Present: Jim Bottoni, Dave Covert, Angela Einwachter, Len McConnell, Arnold Palmer, Carl Wahlstrom

Also present: Members of the public.

The meeting was called to order at 7:12 p.m.

The minutes from May’s meeting were reviewed. Arnold made a motion to accept the minutes as written, seconded by Len. The minutes were approved as presented.

Carl brought up the material that was presented at the June Town Board meeting pertaining to the Adult Use Moratorium. This material contained specific information/definitions on adult use. Do we need to explicitly define the various adult use situations covered in the law. We will check with the town’s attorney to verify how much information is necessary within the body of our draft law.

Noise Ordinances
This is a very touchy subject to deal with. There are a lot of activities that generate noise, such as farming, equipment usage, animals. The noise ordinance needs to address the troublesome noise without putting a burden on those engaged in everyday activity. We will look to other towns to see how they’ve done it and how it works for them.

Len reported that Amy Dlugos’ boss took early retirement so she’s swamped in the office. He is still working on scheduling her to come to a meeting once her schedule permits.

Carl and Angela presented the draft of the Industrial Wind Turbine Law. Carl emphasized that the goal of this regulation is to protect all town residents and taxpayers, lease holders and non-leaseholders. The material from the Provence of Ontario alternative energy standards was shared as the basis for much of the draft content. There was a discussion regarding the decibel levels and set back stipulations. Len expressed concern about the distance of 3116 feet from point of reception.

Guest Bruce Taylor offered to loan the group a book containing the names of independent consultants to hire for the noise studies.

Jim asked how may wind farms are in the area. We don’t have the exact number but can look into it.

Dave suggested that we should not be as concerned about the placement of turbines on a leaseholder’s property in relation to their own home. He also mentioned that if we charge $40 per KW per permit the companies may balk at paying for road repair. Dave also stated that if we get more information on the noise levels and acceptable ranges he will be o.k. with the setbacks.

Guest John Servo mentioned that although the setbacks might preclude placement of a turbine initially, people are free to negotiate with the companies to allow easements for the construction. This protects both the leaseholder and non-leaseholder by compensating for any inconvenience.

Guest Charlie Schimmel pointed out that you can’t make the zoning regulation so restrictive that the project is not feasible and therefore could be challenged in court.

The commission decided that we should request from the Town Board that one or more sound experts be hired in order to present a valid study of turbine noise and acceptable sound levels. Carl and Angela reiterated that this is a working draft and more work will need to be done.

Jim asked for clarification on what we are looking for with respect to the contaminated sites. He did obtain the tax data but needs to speak to Diane Burritt to understand more of the data. The tax data is for each parcel. Diane is only in on Fridays so he will try and get with her and share info at the next meeting.

It was agreed that the meetings would still be the 2nd Thursday of the month but the time will change to 7:00 p.m.

Privilege of the Floor
Charlie Schimmel pointed out that the May minutes have a typo. It should be 2000 feet, not 5000 feet.

Bruce posed the question, “If Shurfine sells Playboy magazine is this considered adult use?” The draft does state that the law would not violate First Amendment Rights so it wouldn’t be considered Adult Use under the law.

Carl made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Arnold.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Angela Einwachter