Milo reduces committee term limits

    PENN YAN—The zoning board of appeals (ZBA) and planning board terms have been decreased to three years in Milo.  On Monday, Dec. 19, the town board passed laws to cut down the original seven year term length for members of both committees.  
    Supervisor John Socha said the term length for the ZBA and planning board was originally five years.  However, when the boards switched to having seven members from five, term lengths were increased.  Socha feels that more people will be inclined to run for a position on one of the committees if the duration is less overwhelming.  “I think the three year term is much more palatable,” he said.  
    Socha also noted that current board members will be finishing off their seven year terms.  
    In other business:
    • The board agreed to support the town of Ulysses’ proposal to New York state to establish home rule with regards to hydrofracking.  Socha mentioned that this pertains more to isolating heavy industries than banning gas drilling all together.  
    • The resignation of councilperson Leslie Church was accepted by the board.  Church was elected town supervisor effective Dec. 31, 2011.  
    • Socha said that with regards to health insurance over the past year, the town is “about $19,000 under budget.”  
    • Board member Dale Hallings reported that $87,732 of state aid and about $7,000 of federal aid were received for highway assistance.  
    • The board agreed to sign the 2012 Engineering Agreement with Larson Design Group.  The company helps in assisting with facility, transportation, land development, and environmental needs.  
    • A resolution was passed to refer the steep slopes law to town and county planning boards.  The purpose of the law is to maintain steeply sloped areas to protect the area’s natural terrain.
The town board will hold a special organizational meeting on Jan. 3 at 7 p.m.