Town Board discusses the issues Water quality, rezoning and highway bids considered

PINE PLAINS — The Town Board gathered for its monthly meeting on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. A number of issues were discussed.

Firstly, town Supervisor Brian Coons spoke about the water quality of Stissing Lake at the town beach. The water quality has been poor this summer due to fecal contamination from geese and other wildlife. The beach had to be closed on numerous occasions while testing was done by the Dutchess County Board of Health. Results of county and local tests are now available on the town’s website, www.pineplains-ny.gov.

A travel request by Town Justice Louis Imperato to attend the state magistrates association’s annual conference and advance training program in Niagara Falls from Sept. 27 through Sept. 30 was approved.

Planning Board member Vikki Soracco spoke during public comments. She asked the board about a tree that was recently cut down at the corner park by the intersection of routes 199 and 82. The tree was planted in honor of Parade of Lights champion Marion Dodge after her death. Coons said the town spoke with Dodge’s daughter before removing the tree, and that she’ll be involved in deciding where the replacement tree should be planted.

Soracco also asked if rumors she heard that a large pine tree at the park was coming down were true. She was informed they were not.

Coons spoke about the library building and said that he’s been in talks with Bank of Millbrook President George T. Whalen III. According to the supervisor, Whalen is addressing some of the issues the town has with the library and soon the two will be able to move forward with the building purchase.

Attorney to the Town Warren Replansky informed the public that he is preparing a lawsuit against the Pine Plains Fire District for its failure to pay hydrant fees to the town. 

Replansky also said he has issues he wants to address regarding the employee manual, which the town is in the midst of bringing up-to-date.

Three new library trustees were named: Tully Lyons, Diana Woolis and Ester Williams.

Though the building inspector was absent, his report was submitted nonetheless. It noted that the BP gas station on Route 199 has been torn down. 

It also made recommendations regarding zoning changes to the town code book. Building Inspector Drew Weaver recommended two areas along Stissing and Twin Island lakes be rezoned.

“The Rural Zoning District is a five-acre district with the largest setback requirements in town, 75-foot front- and rear-yard setbacks, 50-foot side-yard setbacks” Weaver wrote in his letter to the Town Board. “The two areas I am recommending to be rezoned contain approximately 40 parcels of property and only four contain the required five acres. Many of these lots are so narrow it is impossible or nearly impossible to build without the issuance of a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals [ZBA].”

Weaver attached a map to his recommendations.

Replansky said the Planning Board and ZBA probably have recommendations to make as well.

The animal control report, assessors’ report and police report were all sent to the board.

The water district report was also introduced into the night’s business. The Water Improvement Area’s Gary Keeler told the board that the district had to disconnect a water line across from the Old Ford garage, and that it will have to close the road again when it gets tarred. Keeler said the project went well.

An update was given on the bath house. The engineer wasn’t present, but the supervisor said the town had to file for an extension on the project.

The recreation report noted that the beach would close down for the season on Friday, Aug. 21 (see photo Page A1). Flag football and wrestling will start up in September.

Highway Superintendent Heather Wilson gave a report. She said that 5.23 miles of town roads have been prepped for resurfacing. 

She also asked for board approval to publish a legal notice in this newspaper advertising for highway bids for materials for 2016. The board agreed.

Wilson also informed the board that salt prices are going to increase this year. Salt is used on town roadways during the winter to contend with snow and ice.

Also, Wilson said, the drain gates in the bank parking lot are completed. Briggs Paving Inc., will be asked to complete the lining and sealing, and the town is going to inquire about the cost of putting enter and exit arrows in the lot.

Replansky presented the attorney’s report. He noted that the town is awaiting bonding on the 10-inch water line improvement.

Lastly, the board went into executive session to discuss personnel issues. When it returned it voted to hire Vinny Parliman as a flag man for the water company, at $15.70 an hour.

Following that action the board adjourned its meeting.