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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/10/2019 Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of July 10, 2019 Members Present Members absent Guests Chris Baiz John P. Sepenoski Bob Hanlon Doug Cooper Adam Suprenant Jim Glover Karen Rivara John B. Sepenoski Jr. Tom Stevenson Mark VanBourgondien Councilman Bill Ruland Opening: The Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm on July 10, 2019 in the Southold Town Hall conference room. Next Meeting(s): The next regular AAC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at 7:00 pm in the Southold Town Hall Conference room. th The AAC will not meet on Wednesday August 7 in lieu of the Southold Town Board Annual Fishers Island meeting scheduled for that day. The next AAC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday August st 21. Minutes and Administration: The following minutes were reviewed, and with changes, adopted at the July 10, 2019 AAC meeting: Motion made by Tom Stevenson to Accept the meeting minutes of April 3, 2019, seconded by John Sepenoski Jr. All in favor, motion passed. Motion made by Mark VanBourgondien to Accept the meeting minutes of April 17, 2019, seconded by John Sepenoski Jr. All in favor, motion passed. Motion made by Tom Stevenson to Accept the meeting minutes of May 1, 2019, seconded by John Sepenoski Jr. All in favor, motion passed. Motion made by Doug Cooper to Accept the meeting minutes of May 22, 2019, seconded by John Sepenoski Jr. All in favor, motion passed. Motion made by Doug Cooper to Accept the meeting minutes of June 5, 2019, seconded by John Sepenoski Jr. All in favor, motion passed. Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of July 10, 2019 Review Proposed Acquisition of Development Rights:  No new proposed Acquisitions presented to the committee for review. Proposed Agricultural Revisions to Town Code: Between now and August 1, AAC will attend a Town Board Work Session to review Mariculture/Aquaculture code draft. If the draft is accepted at the work session, it will be noticed for Public Hearing. A Code Committee meeting regarding the draft will be scheduled as well. Review and discussion of PDR easement template language including updating the easement language based on a draft letter to the Southold Town Board written by Jim Glover.  Points covered: o Eliminate any reference to structures in an easement. o Delete references to Ag Production o Delete references to Scenic and Aesthetic. o Eliminate any items addressed elsewhere in Town Code. o Reference the “Farmers Bill of Rights” in all easement language. o Have greater transparency regarding easement language.  Discussion of the Land Preservation Committee’s (LPC’s) use of outside attorneys to draft Town of Southold easements.  Discussion on the use of Community Preservation Funds (CPF) monies.  Chapter 70 of the Town Code read aloud and revisions discussed as definitions appear to be in violation of Town code.  Discussion of the negotiation process the LPC allegedly uses to pressure a potential seller of Development Rights.  Discussion on the lack of review being done on easements and how monitoring easements on a regular basis would see that the easements stay standardized.  Discussion of “Bona Fide Agricultural Operation” as the primary requirement and items that would fall under Accessory uses such as Farm House, Farm Worker Housing etc.  Discussion on removing the duty of reviewing structures from the LPC as this is a function of the Building Dept.  Discussed how development rights could be re-attached to lands that no longer fit the intended use.  Discussion on the LPC and AAC scheduling several meetings under executive session to work towards the development of standard easement language.  Committee acknowledges that if restrictions on farmland are “hidden” or farmers do not understand what they are selling, the possibility exists that there will be too many obstacles to overcome to make farming a viable business in Southold Town. Jim Glover will re-work his draft letter to the Southold Town Board after the discussion on the above topics. The letter will be reviewed at the next AAC meeting. Review of Agricultural related Site Plan Applications/Sub-Divisions:  No new applications submitted to the committee for review. Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of July 10, 2019 Review Proposed zoning changes in Agricultural Districts:  Discussion on which zoning districts support Agricultural production. Local, County, State and Federal Legislation related to Agriculture:  None. 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:  Review of article in Science Daily describing Scientists mapping a huge under-sea fresh water aquifer off the U.S. Northeast. o Largest such formation yet found in the world o Extends from the coast, 50 miles out to the edge of the continental shelf covering approximately 15,000 square miles. o Found using electromagnetic waves, the fresh water is 600’ below the ocean floor. o The estimate is 670 cubic miles of fresh water or 750 quadrillion gallons. o The Aquifer recharges itself and is believed to be “fossil” or glacial water. Adjournment: MOTION to adjourn at 9:07 pm by Doug Cooper, seconded by Karen Rivara. ALL in favor. Minutes respectfully submitted by: Cheryl Kaswell