HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/01/2019
Town of Southold
Agricultural Advisory Special Committee Meeting
Minutes of May 1, 2019
Members Present Members absent Guests
Chris Baiz Councilman Bill Ruland Bill Duffy, Town Attorney
Doug Cooper John P. Sepenoski Ann Murray, Land Pres. Committee
Jim Glover Karl Novak
Karen Rivara Melissa Spiro, Land Pres. Coordinator
John B. Sepenoski Jr. Adam Suprenant
Tom Stevenson Sherry Thomas
Mark VanBourgondien
Opening:
The special meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee was called to order at 7:06 pm on May 1,
2019 in the Southold Town Hall conference room in lieu of scheduled regular meeting on May 8, 2019.
Next Meeting(s):
The next regular AAC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 7:00 pm in the
Southold Town Hall Conference room.
Minutes and Administration:
Motion by Chris Baiz to postpone review and acceptance of the meeting minutes of April 3,
2019 and April 22, 2019 until the next meeting. All in favor.
Review Proposed Acquisition of Development Rights:
MOTION made by Chris Baiz, seconded by John Sepenoski Jr., to enter into EXECUTIVE
SESSION at 7:10 pm. Proposed Acquisitions of Real Property Where Publicity Would
Substantially Affect the Value Thereof. All in favor.
Land Preservation Coordinator reviewed new and current applications.
Members discussion of easement resulted in ideas and proposals.
Motion by Chris Baiz to accept easement as written. Seconded by John Sepenoski Jr.,
No vote taken, Motion withdrawn.
Easement read aloud by Doug Cooper and reviewed by Committee.
Findings:
Agriculture needs priority placement in both the Town Code and Easement language.
Town code limits what can be done with Ag PDD property.
Ag production has been included in the easement development rights.
Restrictive items in the easement include: grading, mineral extraction, signs, riding academies,
etc.
Suggestion made to recommend the seller delays the purchase until the AAC can review the
easement with the seller and explain the rights remaining with the land.
Town of Southold
Agricultural Advisory Special Committee Meeting
Minutes of May 1, 2019
After a review by the committee of the easement drafted to acquire the development rights:
MOTION made by Mark VanBourgondien, seconded by Doug Cooper to draft a response to the Land
Preservation Committee and Southold Town Board stating the language of the easement of the
reviewed property is opposed as written as it is not in the best interest for the future of agriculture but
in favor of the completion of the sale in the best interest of the sellers. All in Favor.
MOTION made to end EXECUTIVE SESSION, All in favor.
Proposed Agricultural Revisions to Town Code:
Discussion
Discussion of
Review Chapter 70 for Agricultural clarification to benefit Agriculture.
Review allowing all
Review allowing Agricultural Structures on ALL acreage of a DRS parcel.
Review Code with regard to placement of the words Scenic, Esthetic, and then Agricultural.
Aquaculture/Mariculture reviewed by Karen Rivara.
required.
special permit).
Reviewed display area/refrigeration follows the same footprint as land based.
Processing product reviewed.
Karen Rivara will assemble presentation and email to the committee members before her presentation
to the Town Board on May 7, 2019.
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:
No new proposed zoning changes submitted to the committee.
Local, County, State and Federal Legislation related to Agriculture:
Review of the Farm workers Fair Labor Practices Act in the New York State Senate which was
presented at the Public Hearing on April 26, 2019.
Rights to collective bargaining
The elimination of the overtime exemption
Housing rights
Discussion on the negative effects of this legislation on the farming community, particularly on
the Eastern End of Long Island.
A letter writing campaign has begun to address this issue.
Town of Southold
Agricultural Advisory Special Committee Meeting
Minutes of May 1, 2019
Southold Town resolution #2019-388 expresses vehement opposition to this legislation. (See
attached).
Southold Town resolution #2019-389 directs that a letter of opposition be sent to the NYS
Assembly (see attached).
Review Applications for structures related to Agriculture on parcels with Town /County owned
development rights.
No new applications submitted to the committee for review.
New Business:
Committee discussion of Guest Spot by Glynis Berry of
Orient, executive director of Peconic Green Growth. Printed in the April 18, 2019 issue of the Suffolk
Times.
Adjournment:
MOTION to adjourn at 9:15 pm by Chris Baiz, seconded by John Sepenoski Jr. ALL in favor.
Minutes respectfully submitted by: Cheryl Kaswell