HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/15/2020
Town of Southold
Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of January 15, 2020
Members Present Members absent Guests
Chris Baiz John P. Sepenoski Peter Kreppein
Doug Cooper Karl Novak
Jim Glover Katie Sepenoski
Karen Rivara Adam Suprenant
Anthony J. Sannino Scott Russell, Supervisor
John B. Sepenoski Jr.
Tom Stevenson
Mark VanBourgondien
Opening:
The Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm on January 15, 2020 in
the Southold Town Hall conference room.
Next Meeting(s):
The next regular AAC meeting will be Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 7:00 pm in the Southold
Town Hall Conference room.
The following meeting will be Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 7:00 pm in the Southold Town Hall
Conference room.
Minutes and Administration:
Minutes of December 4, 2019 reviewed and changes noted.
Motion made by Doug Cooper to accept the meeting minutes of November 20, 2019, with corrections,
seconded by John Sepenoski Jr. All in favor, motion passed.
Introduction and presentation by guest Peter Kreppein:
Peter Kreppein: Software developer that does consulting, Has a passion for farming/gardening
(631)245-1701, Northforkpete@hotmail.com.
Peter is presently studying companion planting and is looking for one acre to rent for his ideas to
innovate and practice intense farming. Wants to grow a pilot plot experimenting with heirloom crops
and sees historic value in the genetics of old crops. He draws inspiration from a farm in Vancouver that
grows micro-greens. He is presently taking courses in manufacturing and processing.
The committee recognizes that many farmers under-utilize their acreage. Jim Glover may have an
acre of land available for lease. Peter referred to the Long Island Farm Bureau for additional
information. Solar, low-voltage electric fencing pros and cons discussed.
Town of Southold
Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of January 15, 2020
Review Proposed Acquisition of Development Rights:
No new proposed Acquisitions presented to the committee for review.
Review Aquaculture Lease Program:
Review of letter drafted by Chris Baiz regarding the ten year Aquaculture lease program,
included in meeting packet. The letter describes changes and offers suggestions to the
Aquaculture lease program and maps.
Discussed Devon Yacht Club (Amagansett) complaint about Aquaculture’s floating gear; they
say the public was not informed, despite three public hearings about this issue.
Comments given on maps and support of the ten year Aquaculture program including
stakeholder comments and difficulties of the boating community.
Floating gear has also been a topic of discussion on the North Fork.
Committee will monitor and review when public comments are needed to address the issue of
floating gear.
Discussion on growing Kelp with regards to the Aquaculture program. The Army Corps.
requires an environmental impact study before Kelp is grown in local waters.
Proposed Agricultural Revisions to Town Code:
Review of Chapter 70 draft with follow up.
Committee members are in agreement on the Chapter 70 draft.
Requested meeting with Al Krupski, Suffolk County, Riverhead and Southold Towns
discussed.
Multi-agency meeting to discuss and resolve:
o Agricultural Uses-to be considered as one Use.
o Resolve definitions.
o Discuss Ag Bulk schedule vs. Accessory Use.
o Resolve Ag Bulk schedule.
Invite Peconic Land Trust to a committee meeting to discuss easement language although
they no longer consult with Southold Town.
Review of Agricultural related Site Plan Applications/Sub-Divisions:
Follow up review of email sent on 12/27/19 to Heather Lanza regarding Croteaux Farm
Vineyard & Winery parking area points of concern.
Committee member inquired why an email was sent without prior committee review.
It was agreed that the email needs to be clarified regarding committee agreement with the 75
parking spaces.
Site plan review of Croteaux read and to be reviewed.
Southold Town Planning Dept. is asking for definitions for winery and tasting rooms.
Committee agreed while discussing topic of Croteaux, that any emails or letters sent on behalf
of the committee would be reviewed by the committee prior to sending.
Town of Southold
Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of January 15, 2020
Review Potential Agricultural District changes in Zoning:
.
No Agriculture District Zoning changes presented.
Local, County, State and Federal Legislation related to Agriculture:
Tom Stevenson to attend the Suffolk County Farmland Preservation Meeting on Thursday,
January 23, 2020.
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:
Discussion on Hemp Discussion on handout “Economics of Producing Hemp for CBD in NY”.
o Included subjects are, plants per acre, man hours required, cost per seed, processing
requirements, sensitivity to insects and mildew.
o Hemp projected costs and returns, budgets.
o Crop THC levels and how that affects the farmer. (Possible loss of crops resulting).
o Sample page of the NYS Ag & Markets listing of Hemp growers. There are 408
growers presently on the list.
o Discussion on deregulation of CBD to keep farming in Southold Town.
Discussion on the Water Conservation Committee and the Water Conservation Advisory
Committee.
o Discussed the lack of farmers on these 2 committees. Scott Russell would like an
email regarding the WCC committee.
o Looking for education on overwatering.
Talked about the Veterans Training Program for farmers.
Adjournment:
MOTION to adjourn at 9:05 pm by John Sepenoski Jr. seconded by Doug Cooper, ALL in favor.
Minutes respectfully submitted by: Cheryl Kaswell