MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN OF ELLICOTT PLANNING BOARD HELD AT THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 215 SOUTH WORK STREET, FALCONER, NY 14733 ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2006 AT 7:00 P.M.

 

PRESENT: Chairman Dan Evans, Gary Swanson, Ron Calanni, Dave Carlberg, Paul Shanahan,

                     Robert Thomas, Attorney William Wright, Code Enforcement Office Randy Woodbury

                     and Secretary Valerie Pierce.

 

ABSENT:    Phyllis Belin

 

Chairman Evans opened the meeting at 7:00 PM.

 

Motion made by Dave Carlberg, seconded by Paul Shanahan to approve the minutes of the July 12, 2006 meeting.

 

Carried.                          Ayes – 6                       Noes – 0                         Absent –1

 

Chairman Evans reopened the Public Hearing for Site Plan Review for Valeo, 2258 Allen St., Jamestown, NY to install a truck dock at the southwest corner of the facility.

 

Mr. Todd Anderson, Plant Manager for Valeo, addressed the Board. He said when he appeared at the July meeting the Board asked him to talk to Bill Rice from the Jamestown Department of Development to get their comments. Mr. Rice was to send a letter to the Town but the Town has not received the letter. Mr. Rice told him Jamestown’s biggest concern was the traffic.

 

Discussion followed on:

 

1)    the traffic – they do not have as much control on when the deliveries are made as they do on the outgoing material – they can only request certain times -  they receive one load a day on average – the closest crosswalk is at the corner

2)    the safety of having the truck dock on the west end of the plant that uses the aluminum coil stock to prevent having to take it through the plant

3)    the drawings that Mr. Anderson provided – showing where the dock would be and how

                  much room they have to back the trailer to the dock – the trailers could be up to 73 feet long

there is no other place to put the dock that would not interfere with the parking, the    

compressors, the utilities or the entrance to the plant

4)    the safety concerns - the Board can not allow a situation where people have to go out and around into the road surface to get around a truck – if the Board approves this project they could impose a condition that no part of the truck can exceed three feet from the street curb – that would allow people to walk by – they might be able to leave the cab jack-knifed – Mr. Anderson said any truck with a normal cab should not be an issue

5)    the amount of time it would take to unload – Mr. Anderson said it could take up to an hour

6)    if it would be feasible to separate the cab of the truck while they are unloading if the cab extended beyond a certain point – Rex Tolman told the Board there is another authority, the manual uniform traffic devices, which sets the design criteria that is established by the State

7)    a safety traffic director  - Gary Swanson asked if there could be one while the truck is there even when it is parked – their receiving hours are from 7:00 AM to evening – Attorney Wright thought it would be better to impose a condition that they cannot block the sidewalk

8)    if the Board could impose a condition that signage be put up – Paul Shanahan asked if a sign such as “tractors must stay off curb or dismount trailer” up – Mr. Anderson said there is a fee they must pay each time the dismount the tractor from the trailer and it could leave a potential safety issue that if for some reason the pod in the front of the trailer collapses the trailer might fall forward – the driver could be asked to put a trailer jack under it – they do not anticipating that a dismount be necessary every time only when the larger truck come in

 

Mr. Anderson said they would agree to the condition that no truck can park so as to prevent at least three foot of pedestrian walkway from the curb – Randy suggested at least four feet because the standard sidewalks are 4 feet and 5 feet – Mr. Anderson said they would agree but he would need that in writing for Valeo.

 

Discussion followed on waiving the requirement for a licensed engineer’s stamp on the plans. Mr. Anderson said Jim Dunn from Wellsville was the P.E. that did the original plans for Valeo about seven years ago.

 

The Planning Board went through the Site Plan checklist noting:

 

1)    the Board decided they would only need a stamped plan of the portion where they are adding the truck dock on the basis that there has been previous current review of the site

2)    there are no curb cuts

3)    there is no change in the drainage – the Board waived the requirement of a grading and drainage plan because of the existing parking lot – Mr. Anderson said they have a storm water permit that covers the total facility -  Valeo’s engineer can comment on the plans that this project will not impact the storm water plan they have

4)    the plans already show the parking lined and striped – the total area is concrete – there is no definite sidewalk

5)    the utilities do not change

6)    fire hydrants do not change

7)    there will be informational traffic signs – they will be 2’ by 2’ signs against the wall – they are exempt signs

8)    no lighting changes

9)    project construction schedule – as soon as they have approval

10) there is NYS requirements for removing the wall since it has asbestos in the paint – and they will have a third party come in to do the monitoring – Randy said he would also monitor that process

11) when Valeo is considering this project with their engineer, they should keep in mind the Planning Board has discussed imposing a four foot setback requirement from the curb and see if he can build that in on the plans

 

Mr. Anderson asked the Planning Board to table this project pending receipt of the additional information.

