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Wheatfield adds to zoning code

by jmaloni
Thu, May 24th 2012 07:00 am

by Susan Mikula Campbell

With no speakers at a public hearing prior to Monday's Wheatfield Town Board meeting, the board decided to add new definitions to the zoning chapter of the town code.

The additions, detailed on the town's website, specify what is meant by a buffer zone, patio home and open space.

Town Attorney Robert O'Toole said the definitions will settle arguments before they begin and encourage developers to seek excellence in design.

In other matters during the short meeting:

•Supervisor Bob Cliffe reported Niagara County Sheriff's Office ATV patrols have begun, as requested by the town, and that nine trespassing tickets were issued during a weekend patrol on May 12-13. He noted that tickets can result in fines of up to $250. The town is not harassing ATV riders who are driving legally, but seeking those who are driving where they aren't supposed to be, especially on posted property, he said.

The town has received numerous complaints from residents of ATVs damaging private property or farm crops.

•The town has established a new policy for fund balances. Ed Mongold, budget director, said the policy meets government standards to have fund balance in five separate areas, instead of three, each with an unrestricted fund balance of not less than 10 percent of fund appropriations. Originally brought to the town as part of the new Cliffe administration, Mongold said the town had four funds in deficit when he started and now there is only one.

•Town Engineer Tim Walck reported that the Planning Board in meetings this month received sketch plans for a bio-energy facility on Liberty Drive, a new office/storage facility on Inducon Drive, a tree farm on Shawnee Road and for a Northtowns Soccer project on Ward Road.

•Highway Superintendent Art Kroening reported that a big pile of mulch is still available to the public at the highway garage. Residents can get about four yards of mulch for $25 delivered or pick it up themselves for $10.

•The next Town Board meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. June 11.

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