planning Board member – G. Brymer Humphreys
Planning Board member - Robert A. Wood
Planning Board member - Rodger C. Reynolds
Planning Board member - Ellen Rayhill
Zoning Board of Appeals member – Frederick Kiehm
Zoning Board of Appeals member – Robert Schulman
The Resolution was voted upon by roll call as follows:
Councilwoman Krupa - Aye
Councilman Reynolds - Aye
Councilman Woodland - Aye
Councilman Payne - ABSENT
Supervisor Reed - Aye.
The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED.
Upon request of the Town Clerk, Councilman Woodland introduced the following Resolution for adoption; seconded by Councilman Reynolds:
(RESOLUTION NO. 91
OF 2009)
RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby appoint Shelby L. Bohling as a Student Worker in the Town Clerk’s Office, commencing Monday, May 18, 2009 on an “as-needed” basis, at the hourly wage of Seven Dollars and Seventy-five Cents ($7.75), payable bi-weekly; Ms. Bohling has been pre-approved by the Oneida County Department of Personnel.
The Town Board
voted upon roll call, resulting as follows:
Councilwoman Krupa - Aye
Councilman Reynolds - Aye
Councilman Woodland - Aye
Councilman Payne - ABSENT
Supervisor Reed - Aye.
The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED.
Parks and Recreation Director:
Upon recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Director, Councilwoman
Krupa offered the following Resolution for adoption, seconded by Councilman
Woodland:
(RESOLUTION NO. 92 OF 2009)
RESOLVED that, pending approval of Personnel
Technician II Barbara Aiello, the New Hartford Town Board does hereby appoint
the following individuals to the various seasonal Parks Department positions
and wages set opposite their several names, commencing on the dates specified
below; all wages to be paid bi-weekly:
Parks A7110.4
Start Date: May 11, 2009
Name Title Rate of Pay
Daniel Hamlin Park Laborer I $8.25/hour
James McCoy Park Laborer I $8.25/hour
Swim Program A7230.1
Start Date: June 29¸2009
Name Title Rate of Pay
Diane Muller Pool
Director & Evening Director $12.26 and
$ 8.65/ hour
Anna Wanner Assistant Director $10.87/hour
Paul Manfredo Day Supervisor & Certified WSI $10.50/hour
Sean Dakus Certified Water Safety Instructor \\\\\ $10.15/hour
Lindsay Mundrick Certified Water Safety Instructor $10.15/hour
Scott Wanner Certified Water Safety Instructor $10.15/hour
Dominick Masi Certified Water Safety Instructor $10.15/hour
Jonathan Graniero Certified Water Safety Instructor $10.15/hour
Marissa Mundrick Day & Evening Lifeguard $ 8.65/hour
Ashley Mundrick Day & Evening Lifeguard $ 8.65/hour
Andrew Crumine Day & Evening Lifeguard $ 8.65/hour
Lauren Graniero Evening Lifeguard $ 8.65/hour
Sara Dreimiller Evening Lifeguard $ 8.65/hour
Jeremy Rose Evening Lifeguard $ 8.65/hour
Tessa Trainor Substitute Lifeguard $ 8.65/hour
Craig Sherman Boys Locker Attendant $ 3.00/hour
Elaine Hage Water Aerobics
Instructor $37.00/hour
Maurine Farruggia Water Aerobics
Instructor $37.00/hour
Playgrounds A7140.11
Summer Theater A7145.1
Start Date: June 29, 2009
Name Title Rate of Pay
Kristi Denison Director $11.50/hour
Theresa Corleto Director $11.50/hour
Michelle Guca Director $11.50/hour
Elizabeth Perra Director $11.50/hour
Kimberly Gomez Director $11.50/hour
Matt Watkajtys Director $11.50/hour
Jordan Groah Assistant Director $ 9.00/hour
Chris Roller Assistant Director $ 9.00/hour
Bianca Falange Assistant
Director $ 9.00/hour
Marc Montesano Assistant
Director $ 9.00/hour
Amanda Horth Assistant Director $ 9.00/hour
Katrina Marshall Assistant
Director $ 9.00/hour
Patrick Calli Recreation Attendant II $
8.15/hour
Kaitlyn Jo Hudson Recreation
Attendant II $ 8.15/hour
Katelynn Duffy Recreation
Attendant II $ 8.15/hour
Joseph Desens Recreation Attendant II $
8.15/hour
Michael Matt Recreation Attendant II $
8.15/hour
Anjali Patel Recreation Attendant II $
