25 Jan January 25th, 2016 Minutes

THE FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY SIXTH SESSION OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMAN

VILLAGE OF ALAMANCE
January 25, 2016 – 7:00 PM

Present: Mayor Tichy, Alderman Sharpe, Alderman Crouse, Alderman Tichy, Alderman Jones, Alderman Isley and Clerk York

Alderman Crouse gave the invocation.

Alderman Dan Tichy moved to approve the December 21, 2015 meeting minutes. Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS

Report on Cabin Pump Station Project

Mark Reich reported that more progress has been made this past month. All the riser has been installed for the dosing tank. They have backfilled around the pad for the dosing tank. The access driveway has not been completed. Once this is completed, the project will be in pretty good shape. All the piping is complete at this point. They had to switch out the mixer. Duke Power did not have three phase power on Pond Road. They had to switch out some of the electrical components and put a converter in the control panel for a single phase mixer. This has been worked out, and the mixer should be in, in two weeks. Some of the testing will begin after that. They will run several cycles to make sure everything is working properly before they do the final tie-in. Then, they can divert the flow into the new line. They planned to get started today with some of the pump station renovations. The weather is hindering the process at this point. Mayor Tichy asked about the estimated completion date. Mr. Reich responded the project could be completed in 4-6 weeks. It may be less time on the dosing tank. Mayor Tichy thanked Mr. Reich for his report.

Sawyer Exterminating, Work on Town Hall

Marty Stadler, Marketing & Operations Coordinator for Sawyer Exterminating, addressed the Board. He presented photos to the Board. They have installed a sump pump and vapor barrier. He pointed out the drain, underneath the gravel, in the photos. The vapor barrier is 12 mil, reinforced. He pointed out a photo showing the drain coming out of the wall, from the sump pump. This will certainly help in reducing the ambient humidity in the crawlspace of the Town Hall. The wood moisture, tested before this work was done, was over 20% in the Fall. This is high. The demarcation line is 20%; over 20% you start having issues such as insects and wood destroying fungus. The goal is to keep this at under 20%. The vapor barrier is now installed. They did find one small leak from the hot water heater. This has been repaired. Moisture comes from two sources. One is from the ground, with Alamance County’s red clay soil. The other source is from the ambient air, with the hot humid summertime. The second phase would include sealing the vents off and installing a dehumidifier. This will keep the humidity in the 60% range. Mike Davis commented that they were surprised when Sawyer Exterminating found a leaking line. They don’t know to what degree the leaking water heater was contributing to the problem. He recommended to let this wait, another 30 days, to give the system, now in place, a chance to work. The water heater likely contributed to the problem. Mr. Davis suggested they could come back in 30 days and test the humidity. At this point, they could evaluate doing the next phase. Before this, they would do the smog control with First Call, and completely “fog” the area. Then, they would install the insulation, and do some testing. Mayor Tichy thanked Mr. Stadler and Mr. Davis.

ORC Report

Arnold Allred reported that two bullets had been dodged in the last two months, with the collection system. High flows came through; if the pumps had not been repaired, there would have been trouble. The NC 62 station alarmed, in addition. Both pumps held and there were no overflows. The setup for the weekend, with the winter storm forecast, has now been broken down and the generator has been taken out. Luckily, the area did not get the weather that required this action, but you never know. It was a good setup. The creek cross and manhole inspections, hat are done twice each year, were completed before Christmas. There was one tree down on the NC 62 side, behind the ballfield. Rusty Saxon took care of cutting that up. Everything is clear now, on the right-of-ways. Everything looks good regarding the distribution system. They will be doing THM testing in February. Mayor Tichy thanked Mr. Allred for his report.

There was no further Old Business.

NEW BUSINESS

Public Hearing: Allowing Automobile Sales As A Special Use in the Mixed Use District

Mayor Pro Tem Tichy made the motion to open the Public Hearing to discuss allowing automobile sales as a special use in the Mixed Use district. Alderman Crouse seconded the motion.

Mayor Tichy explained that they are looking at allowing automobile sales as a special use in the Mixed Use business district. The Board would have to approve anyone that would want to do this. Someone has requested this, who wants to put in a used car lot. The Planning Board has reviewed the application and recommended that this be set up as a special use. The matter is open for public comment.

Clerk York referred to the copy of the original application.

