Changes To Marshall’s Solar Law Suggested

The April meeting of the Town of Marshall began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the approval of the minutes of the March 11 meeting.

A moment of silence was held in memory of Supervisor Colleen Baldwin’s father-in-law, Richard, who passed away recently.

Following that was the public hearing for possible revision of the Solar Energy Law.

Jamie McNair, chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, suggested a few amendments to the law.

One is to make sure contact information is provided prior to approval for and completion of the project, in the event something comes up.

This contact should be available 24/7, McNair suggested.

Councilperson Ken Ford said in case of the property changing ownership, the seller should provide contact information to the buyer.

Another consideration is to expand notification of upcoming public hearings, either by mailing everyone or by posting the information at the location.

The public hearing was closed, and the law will be discussed and voted on at the next meeting.

Colleen McGill of VanHyning Road, a member of the ZBA, spoke of the ongoing issue for properties on VanHyning Road.

An application was made for special use permits; however, the applicant did not appear at the meeting to discuss them, as he was instructed to do.

Therefore, she requested that the board issue a timeline of expectations so there would be some kind of structure with definite dates.

She emphasized the need to reach the goal of compliance.

Attorney Bill Schmitt agreed there were outstanding notices of violations to be addressed.

Raymond Mazza of 1889 Route 315 spoke to the board regarding a property line dispute with his neighbor.

The genesis of this dispute sprang from a fence installed improperly.

This has escalated to criminal activity, involving law enforcement and reckless endangerment, including discharge of a firearm and threats on Mazza’s life, his guests, and his animals, he said.

He would like the Board’s advice as to what to do before this situation becomes even more serious.

There is no written code covering this circumstance.

Schmitt will look into that.

Dante Ruia of the Planning Board reported that some of the Board had attended the Tug Hill training workshops at Turning Stone.

Also, Nick Pryputniewicz has met the requirements ...