The Pompey Town Board met on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 6:30pm. A video of the full meeting can be viewed on the Town of Pompey Facebook Page.
Highlights of the meeting are as follows:
Town Financial report
The Town accountant reported that the Town currently has $683,000 remaining in ARPA funds and they are in the process of determining how those funds will be spent.
The Town also currently has $2.9 million available in a reserve account.
The Board approved a transfer of $8,000 from the Highway snow removal account to a general personnel account to help pay for temporary summertime personnel.
Town Highway Report
The Town Highway crew finished oil and stone treatment on the following roads: #2, #4, Bush, Chase, Eldridge, Oran Station, Palladino, Ransom, Rall, Sevier, Swamp, and Way. Highway Superintendent B.R. Way stated that they treated approximately 10 miles in total. Work will be done on sealing cracks on the roads in Pompey Pines and Preserve in the next week or so.
Pompey Cemetery Funding Request Status
Town Attorney Frateschi stated that he is satisfied that the Pompey Cemetery qualifies for Town assistance (see 4/11/23 and 5/9/23 meeting recaps for details on the funding request), but that it is a Board decision on whether or not they wish to exercise that option. The Board expressed concern that this request may spur requests from the numerous other cemeteries in the Town. No determination was made on whether or not to provide the requested funds.
Moratorium on Home Occupation Applications
Town Attorney Frateschi stated that there is an ad hoc committee that is currently considering modifying existing home occupation code to be more comprehensive and to provide better guidance to applicants. Mr. Frateschi recommended putting a moratorium on any new home occupation applications and suspending any active enforcement actions against current home businesses in the Town.
The Board passed a resolution to hold a public hearing on a home occupation application moratorium at the next regularly scheduled Town Board meeting on July 11, 2023, at 6:35pm.
Public Comment on Frank Long Road Solar Project
Seaboard Solar President Sean Brazo and two other representatives from the company took the floor to speak further on the proposed multi-acre solar array to be located at 7100 Frank Long Road. Brazo stated that they reached out to 92 residents via mail to gather feedback on the project, indicating in their correspondence that they were reducing the size of the project by 40% and would be clear-cutting only 18 acres.
Once again, several residents took their turns in front of the Board to express their disapproval of the project, citing drainage, viewshed, and hazardous materials as major sources of concern. Two Town residents did speak in favor of the project, espousing the benefits of moving away from fossil fuels.
Public Comment on Home Occupation
Home business operator Matt Foote of 8356 Number 2 Road made a brief statement in response to previous complaints from a neighboring resident regarding large truck traffic, lights, and noise coming from his business. Foote warehouses and ships “Farmhouse Home Decor” from his property on Number 2 Road and stated that he received all necessary permits from former Town of Pompey Code Enforcement Officer Bob Rodriguez. He further stated that he only uses his flood lights when he lets his dogs out for a few minutes, and the only trucks are box truck style similar to Amazon or UPS that come three days a week. Foote noted that several of his neighbors operate home businesses, including the complainant, MDR lawn service — and asked the Board why the rules don’t seem to be applied equally to all residents.