Sherry Ford, 3968 NC 62 South, addressed the Board. The Planning Board asked for special use because of concerns that the plan that the Village approved in 2006 stated that the Village did not want commercial use on NC 62. It was recommended that any commercial activity such as this be on an arterial road. The appearance of NC 62, as the thoroughfare through the Village, is the concern. A used car lot is not conducive to the appearance, as you can see what has happened in the past. It was Ms. Ford’s understanding that they agreed to a mixed use, based on the car lot not being visible on the frontage of NC 62. It would be on Cardinal Lane, in that lower lot only.

Attorney Koonts pointed out that the Board is not looking, right now, at the specific application that has been made. Right now, automobile sales are not allowed as a use anywhere in the town. The Board is amending the table of permitted uses, adding this as a potential use in the Mixed Use. The Public Hearing is not about this particular piece of property. Any applicant, if they do a special use permit, has to come and present evidence to the Board. The Board would review that particular application.

Alderman Jones stated that it was confusing, having an application in front of the Board. Mayor Tichy pointed out that this was the reason the issue came up. Clerk York commented that this was the original application that led to the Public Hearing. The individual applied to make automobile sales a permitted use. The Planning Board recommended this as a special use. If the Board approves to do this, the Board is saying that automobile sales is permitted in the Mixed Use district. If the Board approves this as a special use, then anyone who wants to do auto sales would have to do an application to the Board, with the details. By approving it as a special use, the Board would be approving it on a case-by-case basis. Mayor Tichy added that the Board would not be reviewing this individual case tonight, because the individual has to re-apply, once the Board has made this a special use. As a special use, this gives the Board the control to say “No, it is not allowed.” It gives the Board the flexibility to make sure that no problems are being created for the future.

Elizabeth Powell, 808 Dunley Drive, Burlington addressed the Board. She owns several properties on NC 62 South, in the Historic District. She asked the Board to really consider what it wants this area to be like. She asked what they would like folks to drive by, on the way to their homes. She wouldn’t want people driving through garbage to get to her house. This area has lots of potential for being a nice looking area. You can see the potential in looking at other mill villages in Alamance County. She would like to see the Village keep moving in a positive direction. Ms. Powell asked the Board to think about this, before this sort of thing would be approved. She thanked the Board.

Sherry Ford added that, personally, she didn’t want to see this at all, in the district. There were several people who thought it could be an okay thing, across the Board. It came down to the special use situation. Honestly, she would not care for it at all.

There was no other public comment.

Alderman Crouse made the motion to close the Public Hearing. Alderman Dan Tichy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Tichy asked for Board discussion. Alderman Jones asked if L.A. Motors was a used car lot. Mayor Tichy responded that he thought L.A. Motors was car repair. Alderman Crouse pointed out that they never took the sign down, but it was not a used car lot. Alderman Jones stated that anyone looking to do used car sales would not want to be 1⁄2 mile off the street. There are already enough traffic problems on NC 62. Alderman Jones added that he didn’t like the idea. He would not even want to “open the door” for it. Alderman Isley asked about the size of the lot or how many cars the individual could have. Alderman Jones reminded that this is just a zoning question. Alderman Dan Tichy suggested removing the lot out of the picture. This is a zoning decision as to whether the Board will allow car sales as a special use permit. If allowed, the individual would have to present to the Board, in this case, Cardinal Lane, and the lot he wants to use. The Board would then say “Aye” or “Nay.” Is this something the Board wants to get involved with, or keep the zoning the way it is? Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe asked if there was a space for a used car lot anywhere in the Village. Mayor Tichy responded that he has seen used car lots with a half dozen or a dozen cars. Alderman Jones observed the vision of $5999.00 painted across a windshield. You can have a lot with 5 or 10 cars. Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe commented that she sided with Alderman Jones’ thoughts. Alderman Dan Tichy concurred that this was how he felt on the matter. He doesn’t see any added benefit, from a used car lot, to the Village. However, he hasn’t talked to the individual requesting this, either. Alderman Jones questioned the idea of a tenant making the application. Attorney Koonts noted that the owner of the real estate would also have to sign off on this. Usually, the applicant is the person that will be using it. The property owner would have to sign as well, that he had consented to that use. Alderman Jones asked if this was typical, for the tenant and the owner. Attorney Koonts confirmed that this was typical.

Mayor Tichy asked if anyone on the Board wished to make a motion to allow this; if not, this would be a dead issue. Clerk York asked Attorney Koonts if the Board had to vote to approve or not approve. Attorney Koonts stated that if there is no motion made to approve it, it dies for lack of a motion. No motion was made.