 

Motion made by Paul Shanahan, seconded by Dave Carlberg to table this application until the October meeting.

 

Carried.                                    Ayes – 6                            Noes –0                       Absent –1

 

Chairman Evans reopened the Site Plan Review for Thomas Shelters, 2553 South Work Street Ext., Falconer, NY to add office space to the approved storage building and for approval to sell used cars.

 

Randy told the Board members that he and Gary Swanson had a conversation with Mr. Shelters.

 

Gary informed the Board that Mr. Shelters was waiting for his engineer, Jerry Erickson, to recalculate the size of the pond.  The Board approved the site plan with a bigger pond but Mr. Shelters has built it about half the size.  There does not seem to be any problem with the pond.  The neighbor has had no problems and feels it does improve the drainage.

 

Randy said the engineer does have to evaluate the pond. Mr. Shelters knows he cannot make any changes until he catches up with the current approved site plan. Mr. Shelters told Randy the paving would be done next week.

 

Gary said Mr. Shelters has left a space for an office.  Randy said it is space he cannot use except for storage. It has no water or sewer connections that would be required for an office. Gary stated that he thinks he is intending to use it as an office.  Mr. Shelters eliminated a couple of regular storage units and modified it by putting in windows and man doors. Randy said the footprint of the building is identical and this office space is in the second phase of buildings not the first.

 

Mr. Rex Tolman, P.E., told the Board just because you have a short duration of time that you do not have any drainage problems the ponds are designed for up to a hundred year storm.  Attorney Wright said not only that but the drainage was originally designed to have pavement because it was a requirement. They have not had that pavement so it might have not needed as much detention because of the gravel instead of the pavement.

 

Attorney Wright said the modified plan was not approved so Mr. Shelters cannot use the space for office space.  This project stays on the table. 

 

Dave Carlberg asked how a pond can be re-engineered if it has already been approved.  The Board members were in agreement that should not be allowed. Attorney Wright said this becomes an enforcement issue because Mr. Shelters is not compliant. Randy said the offer to have the drainage re-studied should have been done immediately and now Mr. Shelters has to comply with approved plan.

 

Chairman Evans opened the Public Hearing for the Site Plan Review for Falconer Enterprises LLC for phase II of their site plan approved August 2005 to include a showroom and offices for Harley Davidson of Jamestown at 1951 East Main Street Ext., Falconer, NY.

 

Brian Reid and Kevin Reid presented plans for Phase II of the site plan. Randy advised them to come before the Board because things have taken longer than originally planned.  They provided renderings and a site plan that shows the actual building for phase II.

 

Randy told the Board this project was brought in with as much detail as possible from the beginning. They did not know which way the Health Department would go but that issue will be addressed with the building permit

 

Brian Reid reviewed with the Board:

 

1)    the driveways are finished and the service building is finished

2)    the second phase building footprint has now been determined - they had elevations and renderings to show the Board

3)    it was his understanding the septic was the only thing that was not done

4)    the one house was completely demolished and several of the smaller buildings were gone - the one house is still there and one shed - those buildings will be eliminated as soon as they move ahead with the building for the second phase

5)    since the second phase building dimensions were not determined the building is smaller -  it was only on the original plans as a rectangular box

6)    the storm water should not be affected  - the proposed concrete and pavement stayed the same

7)    he explained the ingress and egress

8)    they had wanted to get driveway access across from I-86 but it was too costly- they decided to keep the existing driveways - NYS DOT has approved the plans

9)    they have tried to get focal points from coming from Falconer and Kennedy as well as coming off I-86

10) the building is set back further – it is slightly narrower and slightly shorter – it is 80’ by 180’ instead of 100’ by 200’

11) the location of the building is the same

12) internally they were required by Hartley Davidson to have a certain number of square footage – they went with a two story structure – the engineer expanded the upstairs mezzanine to keep the square footage the same

13) the smaller building gives them some real estate to put the septic

 

Rex Tolman, P.E., explained they are just in the process of designing the utilities. They plan to do a directional boar under Route 394.  The 12-inch water main is on the opposite side of the road. They look into the Jamestown system for the sewer but it was too expensive.  The County Health Department is on Board for the septic. Mr. Tolman said the soil is good gravel soil.  They are putting in an oil or grease separator for the wash rack and floor drains.  They are in the process of designing that with the Health Department. They should have the utilities designed within a couple months.

