Because of comments from Dutchess County Planning, the Pine Plains Town Board was unable to pass two laws at its meeting on Thursday, June 18 .
One was a modification that would allow a single property that falls into two different zones to be zoned entirely in the less restrictive one. If not resolved, this could affect the potential purchase of the former Lia’s Mountain View.
The other concerned the definition of a “farmstand,” which could impact the expansion of a storage facility at 2814-16 Church St. into a site for selling local produce.
As a result, both proposals will be adjusted. Public hearings for both laws will remain open through the next board meeting. Town Attorney Warren Replansky will also look into both matters further.
Board member Trevor Roush proposed holding a workshop to discuss alternative uses for the property on Main Street that has been designated for a new Town Hall. The board scheduled this for Sept. 14.
Replansky introduced a proposal to amend the Conservation Advisory Council that would allow new members every two years, upon the removal of that number of current members. A public hearing will be held on it at next month’s Town Board meeting.
During public comment, Town Clerk Madelin Dafoe read a letter from Joan Franzone, a member of the CAC, criticizing the CAC’s creation of swimming access for adults into Stissing Lake. Franzone cited the potential environmental impact of fencing this area and laying a barrier on the lake bed. She noted that it would ruin an unobstructed view that corresponds to the diorama in the Museum of Natural History, and that kayaks disturb plant life.
In response, Roush said that, according to a Department of Environmental Conservation official, up to one acre of benthic barrier is allowed in the area. Board member Kevin Walsh noted, “Small area, big lake,” and added, “We haven’t violated anything or harmed anything. We want to protect our shoreline. But there is a lot of shoreline.”
Replansky also reported that bonding for the highway truck and tractor was scheduled to close next week with the Bank of Millbrook. This is timely, as Highway Superintendent Carl Baden reported that they have both arrived — the truck four years after it was initially ordered.
Baden recommended two candidates for the department who were approved by the board: Jacquelyn Brousseau as secretary and Joseph Cotton as heavy machine equipment operator.
Steve Camburn of the Police Department requested approval for a trial of an AI report-writing system by Axon; the board asked for an updated quote. It did not address the department’s request for hiring an additional officer.
The board passed a motion that the library be able to use the downstairs (basement) area of the building for programming without having to obtain prior approval. It also accepted Keary Hannan’s resignation as alternate to the Zoning Board of Review, and approved Jay Osofsky to the position.
After going into executive session, the board approved Camp Director Megan Brenner’s proposal to hire eight camp counselors, one of whom will serve as head counselor, and four sub-counselors.
Supervisor Brian Walsh reminded people that town Clean-up Day will be from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 20.
The next Pine Plains Town Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. on July 16.
Correction: A previous version of this story said that Trevor Roush learned from the DEC that one acre of fence is allowed in Stissing Lake for swim access. This has been corrected to one acre of benthic barrier.