Traffic Light for Intersection of NC 62 and Rob Shepard Drive

Mayor Tichy reported that Dr. Patterson has requested a stoplight at Rob Shepard Drive and NC 62. This is not something that the State would install, because there is not enough volume at this point. There is more traffic volume at the school and at Kirkpatrick. There is more volume coming out of Heritage Glen. If this was done, it would be a Village project, and the Village would have to pay for it, assuming the State would allow it. Mayor Tichy asked for any Board discussion. Alderman Crouse asked about the cost of the stoplight. Mayor Tichy asked Mr. Reich for a ballpark cost. Mr. Reich couldn’t provide an estimate for this particular situation, but noted another city that is spending $100,000 each for two decorative (with arms) stoplights. The signal heads themselves are several thousands of dollars each. Alderman Dan Tichy asked about what kind of installation would be needed in this situation. Mr. Reich observed the Village would probably want to do something more traditional. It has to be done to NC-DOT specifications. Mayor Tichy pointed out that DOT would probably require a blinking red light before you come into the curve there, as there is very little visibility. Mr. Reich said this was a good point. You always have to put in signs “Signal Ahead.” In that curve, you may be required to do something specific because of the limited sight distance. Alderman Jones commented that there are more issues at the school. Alderman Isley added that the Post Office traffic and gas station would be affected by this. Mayor Tichy said the only advantage would be slowing up traffic, from a Village standpoint. Alderman Dan Tichy commented on how traffic already slows in this area, especially during rush hour. Mayor Tichy added that it will be at least 15 more years for the bypass, with the current funding changes. It may move up in the next round, next year, but he is not hopeful. Alderman Isley asked if there had been any accidents that caused the request for a stoplight. Clerk York was asked about the traffic. He answered that traffic is heavy at 8:00am and again between 5:00pm and 6:00pm. In between those times, it is not bad. The worst issue is turning left off of Rob Shepard Drive, with two lanes to deal with. Clerk York did talk with Chuck Edwards at DOT about the process. They would have to evaluate the traffic and look at crash data. He quoted $50,000-$75,000 for a traffic light on a wooden pole; $100,000-$125,000 for a traffic light on a metal pole. Alderman Jones commented that, even if it was free, it is not a good place for a traffic light. Dr. Patterson probably has a few elderly patients that are complaining about getting out. There are much busier streets that don’t have traffic lights. Mayor Tichy tabled the item.

Tethering Law

Mayor Tichy explained that Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe has asked the Board to consider a Tethering Law in the Village. Clerk York referred to information that he has received from the City of Burlington. He will forward this information to the Board. The Tethering Law, in Burlington, is enforced by Animal Services and the Burlington Police Department. The City of Graham has also done a Tethering Law. In general, it relates to 7 continuous days of an animal being tethered. After 7 days, the tethering law kicks in. There are certain reasons why the animals can be tethered. Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe requested that the information be emailed to the Board members. Alderman Crouse asked where this issue was coming from. Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe stated that she feels sorry for a neighboring dog. This dog never comes off the chain. Alderman Crouse said that he would call the Humane Society. They will investigate it. Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe suggested this be tabled until the Board members could review the information. Mayor Tichy asked whether Alamance County Animal Control would be willing to enforce this, or whether the Village would have to work through the Sheriff’s Department. Clerk York indicated that he would check on this. Mayor Tichy reminded that someone would have to enforce this, if the Board established a Tethering Law. He noted that Greensboro has recently adopted a Tethering Law, along with the City of Burlington and the City of Graham. Public opinion is that you should not be tethering dogs for an extended period of time. Mayor Tichy expressed that he would like to read about Burlington’s reasons for the Tethering Law. Clerk York indicated he would call Alamance County Animal Control to see what could be done. If the Village passes an ordinance to make Animal Tethering a part of the General Ordinances, it would be the responsibility of the Village to enforce. Clerk York has always enforced the Animal Control Ordinance that the Village has now. He is not sure how much the County would be willing to help enforce a Tethering Law. He will check on this. Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe noted that the County is also talking about a tethering law. Alderman Dan Tichy asked about enforcing the current Animal Control Ordinance, for example, with a dangerous dog. He asked how this was enforced. Clerk York answered that generally the calls are about a dog barking. If there is a potential violation, he writes a letter to the homeowner; this serves as a warning. He gives them a copy of the ordinance, and explains that a complaint has been made. If the issue continues, Clerk York lets them know the penalties. Generally, it is a $50.00 civil citation. Usually the letter takes care of the problem. He has never had to fine anyone. There would have to be proof, in order to fine someone. Attorney Koonts noted this is a growing trend across municipalities. Typically, the way tethering laws work, is there is a notice period, where there is a lot of education for the community. Usually there is a “phase-in” time period. There are a number of non-profit groups in the community that help build fences. In many cases, people don’t want to build a fence or can’t afford it. Groups will build a fence for the dog, so there is space to run in. With other municipalities, the trade-off with Animal Services, is contributing to the Animal Shelter funding. Animal Services will enforce the tethering law, even though there is a civil penalty. Typically, statutes also come with ability to make them a Class 1 Misdemeanor, a low level Misdemeanor. You send notices, they don’t comply. You send them a fine, they don’t comply. It is a potential misdemeanor if they don’t comply. That way, when the Sheriff’s Department comes out, there is something they can do. Right now, there is nothing they can do about these types of concerns. There is a state criminal statute that deals with it, but it is not just tethering. This involves the dog being chained up in a way to intentionally harm or be malicious or cruel. That standard is rarely met. Attorney Koonts has talked about this, in multiple municipalities. It is a tough issue. The trade-off is the educational period, and also some alternatives for people where the cost of a fence is an issue. This fixes the problem, without penalizing people so much. It is something to think about. Mayor Tichy observed that this item will be discussed at the next meeting. Alderman Jones asked if there was a leash law. Clerk York answered that animals have to be controlled, and kept on their own property. Alderman Dan Tichy noted that this addresses more of a nuisance. Alderman Jones said an unintended consequence could be that neighbors don’t want to break the law, so they just let the animals go. He suggested that the Humane Society could be contacted or one of the groups that builds fences could be contacted. Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe stated that she would like to read Burlington’s information and then discuss this at the next meeting. This item was tabled until the next meeting.

