Here are the highlights from the December 2, 2008, Town of Canandaigua Board meeting.

The Board started with a forty-five minute executive session dealing with personnel and litigation issues.

Public Hearings:

• There was a continuation of the public hearing on the purchase of land for use as a public park from the Miller Farm. There was a presentation with maps showing the 23-acre parcel on the corner of New York Route 21 South and County Road 32. This area has been identified by the Town's Environmental Commission as one of the top properties in the Town for preservation based on location, the view shed and potential trail routes. This property has been endorsed by the Town's Trail Committee as an excellent fit with the trails master plan that they are developing. The public hearing was closed and the Board will have a resolution to purchase the property using funds from our Open Space Fund at the next meeting.
   
• There was a public hearing on the proposed code of ethics for Town officials and employees. This was continued until the next meeting due to a resident request to have the proposed code be made available on-line at the Town's web site for public viewing. The Board is also going to make minor changes before presenting the draft copy.

Supervisor's Report: The Supervisor and Planner attended the Rochester Home Builders Economic Outlook Meeting. He pointed out that contrary to the national picture, our area is experiencing a relatively stable housing market. He also commented on the Ontario County Industrial Development Agency report citing that the regional airport continues to lose money each year.

Codes Committee Report: The Board members were asked to review the General Code document and be prepared to act on its approval.

Planning Department Report: The application for a grant for the purchase of the development rights (PDR) for the Hicks property is moving along. There will not be any Town funds involved. Therefore, the outcome is dependent on State approval of the grant for the PDR for this property.

Resolutions:

• The Board set a public hearing for the December 16, 2008, meeting for Amber Meadows Lighting, Water, and Drainage Districts. The Board had a discussion regarding a proposal to advertise for a full time Planner/Director of Development. There was a lengthy discussion and a proposal to hire a consultant to do a needs assessment to provide an unbiased evaluation of our planning needs. The Board passed a motion to table the resolution to reactivate the job title of Director of Development and advertise for that position. The Board agreed to explore the cost and time frame necessary for a consultant to do a needs assessment of our planning needs to help them overcome their deeply divided views on this matter.
   
• The Board approved authorizing the execution of proposal for financial consulting on Water Extension #36.

Bill Payments: The Board approved withholding payment of attorney fees from the Planning Board attorney. They are asking that a revised bill be submitted reflecting the Town approved hourly billing rate. The rate being charged for services that are passed through to Planning Board applicants is in dispute.