TOWN OF PITTSFORD
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
December 12, 2011
Zoning Board of Adjustment Members Present – Rick Conway – Vice Chairman, Jack Shedd, John Mitchell, Jack Orvis, Jim Morale, Stanley Markowski – Chairman. Absent: Clarence Greeno.
Others Present – Jim Litevich, Kevin Henderson, Ken Niemczyk – Zoning Administrator, and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
Stanley Markowski, Chair, called the Zoning Board of Adjustment to order at 7:00 PM.
S. Markowski explained that the purpose of the meeting was to reconvene a Conditional Use Permit for the property that is located at 197 Academy Road in Pittsford (specifically at the Vermont State Fire Training Academy) and owned by the State of Vermont. The notice was originally posted at the Town of Pittsford Municipal Offices on October 26, 2011. The notice was also posted in the Rutland Herald.
S. Markowski introduced the members of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. There were no parties stating conflict of interest.
S. Markowski swore in: Jim Litevich – 197 Academy Road (Chief of the Vermont Fire Academy) and Kevin Henderson – Vermont State Buildings and Grounds (Montpelier).
S. Markowski explained the procedures of the meeting.
S. Markowski explained that the permit was for the construction of 2 training props to be used at the Fire Academy at 197 Academy Road. S. Markowski explained that one training prop would be constructed below ground, while the other would be constructed above ground and measure 18’ X 24’. Mr. Henderson explained that the additional fire training props are to be constructed near the existing burn building. The new training props will be visible from the Plains Road area of the property, however, they would be placed beyond the cedar hedge. Currently, there are flags in place to mark the area so that any interested individual could see the proposed locations.
R. Conway requested a copy of the mailing list that was used by the Vermont Fire Academy with regard to the adjoining property owners. This list was placed into the permanent file for the property location.
Mr. Litevich explained that the project would be to erect piping and pre-fab concrete structures, with wooden decking on the ends to allow access and exit locations. Mr. Litevich explained the procedures that would be instructed and practiced at the training structures.
S. Markowski inquired the use of above ground vs. underground training structures. Mr. Litevich explained that the above ground structures were safer and allowed easier access and monitoring.
S. Markowski asked for clarification that the application was for a 16’ X 16’ training structure. Mr. Henderson confirmed that one structure would be 16’ X 16’ and the other structure would be a trench prop. Mr. Litevich explained that the other structure would be a modified shipping container with the top removed and buried. There would be fill inside the shipping container and there would be no portion of the shipping container visible. One side of the shipping container would be concrete, which would allow the dirt that is removed from the container, in preparation for a training class, to be held until the training session is completed. The dirt would then be returned to the shipping container and sealed. S. Markowski asked the procedure for using the container in this manner. Mr. Litevich explained the procedure that is used and that there would be shoring panels utilized to minimize cave-ins. J. Mitchell inquired if the container would be filled following the training session. Mr. Litevich indicated that this would be filled. S. Markowski recommended some type of drainage pipe to allow water drainage. R. Conway inquired if the container would be closed to discourage public access. Mr. Litevich indicated that there would be hasps and a hatch installed with some kind of covering.
S. Markowski inquired the frequency of use. Mr. Litevich explained that this is a portion of the technical program and that the State is looking to have an Urban Search and Rescue Team. The anticipated use would be for 3 days during each class session. The class has a limit of 24 per class and 5 to 6 instructors. Mr. Litevich indicated that this project is being funded by Homeland Security and is a specialized course that would only meet once to twice per year.
S. Markowski reviewed the Conditional Use criteria. All criteria was reviewed and the determination was that there would be no additional impact to any of the criteria.
R. Conway inquired if this project has had a Site Plan Review conducted by the Planning Commission. Ken Niemczyk indicated that Amy Loomis had originally reviewed the application prior to her retirement and determined that one was not necessary.
Motion by J. Shedd and seconded by R. Conway to approve the application as stated with no conditions. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:37 PM.
Respectfully Submitted
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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Stanley Markowski, Chair
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Richard Conway, Vice Chair
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James Morale
________________ABSENT_________
Clarence Greeno
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Jack Orvis
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John Shedd
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John Mitchell