8.15/hour
Mikaela Butler Recreation
Attendant II $ 8.15/hour
Brianna Pristera Recreation
Attendant II $ 8.15/hour
Sarah Gigliotti Recreation Attendant II $
8.15/hour
Marc Pitarresi Recreation Attendant II $
8.15/hour
Sarah Heil Recreation Attendant II $
8.15/hour
Megan Alsheimer Recreation
Attendant II $ 8.15/hour
David Hamlin Recreation Attendant II $
8.15/hour
Andrew Miller Recreation Attendant II $
8.15/hour
Matthew Tyoe Recreation Attendant II $
8.15/hour
Sagar Patel Recreation Attendant II $
8.15/hour
Haley Butler Recreation Attendant II $
8.15/hour
Samantha Szkotak Recreation
Attendant I $ 7.50/hour
Kyle Hutchinson Recreation
Attendant I $ 7.50/hour
Elizabeth Johnson Recreation
Attendant I $ 7.50/hour
Kim Sheets Recreation Attendant I $
7.50/hour
Andrew Buckley Recreation
Attendant I $ 7.50/hour
Renee Pardee Recreation Attendant I $
7.50/hour
Tessa Trainor Recreation Attendant I $
7.50/hour
Barbara Kivela Head
Bus Driver $13.15/hour
Linda Mundrick Senior
Bus Driver $12.72/hour
Robin Wheatley Bus
Driver $12.38/hour
Kim Ules Bus Driver $12.38/hour
Tim Madden Girls Basketball Instructor $14.25/hour
Edward Prue Boys Basketball Instructor $14.25/hour
Alex Prue Boys Basketball Attendant $
8.15/hour
James Cichon Girls Basketball Attendant $
8.15/hour
Harold Kaffka Adult Pick-up Basketball
Director $14.25/hour
George Kazanjian St.
John’s Basketball
Director $17.25/hour
Jesse Orton Summer Theater Director $17.25/hour.
The foregoing
Resolution was duly put to a vote upon roll call, resulting as follows:
Councilwoman Krupa - Aye
Councilman Reynolds - Aye
Councilman Woodland - Aye
Councilman Payne - ABSENT
Supervisor Reed - Aye.
The Resolution was
declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED.
Appointments - Parks & Recreation Advisory
Committee
Upon recommendation of the Parks and
Recreation Director, Councilman Reynolds offered the following Resolution for
adoption; seconded by Councilwoman Krupa:
(RESOLUTION
NO. 93 OF 2009)
WHEREAS, two (2)
vacancies exist on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby appoint Karri
Eaton and Sean Virkler as members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory
Committee effective immediately to fill the vacancies of Renee Davis and Tony
Diana, respectively, whose terms had expired; the terms of Ms. Eaton and Mr.
Virkler will expire December 31, 2009.
The foregoing Resolution
was duly put to a vote upon roll call, resulting as follows:
Councilwoman Krupa - Aye
Councilman Reynolds - Aye
Councilman Woodland - Aye
Councilman Payne - ABSENT
Supervisor Reed - Aye.
The Resolution was
declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED.
The Parks and Recreation Director provided an update on the parks/recreation programs enrollments.
Update on cemetery(ies)
Highway Superintendent Sherman,
Planner Schwenzfeier, Parks & Recreation Director Jeffery and Councilman
Payne performed on-site inspections of various abandoned cemeteries. The Town Attorney will have to review the
right of way, research titles and determine if the Town has a right to enter
the property(ies) and what the Town can and cannot do.
Highway
Superintendent:
Highway Superintendent Sherman recommended that no action be taken at this time, but requested the matter be placed on the Agenda for the May 27, 2009 Town Board meeting.
Appointment – Substitute Bus Drivers
Upon request of Director M. Eileen Spellman, Councilman Woodland introduced the following Resolution for adoption; seconded by Councilman Reynolds:
(RESOLUTION
NO. 94 OF 2009)
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of New Hartford does hereby appoint Kirstin Rebekah Abbe and Sandra DeSarro as Substitute Bus Drivers for the New Hartford Adult Dining and Activity Center, effective May 7, 2009, at an hourly wage of Twelve Dollars and Forty Cents ($12.40), payable bi-weekly.
