The public will weigh in next month on the Skaneateles Town Board's pending decision whether to repeal the current mining regulation in favor of a floating zone.

If approved, the mining floating zone would replace the current policy, named the orange alternative.

Mining always is a controversial issue in the town, reflected by the town board's split vote last month on whether put the proposal up for introduction.

In a show of hands, Supervisor Phil Tierney, and councilors Ellen Kulik and Nancy Murray agreed to present the local law.

Councilor Jim Greenfield and Dave Laxton opposed the move.

The board slated the hearing date for Thursday, Oct. 2.

This measure is meant to put an end to interpretation some applicants have about boundaries to the zone currently targeted for zoning, which they are viewing as setbacks and asking for variances.

The board responded to this dilemma by enacting a moratorium.

This local law aims to be the next step to that ban, which expires this year.

People or companies would have to apply to the town board to establish a mining floating zone and meet the requirements for such a zone.

“The Town Board must make a determination that the location of the mining floating zone is compatible with adjacent uses and consistent with the character of the surrounding neighborhood,” the proposal states.

Before the vote, Laxton read from a handwritten speech.

He said while the concept seemed like a good one, he has too many concerns to support it.

He said some elements were too restrictive and seem aimed at one applicant. He also added that the board was going against another board's decision.

“Who knows how future boards will interpret the conditions in this document,” Laxton said. “At first glance, this floating zone idea has merits but it also has drawbacks and it could easily be counter productive.”