 

Randy suggested a new fire hydrant because they have a 500-foot hose requirement from a hydrant and if water is available you have to have a hydrant.

 

Randy thought the applicant was going to bring in the approved site plans but they did not have it.    Mr. Tolman said they did have a new survey done by Dan Berry. The Town does not have a site plan with the changes. Brian Reid stated that what was built was built according to plan. It is only the building on the second phase that will be smaller and does show on the plans presented.

 

Paul Shanahan asked if the only thing still not completed that was approved for phase I is the removal the buildings and Mr. Reid stated that was correct.

 

Kevin Reid went to get the approved site plans at their office.

 

Kevin Petru, Development Manager for Starbucks Coffee Company and Paul Potter, P.E., requested a sketch plan review for the new Starbucks on Fairmount Avenue, Jamestown, NY. 

 

Mr. Petru told the Board they are proposing a new Starbuck’s coffee retail store at 944-956 Fairmount Ave., W.E., Jamestown, NY between Wicks Avenue and Green Street.

 

The Board reviewed the project with Mr. Petru and Mr. Potter and discussed:

 

1)    the land is currently undeveloped - it is approximately 38,000 SF with about 200 feet of frontage and 150 feet of depth on the Wicks side and deeper on the Green Street side - they will develop approximately 2/3 of the property – the store will be 1750 SF with 28 inside seats and parking for 22 cars

2)    they will have a drive thru window

3)    the ingress and egress - there is no access onto Route 394 nor access onto Wicks Avenue – all access will be off Green Street 

4)    the required variances needed from the Zoning Board  – they are at this meeting only so the Planning Board can take a look at it – the Zoning Board had not seen this plan

5)    the retaining wall

6)    the drainage – Mr. Potter did not think they needed storm water calculations because it was less than ½ acre of impervious area – Randy told them the Town code is 0 net regardless of acres – they can put in larger pipes and control the output – no drainage goes to Green Street – everything will slope to the back of the property

7)    the photo metrics are still being prepared

8)    utilities – Mr. Potter did speak to the South and Center Sewer District about the sewer –

9)    signs – there will be directional signs and they will need variances from the Zoning Board for some signs – they will appear before the Zoning Board on September 25, 2006

10) landscaping is not on the plans yet but will be ready for the October meeting

11) the outdoor storage will be fenced

12) the fire hydrants are existing

 

Mr. Petru requested the Board have a special meeting before the October 11 meeting. Dan told them if they could get their plans in before the meeting the Board would certainly like time to look the plans over before the meeting.  Attorney Wright said since they have to go before the Zoning Board meeting on September 25th they would have to finalize their plans and get them to the Town 10 days prior to the meeting so the Town can publish a notice and notify the neighbors. They would only gain four days. Mr. Petru said they would appear on October 11th. 

 

The Board continued with the Site Plan for Falconer Enterprises, LLC. Mr. Reid provided a copy of the approved site plan and the Board noted:

 

1)    the plans received tonight had changes for Phase II of site plan – the driveways will change and the new building will change – everything done for Phase I was as approved on the original site plan

2)    the drainage was designed and approved for both Phase I and Phase II

3)    the Board would like one final plan for the modified site plan to include the 28 points of the site plan

4)    Mr. Reid said they tabled the “groundbreaking” until spring because of the delays

5)    the Health Department approved the temporary use of the current septic system

6)    the new building needs a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals because it is over two stories (Section 146-36 B of the code) – Mr. Reid said they will apply for a variance

 

Motion made by Ron Calanni, seconded by Dave Carlberg to table this application until the October 11, 2006 meeting.

 

Carried.                         Ayes – 6                                 Noes – 0                             Absent –1

 

Gary Swanson took over as Acting Chairman.

 

Mr. Swanson opened the Public Hearing for the Site Plan Review for Dan Evans for a patio and landscaping on the southwest corner of the existing building at 986 Fairmount Ave., W.E., Jamestown, NY.

 

Dan Evans provided three sets of plans for this project.

