Present: Ron Davis, Pierre Gontier, Jennifer Mickle, Chad Lindberg, Michael Belknap, Lauree Hickok.
Absent: Ian Hooper.

The meeting was called to order by Mr. Davis at 7:00 p.m. with three people in the audience. Chairman Davis introduced the Board’s new member, Lauree Hickok.

1) The first item on the agenda was to complete the AT&T site plan to go onto Mariner Tower at Berkshire Farm. Ron read undated letter received today from Joseph Whitaker expressing concerns about the color of the cell tower. We now have the correct certificate of insurance naming the Town of Canaan as an additional insured. If everyone agrees with the certificate of liability, Motion by Pierre Gontier to approve the application for AT&T to go onto the Mariner Tower; 2nd by Chad Lindberg. The clerk polled the Board:

Ron Davis: Yes
Michael Belknap: Yes
Chad Lindberg: Yes
Pierre Gontier: Yes
Jennifer Mickle: Yes
Lauree Hickok: Yes

All in favor.

Jim Woodward submitted a check for $75.00 for the special permit and site plan. Ron raised the question of releasing the AT&T escrow, which is different than Mariner which is being held until Linda makes her final inspection. Michael Belknap felt we should wait until after the Article 78 appeal period, probably at the next meeting. The Board stamped two site plans. One was given to the AT&T representative. Board members’ copies will be stamped at the next meeting, backdated, and held in case AT&T needs them.

2) Minutes of January 18, 2010 meeting: Ron said that the name “Doug Migliaccio” should be changed to “Jim Woodward” everywhere it occurs in the minutes. Other corrections noted on the draft copy. Motion by Michael Belknap to approve the minutes as amended; 2nd by Jennifer Mickle. The clerk polled the Board:

Ron Davis: Yes
Michael Belknap: Yes
Chad Lindberg: Yes
Pierre Gontier: Yes
Jennifer Mickle: Yes

New member Lauree Hickok did not vote because she was not a member in January.

3) Ron read the correspondence.
• Letter dated February 19, 2010 from Rick Keaveney requesting the Planning and Zoning Boards each appoint one member to serve with private residents on the ad hoc committee to research wind power. Pierre Gontier and Chad Lindberg had submitted letters of interest. Pierre thinks each board should appoint two members. Ron asked for a motion nominating someone. Michael Belknap made a motion to nominate Chad Lindberg with 2nd by Jennifer Mickle. All in favor of Chad Lindberg being the nominee, without a roll call.
• Letter dated February 8, 2010 from Mary Davis, Austerlitz Planning Board Clerk advising Canaan of site plan review and hearing on property that borders the Town of Canaan at the end of Mercer Mountain Road. Nothing is being built in Canaan, it’s all in Austerlitz. Property owner is Vreeland.
• Post card from Columbia Land Conservancy advising of Pancake Breakfast on March 27, 2010 in Hudson.
• Letter dated January 26, 2010 from Tammy Flaherty to Charlotte Cowan advising that Pierre Gontier will serve as Planning Board’s 2010 Deputy Chair.
• Letter dated February 1, 2010 from Ron Davis to Canaan Town Board making recommendations on the extension of the Flint’s Crossing moratorium.
• Notice of public hearing on February 8, 2010 on the proposed Local Law #1 re boundary line adjustments. Ron Davis called Town Attorney Andy Howard, made changes, returned to Charlotte, and Town Board approved. All local laws will be in paragraph format. Charlotte was asked to make copies of the new boundary line adjustment law.
• Flyer on Creative Leadership program for Managers, Supervisors and Team Leaders by CareerTrack.
• Periodical Nuggets & Nibbles from Cornell Local Roads Program.
• Periodical Talk of the Towns & Topics from NYS Association of Towns.
• Canaan Building Department monthly report for January 2010.

4) Additional business: Ron followed up on the last meeting with an email from Patricia Pelon at Crown Castle re removal bonds for cell towers. There are five bonds, three on the Hoffman site and two on the Davis site. Ron got the numbers, called Patricia and per her request, had Charlotte fax the numbers on February 19th. In that research Ron spoke to Brenda Adams, who couldn’t remember what the escrow account was and didn’t know why there were so many bonds. Brenda told Ron per the law, removal bonds are supposed to be revisited to account for inflation.

Michael Belknap asked if the Board acted on the Flint’s Crossing moratorium. Ron said we haven’t received the promised letter from NY State; the committee may meet again with NY State, CSX, etc.

Ron said there is one other thing in the packet: the Annual Statement of Finance and Other Interests information sheet for the Canaan Ethics Board—members should please complete and turn in to Charlotte.

Motion by Pierre with 2nd by Jennifer to adjourn at 7:52 p.m. All in favor.

For the planning board,


Julie Alexander, clerk pro tem.

Back to index of Meeting Minutes