The foregoing
Resolution was duly put to a vote upon roll call, resulting as follows:
Councilwoman Krupa - Aye
Councilman Reynolds - Aye
Councilman Woodland - Aye
Councilman Payne - ABSENT
Supervisor Reed - Aye.
The Resolution was
declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED.
Stormwater
Management (Advisory) Improvement Committee:
Upon recommendation of the Highway Superintendent, the following Resolution was introduced for adoption by Councilman Reynolds and duly seconded by Councilwoman Krupa:
(RESOLUTION
NO. 95 OF 2009)
WHEREAS, two (2) vacancies exist on the Stormwater Management (Advisory) Improvement Committee due to the resignations of Douglas Peterson [Position 1.] and Frank Montecalvo [Position 2];
WHEREAS, the Town had published the vacancies and solicited applications from interested Town residents, receiving two (2) applications;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby appoint the following persons to fill the vacancies on the Stormwater Committee and for the terms so designated:
The foregoing
Resolution was duly put to a vote upon roll call, resulting as follows:
Councilwoman Krupa - Aye
Councilman Reynolds - Aye
Councilman Woodland - Aye
Councilman Payne - ABSENT
Supervisor Reed - Aye.
The Resolution was
declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED.
Councilwoman Krupa:
Purchase of non-budgeted item
Secretary Carol Ryan had obtained three (3) quotes for purchase of a
fax machine to replace one in the Supervisor’s office that is irreparable;
there is money in the Supervisor’s account to cover this purchase. Thereafter, Councilman Reynolds offered the
following Resolution for adoption; seconded by Councilman Woodland:
(RESOLUTION NO. 96 OF 2009)
RESOLVED that the
New Hartford Town Board does hereby authorize the Town Supervisor’s office to
purchase one (1) new facsimile machine to replace the existing machine, at a
cost not to exceed Four Hundred Ninety-three Dollars ($493), said funds being
available in the 2009 Supervisor’s Account.
The foregoing
Resolution was duly put to a vote upon roll call, resulting as follows:
Councilwoman Krupa - Aye
Councilman Reynolds - Aye
Councilman Woodland - Aye
Councilman Payne - ABSENT
Supervisor Reed - Aye.
The Resolution was
declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED.
Steering Committee – Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs)
Councilwoman Krupa reported that
the Steering Committee would like each town, village and city to adopt a
Resolution of support, going outside our municipality for funding; state and
federal monies are needed. For the
fifteen (15) municipalities outside the City of Utica, it’s millions of dollars
in abatement projects and cost prohibitive for municipalities. The final draft was received today and
referred to the Town Attorney who has not reviewed the Resolution yet;
Councilwoman Krupa recommended adopting the Resolution contingent upon the Town
Attorney’s approval. Thereafter, Councilman Reynolds moved the adoption of
the following Resolution; seconded by Councilman Woodland:
(RESOLUTION NO. 97 OF 2009)
ENDORSEMENT OF PURSUING OF ALL FORMS OF FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR ONEIDA COUNTY SEWER DISTRICT SEWER SSO AND CITY OF UTICA CSO ABATEMENT PROJECTS
WHEREAS, the Oneida County Sewer District (OCSD) is
currently under a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Consent Order to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) at the Sauquoit
Creek Pumping Station by October 2014; and
WHEREAS, these SSOs are caused by excess storm and
ground water entering the sanitary sewer system and exceeding the capacity of
the pumping station during wet weather events; and
WHEREAS, the SSOs discharge untreated flow into the
Mohawk River in violation of The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean
Water Act regulations; and
WHEREAS, the City of Utica, also a member of the
Oneida County Sewer District, owns and operates combined sewers which legally
discharges by SPDES permit untreated wastewater to the Mohawk River and its
tributaries during wet weather conditions, and
WHEREAS, the City of Utica, in accordance with the
terms and conditions of its SPDES permit, is obligated to bring its combined
sewer system into compliance with state and federal regulations with respect to
its discharges to the Mohawk River and its tributaries, and
WHEREAS, the Town of New Hartford is one of 15 member
municipalities that comprise the OCSD and which are collectively responsible
for compliance with the Consent Order and/or the City of Utica SPDES permit
