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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/12/2020 Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 12, 2020 Town Board Members Present Liaison Members absent Guests Chris Baiz Scott Russell, Supervisor John P. Sepenoski Karl Novak Doug Cooper Karen Rivara Katie Sepenoski Jim Glover John B. Sepenoski Jr. Adam Suprenant Anthony J. Sannino Tom Stevenson Mark VanBourgondien Opening: The Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting was called to order at 7:01 pm on February 12, 2020 in the Southold Town Hall conference room. Next Meeting(s): The next regular AAC meeting will be Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 7:00 pm in the Southold Town Hall Conference room. th The following meetings will be Wednesday, March 11, 2020 and Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 pm in the Southold Town Hall Conference room. Minutes and Administration: Minutes of January 15, 2020 reviewed and discussion of minutes resulted in Tom taking an exception to the minutes which after further discussion, the exception was withdrawn and minutes were voted on. Motion made by Chris Baiz to accept the meeting minutes of January 15, 2020, seconded by Mark Stevenson. All in favor, motion passed. Update of committee member emails and phone numbers was collected and submitted to the committee chair, Chris Baiz. Review Proposed Acquisition of Development Rights:  No new proposed Acquisitions presented to the committee for review. Proposed Agricultural Revisions to Town Code:  Review of Chapter 70 draft allowing for Agricultural land to encompass one use.  Recognize that processing and processing buildings are part of the “Farm Operation”.  Discussion on Ag & Markets Law 301 vs. General Municipal Law 247.  Commit to developing a usable standard easement.  Limit easement restrictions on further farm development.  Create and draft a guidance document for easements.  Develop definitions of scenic vistas (values) and “Open space”.  Committee to clean up contradictory definitions in the Town Code. Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 12, 2020 Review of Agricultural related Site Plan Applications/Sub-Divisions:  It was noted that the Croteaux matter has a stipulation of settlement already in place.  Follow up review of Croteaux site plan including instruction from Heather Lanza of the Planning Dept. that the AAC should review and submit approval of site plan without recommendations/objections.  Based on the Croteaux site plan presented to the AAC, there are no comments or objections but the committee reserves the right to review any fundamental changes.  Committee agreed that any emails or letters on any topic, sent on behalf of the committee, would be reviewed by the committee prior to sending. Review Potential Agricultural District changes in Zoning: .  No Agriculture District Zoning changes presented. Local, County, State and Federal Legislation related to Agriculture: Tom Stevenson attended the Suffolk County Farmland Preservation Meeting on Thursday, January 23, 2020.  The Presentation covered what can be done on preserved land.  Ranking of East End Farm potential preservation parcels discussed.  Southold Towns Land Preservation Coordinator, Melissa Spiro, discussed Southold Town preservation efforts utilizing 8 million dollars from Community Preservation Funds.  Southampton Town Community Preservation Fund Manager, Lisa Kombrink, commented on the preservation of 1500+ acres with another 2500+ acres to be preserved.  Kim Quarty of the Peconic Land Trust spoke about conservation vs. development rights.  A sample easement was requested at the meeting.  Differences between Town and County programs was discussed. Committee discussion of the utilization of Community Preservation Funds.  What uses are allowed on all acreage?  Use of CPF monies with structures allowed and with no delineation of structure area.  Discussion on the inconsistency of all past parcel easements and the capacity of the Town to mandate that an owner cannot give away more rights than there are written in an easement.  How the AAC can define “Scenic value” or “open space” relative to easements.  Discussion of the value of lands vs. DRS lands.  Committee to review any available guidance or policy documents regarding land preservation and code language.  Are open space and scenic views taking a priority over farmland preservation? Review Applications for structures related to Agriculture on parcels with Town /County owned development rights.  No new applications submitted regarding structures for committee review. Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 12, 2020 New Business: Short discussion on the Catapano Nursery circumstances after the death of Neil Catapano. Discussion on the availability of Kelp Permits in Southold Town. (Unavailable at this time). Adjournment: MOTION to adjourn at 9:25 pm by Doug Cooper, seconded by Chris Baiz, ALL in favor. Minutes respectfully submitted by: Cheryl Kaswell