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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/22/2019 Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of May 22, 2019 Members Present Members absent Guests Chris Baiz John B. Sepenoski Jr. David Daly Doug Cooper John P. Sepenoski Ben Gonzales Jim Glover Tom Stevenson Venetia Hands Karen Rivara Mark VanBourgondien Bob Hanlon Councilman Bill Ruland Sarah Nappa Steven Schnee Adam Suprenant Opening: The Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting was called to order at 7:08 pm on May 22, 2019 in the Southold Town Hall conference room. Next Meeting(s): The next regular AAC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 7:00 pm in the Southold Town Hall Conference room. Minutes and Administration: Review and acceptance of the meeting minutes of April 3, 2019, April 22, 2019 and May 1, 2019 until the next meeting. All in favor. Review Proposed Acquisition of Development Rights: No new proposed Acquisitions presented to the committee for review. Discussion on the flow of information regarding upcoming Town acquisition of development rights to allow more time for committee review and recommendations. Proposed Agricultural Revisions to Town Code: A duplication/conflict with dates in enacting A Local Law in relation to an Amendment to Chapter 280, Zoning, in connection with Agricultural Processing as an Accessory Use in the Town of Southold was reviewed and will be a resolution on the next Town Board Meeting on June 4, 2019. Karen Rivara reviewed code language contained in the latest proposed Aqua/Mariculture section of Town Code. Discussion of various DEC permits and inspections needed for Aqua/Mariculture. This will allow Aqua/Mariculture farmers to have direct to consumer sales in order to increase profitability and sustainability. Karen will develop a page of bullet points outlining the requirements for Aqua/Mariculture to take to the Town Board work session on June 4, 2019. The goal with Aqua/Mariculture is to present the points at a work session, request a code committee meeting and have the revised language presented for Public Hearing. Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of May 22, 2019 Discussion on code language and easements restrictive to Agriculture. Easements can be amended and follow any adopted Town Code. Goal for future easements: Preserve Land Control Development Assist Agriculture and Farming viability within Southold Town Suggestions regarding easements: Re-write the standard easement Possible moratorium on all easements Meet with Town Attorney to discuss conflicts between New York State Law and Southold Town Law. Ideas for reaching out to future development rights sellers in order to advise them exactly what their easement contains. e.g. Sale of Agricultural production rights. Review of Agricultural related Site Plan Applications/Sub-Divisions: No new applications submitted to the committee for review. Review Proposed zoning changes in Agricultural Districts: Local, County, State and Federal Legislation related to Agriculture: Discussion of the flow of Easements through the Town departments when Development rights for Agricultural land are being sold. Discussion on Easement language with regard to Agricultural production and the restrictions current easements are placing on DRS properties in direct conflict with New York Consolidated laws, Town Law TWN § 64-e. Peconic Bay region community preservation funds. General Municipal Law #247 defines open space, with farms being included as open space. Review Applications for structures related to Agriculture on parcels with Town /County owned development rights. No new applications submitted regarding structures for committee review. New Business: No new business. Adjournment: MOTION to adjourn at 9:15 pm by Doug Cooper, seconded by Karen Rivara. ALL in favor. Minutes respectfully submitted by: Cheryl Kaswell