October 11, 2011

The Lee Town Board held a Public Hearing to discuss the Town's adoption of a Local Law entitled "Brush, Grass and Weeds Law" which is being enacted to protect the Town from nuisances on property which may be detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the public.

Present were:  Supervisor John Urtz, Councilmen Alan Trombley, Patrick Hetherington, Karl Matt and Kevin Gallagher.

Also present:  Attorney David Rapke

The hearing was called to order at 7:00 PM, and began with the pledge of allegiance.

Mary Burn of 6078 Hawkins Corners Rd. stated that she has been in favor of enacting an ordinance such as this as the Town seems to be experiencing some abandoned properties and lawns are getting out of control.  Ms. Burn does not agree with the proposed law for several reasons:  She questions who will be the agent in charge of the mowing, what categorizes noxious weeds and states she is against the criminal penalties.

Mary Ellen Urtz of 5773 Stokes Lee Center Rd was also in attendance and spoke against the proposed law.  Ms. Urtz believes the criminal penalties are excessive and questions if the length of grass will be determined by someone walking on the sides or back lawns of homeowners.

Mrs. Countryman of Turin Towne has questions about addressing trash and abandoned appliances etc. 

Mary Burn addressed Councilman Hetherington asking if he knew of standards in other communities that may be more suitable for our town.  Mr. Hetherington responded that the suggested height of grass, at 10", is consistent with the NYS Property & Maintenance Code.  It was also stated that agricultural properties were excluded so as to not affect farmers negatively.

There were no further comments or questions.

A motion was made by Alan Trombley, seconded by Patrick Hetherington and CARRIED to adjourn.

The Public Hearing was adjourned at 7:20 PM.