Planning Board Minutes: September 25, 2025
Town of Varick New York Regular Meeting at the Varick Town Hall
Board Members: Chair: Linda Mastellar- present
Thomas Bjorkman – present
Seth Brandow – absent
Ann Kaminski – present
Jeff Vest – present
Code Officer: Tim Dorn – present
Guest(s): Eric Heitz, Tanner Leto, Karl Love
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Call to order: 7:01 pm.
Public Comment: None
Quorum: Verifiedto proceed with business on agenda.
Karl Love added to agenda with questions.
Town is recieving letters from interested parties to fill the vacant seat(s) on the Planning Board and STR Clerk.
August Minutes Review: Motion to accept the minutes. 1 – A. Kaminski, 2 – J. Vest, Motion Approved
Lot Line Move Kaufman to Tiaskkun and Zona waiting for map for signature. No action.
Zoning Code Changes pertaining to Solar Panel systems will need to be reviewed over the winter to address items encountered with the recent ZBA Area Variance application.
Current Zoning Code changes:
a. OK No Action.
b. Docks and Hoists: asking for clarity from Seneca County Planning Board, Army Corp of Engineers, etc. Code can be more restrictive, but not less than the Army Corp of Engineers requirements.
c. Make sure general grammar correct and data continuity (ex. Parking space sizes). No Action.
Information Needed: Army Corp of Engineers standards – What is the procedure for variance requests.
Monthly Reports:
Code Officer: Reports numerous disputes about fences. Also, rising use of metal storage containers as permanent storage. Code changes should be addressed on both issues. Added to list for possible code changes.
Facebook: Great photos, reels being shared/posted. Looking to share event information: ex. E-cycling , free meals, library events. No other action.
STR: Donna is covering as STR Clerk until a replacement is found. No Action.
Website: The ‘.gov’ domain is required by end of year. Email addresses will be easy to fix when that is accomplished. No Action.
Town Board: Position opening with retiremet of Chris Karlsen. Position requires CDL.
Agenda addition: Karl Love seeking information: when to apply for subdivision of property (Rt 89 & Ernsberger) as he looks at future changes: sell part, all, or develop housing. No Action.
Pubilc Hearing Notice Yard Signs will proceed. The timeline to create policy, fees, etc. is unknown.
Zone District Maps Update: District boundaries are not clearly defined on the maps or discriptions., especially former depot area. Also, will address the elevations measurements– currently measured with the Barge Canal Datum. Will change or include the North American Vertical Data. Also to look at language for use of properties split by two zone districts.
Special Use Permit Application review: Recommend to include links to the Ag Data and SEQR forms instead of including the forms to be sure they will always be up to date.
New Business: None
Next meeting will be October 23, 2025.
Adjourned 8:55 pm with a motion by A. Kaminski, 2nd – S. Brandow
Respectfully submitted.
Carol J. Millis, Secretary