Finance Report

Clerk York presented the Finance Report. First, he presented a Budget Amendment. The amendment includes 5 items having funds added to them. They include Building Maintenance: adding $4000.00 to the approximate $700.00 remaining in that line. This will allow payment of the second half, about $1500.00 to Sawyer Exterminating for the work done. Half of the payment was made upfront. Another item includes mowing for the rest of the year: $4000.00 should carry this, with about $1000.00 remaining for the end of the year. Clerk York has also added $1200.00 to Miscellaneous to allow a $1000.00 buffer in that line. Every year, a fee is paid to QS-1 for the budgeting software, the general fund software, and the utility billing software. The fees are paid out of Miscellaneous. QS-1 bills for the general fund software in January and the utility billing software in August. The recent bill took half of the Miscellaneous budget. Clerk York is removing other items, including capital expenses and bank charges. Bank fees have, in the past, been higher and $2000.00 was budgeted during the course of the year. Now, there are no bank fees close to this amount. This item has just been sitting there, so Clerk York reduced it by $1000.00. There is a separate line item for Jordan Lake; however, not much is spent from this line each year. This line item was reduced, along with a capital expense line item. The total amount under the General Fund doesn’t change. This is just reducing some line items and increasing others, all under the same department, Administration. Alderman Dan Tichy made the motion to approve the Budget Amendment, as stated. Alderman Crouse seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Clerk York pointed out the total value of all of the CDs. The CD that matured Friday (item 3) earned $783.00 in interest. It was a $112,000.00 CD. It matured at $113,006.74. Clerk York will deposit this CD in the Wells Fargo account, so that it can add to the Siphon fund. This will be done over the month of February. Then, he will do one more CD. By the end of February, all of the funds needed to be transferred, will be transferred, to pay all the bills incurred. The November CD was approximately $214,000.00. This one will be pulled out and put into the Wells Fargo account. The plan was to transfer $550,000.00. That will be done before the end of February. Clerk York also pointed out the balances in each of the funds—general, water, sewer, siphon, and Powell bill. Alderman Dan Tichy asked about a time limit on the Powell Bill. Mayor Tichy reported that there is not a time limit, but rather a dollar limit. Clerk York observed that the Village is not close to reaching the dollar limit. In the past, the Village could only keep the last 10 years funding. It used to be given only in the month of September. Now, it is split so that the Village receives half of the deposit in September, and the other half in January. Now, the Village can keep the last 20, with each of the deposits being counted as one. In so doing, they have added another 10 years that had not previously counted. Now, every year is as if they are taking two years off, rather than one. There is a dollar threshold. The Village threshold is well over $200,000.00. It will be a couple of years before the Village reaches the threshold.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mayor Tichy reported that he has asked Clerk York to run the announcement again in the newsletter for the open position on the Board of Aldermen. Two individuals have expressed interest; one has sent a letter. The other individual will be submitting a letter. Mayor Tichy will ask the individuals to come to the next Board meeting and introduce themselves. The Board can choose and vote, or look further. Mayor Tichy conveyed the desire to give adequate notice of the opening.