 

The Board reviewed the plans noting:

1)    the County Planning Board had reviewed these plans and the Town had received a letter from the County

2)    Mr. Evans has applied for a variance for the setbacks for the staircase and to square off the structure – Attorney Wright explained the code requires a building to be set back 50 feet from the front property line and it will be only 36’ 8” - the side property line it is required to be 20 feet and it will be only 10’ 4 – Mr. Evans did not have County approval for the September 11, 2006 meeting so the Zoning Board could not take any action on the variances

3)    Mr. Evans submitted pictures to show the reasons they are trying to beautify the area

4)    they would enclose the coolers and the other space will be used for dry storage

5)    they are also doing inside renovations

6)    they will have an exit door for a fire exit

7)    there will be a security light at that door –  there will be no other additional lighting

8)    there will be no other outdoor storage

9)    they will reconstruct the awing the way it was

10) this would be decorative patio not an active use patio – just for beautification

11) the concrete pad already exist but they would replace it with new concrete

12) Dan Berry did the survey submitted

 

Discussion followed on if this would be considered a structure. Attorney Wright said that he thought this would be considered a structure that would also need a variance.  Mr. Evans did not consider a concrete pad or a stamped concrete patio a structure.

 

Attorney Wright said the Board had an issue with Wegman’s patio.  They were building a structure or it would not have triggered site plan. Mr. Woodbury stated he did not bring Wegmans in because it was a structure but because it was a significant use variation on the property that was not on the original site plan.

 

If the Board determines this is a modification to the site plan, it does it contingent on the determination of the Zoning Board on the porch and the building setback.  The Board could waive the topals as long as they have a site plan that shows the topals.

 

Gary Swanson asked if Dan would consider just landscaping the area.  Mr. Evans did not want to ask for any more variances from the Zoning Board. He would build the building in the same dimensions. He could keep his sign and put in a dry storage and keep everything existing as it is. Mr. Evans said he is trying to beautify the corner and without the patio it will not help him.  He thinks the patio is key ambience. He did have a patio before that was a structure because it had a footer, columns and walkways.

 

The definition of a structure exempts driveways and walkways that are attached. Paul Shanahan said he asked if the difference would be using or not using it as a patio. Dan said he would put tables out there for ambience. Dave Carlberg asked what the size of a walkway is and if this could be considered a walkway.  Mr. Woodbury stated it is usually 4’ to 5’ but can be wider. A walkway connects something to something else. Paul stated there are two doors.

 

Mr. Woodbury stated he did not bring Wegmans in because of the structure.  He brought it in because it was a significant use variation on the property that was not on the site plan.

 

Mr. Woodbury asked if Dan would consider downsizing it to the size of the awning. It could be considered a walkway between the two doors if it were to follow the outline of the awning.  Mr. Evans said he would agree to have the concrete follow the outline of the awning and eliminate a section of the sidewalk. He would landscape the other area. Attorney Wright said he can narrow it down but needs to have a way to the main sidewalk because of the fire code. 

 

Mr. Woodbury made the determination that if the concrete goes westerly no further then the nine-foot awnings he would define it as a covered walkway. Mr. Woodbury marked a four-foot minimum for the connection.  He marked the area under the awing 9 feet and added the landscaping area. Mr. Evans agreed with the changes.

 

The Board continued with the site plan checklist noting:    

1)    the Board waived drainage plans on the basis that it is a minimal affected area and a letter received from Ralph Wilson, P.E., stating the renovations and yard work shown on drawings dated 9/9/06 would not alter the existing storm water drainage

2)   it would be sided to match the existing building

2)    the fire hydrants are on the other side of Johnny’s Lunch and Monroe Muffler

3)    no change in utilities -  they will have electric into the dry storage area

4)    they would remove two signs

5)    landscaping is shown on the plans – low shrubs

6)    there would be an emergency light only

7)    this would be storage area – no more retail

8)    they would like to start next month – he would need the variance approval he could begin

9)    the Town received the letter from the County Planning Board

 

The Board did not have any other concerns. Attorney Wright stated the approval would have to be contingent on the area variances being approved by the Zoning Board.  Mr. Woodbury was asked to draw equally on the two other sets of plans. 

 

Mr. Wright also determined this project is exempt as a Type II action under NYCRR 617.5 (7) as the construction of an accessory nonresidential structure of less then 4000 SF grossed floor area not involving any change in zoning.

 

Motion made by Paul Shanahan, seconded by Ron Calanni to approve the site plan for Dan Evans, 986 Fairmount Ave., W.E., Jamestown, NY for a landscaping and a walkway on the southwest corner of the existing building contingent on:

 

1)    the approval of the variance from the Zoning Board

2)    the changes made by the Mr. Woodbury, Code Enforcement Officer, regarding the walkway

 

Carried.               Ayes – 5                Noes – 0           Abstain – 1 (Evans)        Absent - 1 

 

Motion made by Dave Carlberg, seconded by Ron Calanni to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 PM.

 

Carried.               Ayes – 6                                 Noes –0                        Absent – 1

 

 

 

________________________________

Valerie Pierce, Secretary