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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/09/2021 Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting th Minutes of June 9, 2021 Members Present Members Absent Guests Tom Stevenson - Chairperson Jim Glover Chris Baiz Anthony Sannino Doug Cooper John P. Sepenoski Steve Schnee Scott Russell (TB Liaison) John B. Sepenoski Jr. Mark VanBourgondien Opening: th The Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting was called to order on Wednesday June 9, 2021 at 7:07 pm in the Southold Town Hall meeting hall. Next Meeting(s): rd The next regular AAC meeting will be on Wednesday June 23, 2021 at 7:00 pm in the Southold Town Hall meeting hall and via Zoom. Letter To Town Board:  A discussion was had about the recent actions taken by the Code Committee officers and Town Attorney’s office in regards to farm stands that are not really a farm stand.  The committee is in support of these actions because it will help the farmers that are conducting their business according to the Town Code.  The committee does not want to see honest farmers hurt, but there are many farm stands that are selling non local produce or produce from J. Kings and are not growing their products.  If you are being a resale for produce that you are not growing then they should be a commercial property like all of the retail stores. By doing what they are doing they are hurting commercial stores and the farmers.  The farmers can’t compete with those prices and or the variety. The growing season is seasonal, so many items are not available all year long unless you have a greenhouse.  A vote was taken to send over a letter to the Town Board to show we support these efforts and are prepared to help wherever possible.  Motion to send a letter to the Town Board in support of the recent violations was made by Tom, and Seconded by Doug, ALL in favor. Progress with Doug’s Property:  Discussion on Doug’s meeting with the Supervisor and John Sepenoski (from land management) on AgPDD and what the process may be.  The next meeting will be with the Supervisor and Land Preservation. Page 1 | 2 Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting th Minutes of June 9, 2021  AgPDD would be selling off rights one at a time and continuing the process until all of the rights are purchased.  Unfortunately, Land Preservation still wants to know exactly where any agricultural structure may be built now and, in the future, which Doug cannot answer what may be needed 20 years down the line.  Chris asked if the land preservation mentioned how, they are handling the increase in cost per acre. Right now, land on the North Fork is going for an average of $250,000 per acre. Are they prepared for this large increase in the value of the land?  Doug pointed out that when you sell your development rights you get a flat one-time fee, while the town benefits forever with having the scenic view and the open space. The farmer never benefits again. The Town also benefits from the farmland because the farmland benefits the water table. Farmland is able to soak in a lot more water to contribute to the water table and that should be included in the development rights as well. Battery Storage:  There has been an increase in the need for electricity recently and the electric company seems to be restricting electric to meet the need.  Massachusetts Electric Company has been in touch with a few members about possibly putting a battery back-up system on their property. They would need about 1-2 acres, located away from structures.  The purpose is to store off peak power and use it during peak hours.  The electric company is using huge Lithium-Ion Batteries. Unsure of how they will be disposed of or if there are any effects to the property. But maybe something to look into.  There is a consensus that the town would say no because we are not using the power. Also, because the town is only allowing a solar field on industrial land and not farm land. And even on industrial land it is hard to be approved, especially if they are also using battery storage. New Business:  SCWA has been sending out notices to residents about the water usage lately. But if you look at the water conservation report there are gallons of water that are not accounted for.  A discussion was held regarding getting help on the farms. Mostly everyone does not have enough or even any help to on their farms right now. Not sure what to do at this point.  New Town Board members are going to be coming in. Are any of the candidates knowledgeable about the farming community? Adjournment: MOTION to adjourn at 8:15 pm made by Chris Baiz, seconded by John Sepenoski Jr., ALL in favor. Minutes respectfully submitted by: Laura Arena Page 2 | 2