Here are the highlights from the October 21, 2008, Town of Canandaigua Board meeting.

Public Hearings: A special public hearing was held for the preliminary 2009 Town budget. The Board approved the budget with only minor corrections. (View the adopted budget at http://www.townofcanandaigua.org/documents/Adopted2009BudgetwithPYactualandNarrative.xls [Excel spreadsheet format, new window].) This is the third year in a row that the Town tax rate has remained at zero.

Privilege of the Floor: Seanna Holtz spoke concerning the use of the house at 3817 West Lake Road as a hotel/bed and breakfast in the RLD district. She and her attorney disagreed with the zoning officer's determination that there were no Town code violations that prevent renting out the residence in question. They will appeal to the ZBA and the Town attorney will look at the determination.

Committee Reports:

• Codes Committee: Still working on General Code recommendations for code changes.
   
• Fire Committee: Waiting for the October 23, 2008, report from the Fire Chief and action from the Canandaigua City Council to determine the next steps to address our joint fire protection needs.
   
• Comprehensive Plan Committee: The Board approved a resolution for the formation of a citizen advisory committee that will be comprised of 7 members, one each from the Town Board, Planning Board, the Conservation Commission, and the Parks and Recreation Trails Committee, plus three residents.
   
• Parks and Recreation Committee: Nothing new to report.
   
• Conservation Committee: No report.

Department Reports:

• Planning Department: The Town has received the contract extension for the purchase of development rights (PDR) on Middle Cheshire Road and the County is working with the landowner to complete the necessary steps before the Town can have the permissive referendum. The Planning Board will be acting on the FEIS for the RSM development project on West Lake Road at the October 30, 2008, meeting along with having a public hearing for the site plan and special use permit for the project.
   
• Highway Department: Jim Hecker reported that his department is continuing to wrap up several road projects as well as preparing for winter.

Resolutions: Besides approving the budget and the formation of a citizen advisory committee, the Board approved accepting the donation of the "Old Peanut Line" railroad bed from Mr. Judkins after the appropriate environmental review of the site. The Board also approved setting a public hearing for the proposed County Road 30 water district extension.