Alderman Dan Tichy stated that a few residents in Heritage Glen have complained about the snow plow. Some mailboxes were knocked off. Mayor Tichy observed this may have been done by a car. Alderman Dan Tichy informed that the snowplow driver went to the houses and told the homeowners. When the snowplows, with Color Landscapes, came in on Friday it was already too late. The ice was already compacted. They missed the window of opportunity on Sunday when it was slushy. There were complaints about the snowplows going too fast and, in trying to scrape up the ice, dug up two mailboxes. They talked to the homeowners and told them they would take care of re-doing the mailboxes. Alderman Dan Tichy stated he could not critique the snowplow drivers. It is just the way the winter storm happened this time. Mayor Tichy noted that the Village was “ahead” of the secondary roads in Burlington, following this winter storm. The County has closed schools again tomorrow. Most of the roads in the Village are looking pretty good. Alderman Dan Tichy asked if Color Landscapes came automatically, or had to be called. Clerk York reported that the contract calls for them to come out if there is 2 inches of snow, unless the Village asks for them to come out sooner. Alderman Jones asked if Color Landscapes was called back out a second time. Clerk York reported that Color Landscapes should have been out there, the second time, in the afternoon, but they weren’t able to get there until later. Alderman Jones suggested that if they can’t be there before sundown, they shouldn’t come. When it refreezes, the snowplows are just a waste of money. Alderman Dan Tichy agreed this was a lost cause. It was after this that the two mailboxes were knocked down. It was decided that any Alderman could call the Mayor in the future, given a similar scenario. He could make the decision. Alderman Dan Tichy stated that the snowplow drivers did try their best. They went up and down Liberty Drive eight or nine times. He would rather they not waste valuable resources, theirs or those of the Village, when the effort does not make any difference.

Clerk York raised the issue of the mowing. This is priced annually. The current year ends in March. If the Board is happy, they can continue on with the current mowing company. Clerk York offered to obtain prices for mowing, to bid this out. Alderman Dan Tichy asked if this was the same mower approved last year. Clerk York confirmed that April was the mower’s first month. Alderman Dan Tichy stated that he had no complaints with the mowing. Clerk York observed that the mower does a great job. Alderman Dan Tichy asked if the mower was also handling the trees in the front of the Town Hall. Clerk York reported that the mower did the pruning of the trees and consulted with Clerk York. Alderman Dan Tichy said it was good to see the flagpole now, and the trees look good. In his opinion, it would be good to keep the current mower. There is no reason to change. Alderman Jones asked if Color Landscapes also scraped the snow from the Town Hall parking lot. Clerk York reported that they scraped the lot today. Alderman Jones asked about the possibility of them clearing the sidewalks too. This should fall under someone’s responsibility, whether the landscaper or the mower. Alderman Jones noted the current condition of the entrance to the Town Hall, with ice and snow. Attorney Koonts added that he just received a text from Mike Davis reminding everyone to be extra careful as they left. The sidewalk is slippery. Mr. Davis put down some rock salt for traction. Alderman Jones commented that someone could fall; salt or sand needed to be put down when the ice and snow cannot be shoveled. The wheelchair incline makes it hard to walk. He requested that this receive coverage from either the landscaper or the snowplow crew. It needs attention. Alderman Dan Tichy asked if Color Landscapes was just doing the scraping, or if they would put something down to treat the ice/snow. Clerk York responded that Color Landscapes could do this if the Board wished them to do so. They do not have brine or salt, but they do have ice melt. They can spread ice melt if the Board wants to do that. Alderman Dan Tichy noticed that the trucks have spreaders, but that they weren’t running when they were doing the snow plowing. Mayor Tichy stated that he could make a decision on this in the future, knowing that the ice melt is an option. Alderman Dan Tichy made the motion to renew the mowing contract. Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Clerk York announced the Strategic Planning Meeting information.

Mayor Tichy reported that he attended the NC League of Municipalities seminar for new mayors. The seminar was held in Kernersville, NC, in conjunction with UNC. He learned some valuable information, and will endeavor to follow everything taught as well as he can. He also met several other new mayors and felt the seminar was worthwhile.

