PLANNING BOARD MEETING

August 11, 2014 Page 1 of 1

The regular meeting of the Town of Richfield Planning Board was held on Monday, August 11, 2014, at the Richfield Town Hall.  The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Urtz.  Other board members in attendance were Andela, Sullivan, Sylvester, Woodrow, and alternate Harris.

Motion to approve minutes from the July 14, 2014, meeting by Sullivan, second by Andela.  Andela – abstain, Sullivan – yes, Sylvester – yes, Woodrow – abstain, Urtz – yes.

Scott Olsen addressed the board on behalf of Verizon.  Verizon would like to install a cell tower in the Town of Richfield.  They have a 10,000 square feet lease  on the north side of Bargley Road; access is provided by an old logging road.  All the setbacks can be made to comply with Local Law Number 2 of 1999, “A Local Law Regulating the Siting of Wireless Telecommunications Facilities.”   The proposed tower will be 190 feet with a lightning rod of 9 feet, for a total height of 199 feet.  Verizon will be asking for a waiver on Section 9 (Height of the Telecommunications Tower) and Section 24 (Liability Insurance).  The company will provide proof of insurance, but not a copy of the insurance policy; that information is proprietary.   Balloons will be floated to measure visual impact.

Mr. Olsen questioned whether the permit process will go through the Town Board or Planning Board.  Number 5 under definitions defines “Board” as the Town Board of the Town of Richfield.  That will need to be determined by the Town Board.  The company is also planning to put another tower in close proximity to this proposed one in the Town of Columbia.  Board member Sullivan asked why have two towers so close. 

Board member Woodrow asked if the company took into account Section 7, A, concerning the preferences for the siting of a tower.  The company has and options 1, 2, and 3 are not doable.  They can provide a photo simulation.  Woodrow also asked if the tower will comply with Section 6-V, to accommodate other servers in the future if asked.  Yes, that will be planned for.

The board discussed the telecommunications law. Section 4 (Definitions) # 5 clearly defines “board” as the Town Board. Section 6 (A) does give the Town Board the authority to delegate to the permit process to another agency of the town. The town board may also want to review the application and bond requirements set in 1999 to determine if those requirements need to be changed.

Motion by Sullivan, second by Woodrow that members of the Planning Board review Local Law No. 2 of 1999 and discuss it at the next meeting. Andela – yes, Sullivan – yes, Sylvester – yes, Woodrow – yes, Urtz – yes.

Motion to adjourn at 7:50 PM by Sylvester, second by Sullivan.  Unanimous.

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Monica Harris, Clerk