requirements, and
WHEREAS, the Town of New Hartford is also
responsible for the operation and maintenance of our respective sanitary
sewers; and
WHEREAS, Oneida County is legally and
administratively responsible for compliance with the Consent Order and the
operation and maintenance of OCSD’s wastewater treatment plant and interceptor
sewer system; and
WHEREAS, the Town of New Hartford, is a member of
the Oneida County Sewer District Steering Committee, and
WHEREAS, a complete and comprehensive evaluation of
the sewer system and extensive field work, data collection and analysis will be
required to develop a Plan of Study for the abatement of the SSOs for NYSDEC
approval by July 2010; and
WHEREAS, the projected cost of the Plan of Study,
sewer system rehabilitation and repair, storm water separation, and evaluation
of pump station and treatment plant capacity is currently estimated at $160
million; and
WHEREAS, the City of Utica is required to prepare
and submit a Long Term Control Plan for its combined sewer system to the NYSDEC
for its approval by July 2010, and
WHEREAS, the projected cost of the Long Term
Control Plan, and its anticipated requirements for storm sewer separation
projects and construction of combined sewer overflow treatment facilities is
currently estimated at $157 million, and
WHEREAS, the District’s member municipalities will
be unable to withstand the enormous financial burden imposed on them by the
collective costs of these sewer system upgrades and repairs without state and
federal funding assistance;
THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Town of
New Hartford acknowledges the terms and conditions of the Oneida County Consent
Order and City of Utica SPDES permit requirements and desires to progress its
resolution, and
IT IS FURTHER
RESOLVED, that the town of
New Hartford understands the magnitude of funding required to satisfy the
obligations of the Consent Order and City of Utica SPDES permit requirements,
and
IT IS FURTHER
RESOLVED, that Town
property owners and rate payers within the Oneida County Sewer District are
unable to satisfy the Consent Order and City of Utica SPDES permit requirements
without funding assistance, and
IT IS FURTHER
RESOLVED, that on May 6,
2009, the Town of New Hartford, acting through the Oneida County Sewer District
Steering Committee, does fully endorse and encourage any and all efforts by
elected state and federal representatives and county leadership to pursue all
forms of funding assistance at the local, State, and federal levels to achieve
Consent Order and SPDES permit compliance.
The
foregoing Resolution was duly put to a vote upon roll call, resulting as
follows:
Councilwoman Krupa - Aye
Councilman Reynolds - Aye
Councilman Woodland - Aye
Councilman Payne - ABSENT
Supervisor Reed - Aye.
The Resolution was thereafter declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED.
Financial:
On recommendation of the Town Supervisor, Councilman Reynolds presented
the following Resolution for adoption; seconded by Councilwoman Krupa:
(RESOLUTION NO. 98 OF 2009)
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of New
Hartford does hereby authorize and direct the payment of the bills itemized on
the following Abstracts, which had been duly audited by the Town Board:
Fire District Fund
Abstract #4
Vouchers SF6 $ 369.75
Highway Fund
Part-Town Abstract #11
Vouchers DB351-DB361 $
30,138.50
General Fund
Part-Town Abstract #14
Vouchers BB80-BB84 $
5,052.54
General Fund
Whole-Town Abstract #20
Vouchers AA740-AA743 $ 560.17
General Fund
Whole-Town Abstract # 21
Vouchers AA749-AA750 $13,169.53
General Fund
Whole-Town Abstract #21
Vouchers AA746-AA748 $ 3,394.17
General Fund
Whole-Town Abstract #23
Vouchers AA751-AA777 $
44,155.54
General Fund
Whole-Town Abstract # 24
Vouchers AA778-AA798 $ 255.00
General Fund
Whole-Town Police Abstract #21A
Vouchers AA744-AA745 $ 1,552.37
General Police Fund
Whole-Town Abstract #23A
Vouchers AA778-AA784 $37,790.42
Sewer Fund Abstract
#12
Vouchers SS30 $
1,791.97
Sewer Fund Abstract
#13
Voucher SS31-SS34 $ 3,050.67
$141,280.63
Upon roll call, the
Board members voted as follows:
Councilwoman Krupa - Aye
Councilman Reynolds - Aye
Councilman Woodland - Aye
Councilman Payne - ABSENT
Supervisor Reed - Aye.
The Supervisor declared the Resolution unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED.
There being no further business to come before the Town Board, upon
motion of Councilman Reynolds and duly seconded, the meeting adjourned at 6:50
P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Wolanin Young, Town Clerk