Mark Reich called attention to the gap in the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance talks about private and public roads. The Subdivision Ordinance only talks about public roads. Several years ago there was a subdivision done in Hidden Creek. It has a paved road that is a private road. It looks very nice. The Board may wish to consider inserting some language to address lots over 10 acres. Lots over 10 acres are exempt. Some language may need to be added to the Subdivision regulations, not to the Zoning regulations. The Board may need to put some language in the Subdivision regulations to address lots over 10 acres. Mr. Reich presented information from the Alamance County webpage regarding private roads. The Hidden Creek subdivision does have private roads that are paved. Paved roads are much better than having private roads, from the standpoint of maintenance 10-30 years from now. Paved roads are better than gravel roads. There needs to be clarification in the subdivision ordinance regarding public roads, especially for lots over 10 acres that would be exempt from the subdivision regulations, but not the zoning. The Village does not currently define what private roads are, in the ordinance. Alderman Crouse observed that the developer had this installed. There are 11 or 12 ten acre lots. He doesn’t know if there is an HOA to maintain the road. Asphalt Paving did a fabulous job on that. Mr. Reich added that the subdivision out there looks good. The public roads allowed require curb and gutter, and pavement. The subdivision regulations have all this spelled out. The zoning regulations do not have standards for public or private roads. Alamance County allows gravel roads. Mr. Reich is not an advocate of gravel roads. They are not good for emergency services. Alderman Crouse noted that they are not kept up, a lot of times. Mr. Reich indicated that if a “standard” is done, it should use the minimum NC-DOT guidelines for a ribbon pavement road. They have two standards: the minimum is 18 and 20. A lot of Fire Codes refer to 20 feet as a minimum. Mr. Reich suggested, if the Board wants to allow ribbon paved roads in the Village, that they be done to NC-DOT standards. Mr. Reich added he is not sure about all of the municipalities in the County. He knows that many allow private roads for the purpose of townhome type development. In a lot of cases, these are required to be curb and gutter standard. Sometimes they allow for a narrower width. Mr. Reich commented on the road at Hidden Creek. It has good drainage, good side ditches, and it looks good. He also mentioned a gravel road off of Bellemont-Alamance Road. Mud is coming out into the gravel and a 4-wheel drive vehicle was helpful. This gravel road is not being maintained very well. When it snows, and a gravel road has to be scraped, you lose gravel. When water gets underneath pavement, there will be problems. Mr. Reich encouraged the Board to have a standard for pavement. This is really a policy decision. Alderman Jones remarked about the additional cost of curb and gutter. Mr. Reich clarified that the Subdivision regulations include standards that call out curb and gutter and pavement. For example, Heritage Glen roads are curb and gutter. This is the Village standard. Mr. Reich is suggesting that, if the Board wants to allow private roads, there be standards. Clerk York pointed out that this is coming into play with the 10 acre tracts. These tracts are exempt from the Subdivision Ordinance. The standards contained in the Subdivision Ordinance do not apply to the 10 acre tracts. The Zoning Ordinance just mentions private and public roads in one place. Mr. Reich observed there are probably not requirements for public or private roads in the Zoning Ordinance. Everything refers back to the Subdivision Ordinance. Mayor Tichy asked that Board members read the information provided. This item will be on the agenda for next month’s meeting. Mr. Reich offered to answer any questions in the meantime.

There was no other business.

Public Comment

Sherry Ford asked whether the Planning Board has had training, in the past, and how long it has been. Clerk York responded that the Planning Board has not has any training that he is aware of. There are courses that individuals can take at the School of Government. Ms. Ford asked if the School of Government offered training for a Planning Board. Clerk York verified that the school does this; there are a variety of courses. They offer introductory courses in planning and zoning. There are specific courses offered for elected officials and staff. Classes can be completed over a weekend, or over the course of a week, or in 2-3 months. Clerk York offered to check on the course catalog. Ms. Ford stated she was thinking of a day’s training where the Planning Board could participate. Mayor Tichy said that he would monitor the mailings from the School of Government. The cost of these trainings is reasonable and it is well worth it. They offer training on a rotating basis. He will let Ms. Ford know if related training becomes available.

Clerk York mentioned the Ethics Training that newly elected officials are required to do. The School of Government does the training. In years past, they have done a webinar. The newly elected officials have one year to complete the training. In the past, the Village has purchased the webinar. Officials can obtain the code and complete the webinar. Clerk York keeps a document on file to show that officials have completed the Ethics Training. This training is required, even if officials have done it before. Mayor Tichy observed that this will be his third time for the training. Clerk York will email information when the training becomes available.

Alderman Dan Tichy made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Crouse seconded. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned.