Town of Hague Planning Board
December 6, 2007
Members present: Chairman E.J. Siwek, Rolly Allen, John Brown, Bruce Clark, Richard Frasier,
Pam Peterson
Members absent: one vacancy (resignation of Peter Foster)
Also attending: Zoning Enforcement Officer Catherine Clark, Recording Secretary Nancy Young
E.J. Siwek called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
The minutes from the meeting on 11/1/2007 were reviewed. Pam Peterson requested her comments concerning the Cornell subdivision application, page 2, be included. Added as a second paragraph.
1) Why aren’t the test pits in the area where leach field is placed?
2) The MHW of 42 inches was stated. She requested clarification of how that number was determined.
3) She requested input from the Lake George Waterkeeper.
A motion to accept the amended minutes was heard from Bruce Clark and seconded by Richard Frasier.
Vote: Carried 6-0
Ayes: Siwek, Allen, Brown, Clark, Frasier, Peterson
The applicant is requesting approval for a two-lot subdivision of a 33-acre parcel. If approved lot #1 would consist of 21.5 acres and lot #2 would measure 11.5 acres.
Issue: Section 150-6 Review of minor subdivision plat
Ms. Clark reviewed the proposal.
Both lots will exceed size requirements.
The existing home is located on lot #2.
The owner expects the survey to be completed within the month.
The property does not fall within the bounds of a nearby archeo-senitive area.
The property was part of a subdivision, approved by the Planning Board on 7/6/1995.
A motion was made by EJ Siwek and seconded by John Brown to deem the application complete, based on Code standards, despite the absence of the final survey.
Vote: Carried, 6-0
Ayes: Siwek, Allen, Brown, Clark, Frasier, Peterson
A Site Visit was scheduled for 12/13/2007 at 9:00 am. Members not able to attend will visit independently.
The Short Environmental Assessment Form will be completed after the group has visited the site.
A Public Hearing was scheduled for the next meeting on 1/3/2008.
Cathy Clark explained the applicant is requesting approval to construct a single-family residence that will be located 77 feet from a brook. On 6/7/2001 the Planning Board approved a similar application; the applicant is now ready to develop the property.
Planning Board issue: 160-27 C (1)(d) development within 100 ft. of a stream.
Warren County has determined “No County Impact”.
Written comments concerning this project were submitted.
Chris Navitsky, Lake George Waterkeeper - dated 11/28/2007*
H. Thomas Jarrett, Jarrett-Martin Engineers, PLLC - dated 11/29/2007
Engineer Tom Jarrett and L.G. Waterkeeper Chris Navitsky were in attendance and reviewed their comments with the Board.
Mr. Jarrett briefly reviewed the points highlighted in his letter. He assured the Board that discussion related to items #3 and #4, issues pertaining to distribution and the leaching system, will continue until all parties are confident with the outcome.
Mr. Navitsky reported he is basically satisfied that his concerns about the project have been addressed. The distribution remains a concern, though.
*Ms. Clark made a clarification of Mr. Navitsky’s letter. Comment #3 references NYSDOH regulation 75-A. It is the NYSDOH Handbook that notes a recommended distance, not the 75-A DOH regulations.
According to Mr. Jarrett, Dave Decker of the Lake George Watershed Conference has been approached about the culvert discharge draining onto the Cornell property. He has agreed to coordinate a meeting with Dave Wick of Warren County Soil and Water and Mr. Jarrett to address the situation. A permit to work on State land will be required.
In regards to the steep slope of the property:
While the proposed plans are very thorough, the advisability of deeming the area suitable for building, as was done in 2001, was questioned.
Ms. Clark will be provided a complete set of construction plans once they are finalized. She will monitor the project to ensure the plans are followed during excavation and construction.
Construction starting date will be dependant upon resolution of the drainage issue as well as the weather. Mr. Cornell stated his intention to continue to have Mr. Jarrett advise during the project.
The importance of maintaining shoreline-cutting restrictions was stressed.
The closest digging to the brook (75 ft.) will be for the footings for the deck supports.
Rolly Allen moved to approve, assuming the data is correct as submitted.
• Drawings will be updated to reflect changes from the original submission and a copy will be submitted to the Zoning Office.
• Tree cutting restrictions as stated in Section 160-50B(a)(1) of the Ordinance will be maintained.
• Jarrett–Martin will continue to monitor and guide during construction and will provide certification to the Town that construction meets the plans.
• The applicant agrees to a satisfactory solution to mitigate culvert discharge.
• Chris Navitsky and Tom Jarrett will resolve the distribution of the leaching system.
John Brown seconded the motion.
Vote: Carried, 5-1
Ayes: Siwek, Allen, Brown, Clark, Peterson
Nays: Frasier
The applicant is requesting an addition/replacement of an existing deck. Currently the deck sits 61 feet from Lake George. If approved it will be located 51 feet from the shoreline.
Planning Board issue: Site Plan Review Section160-23 C (1)(g) new construction within 100 feet of the lake.
Cathy Clark explained the existing house is coming off of its foundation. The deck was removed while jacking the structure to repair it. Having visited the site previously, she was able to verify the location.
Bruce Clark moved to deem the application complete. Richard Frasier seconded.
Vote: Carried 6-0
Ayes: Siwek, Allen, Brown, Clark, Frasier, Peterson
A Site Visit was scheduled for 12/13/2007 following the visit to the Amara property.
Code modification - Section 160-10 Structures, 160-50 Shorelines
After examining the existing sections and the suggested wording provided by Ms. Clark the group decided to request the Town Attorney review and supply recommended language.
Resignation - Peter Foster has resigned from the Planning Board, effective 12/3/2007. Members expressed gratitude for his seven years of service.
Lot size and suitability for building - Planning Board members briefly discussed the challenges related to building on a small or steeply sloped lot, specifically the difficulty of placing a septic system.
John Brown moved to adjourn at 8:15 pm. Bruce Clark seconded.
Vote: Carried, 6-0
Vote: Carried 6-0
Ayes: Siwek, Allen, Brown, Clark, Frasier, Peterson