HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/21/2021
Town of Southold
Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting
st
Minutes of July 21, 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:
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The Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting was called to order on Wednesday July 21, 2021 at
7:04 pm in the Southold Town Hall meeting hall.
Next Meeting(s):
The next scheduled meeting on 08/04/21 will be canceled because of the Fishers Island meeting
scheduled for the same day.
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The next regular AAC meeting will be held instead on Wednesday August 11, 2021 at 7:00 pm in the
Southold Town Hall meeting hall and via Zoom.
Chapter 280-127-Zoning Applicability:
Committee is questioning why agricultural structures are being referred to planning from
building? Also why does it take so long to process the plans.
Committee members would like to see the town amend the code for agricultural structures.
Either to waive the process or make the approval process happen withing 30 or 60 days not six
months.
Hoop Houses do not need a permit to be built, the building department should have told the
applicant.
There was a change to this code on the 04/10/12. An email should be sent to Town Attorney
to find out what the code was before it changed.
The committee will extend invitations to the planning board to explain the application process.
And hopefully explain the process for agricultural structures.
The town should be encouraging the farming community and pushing these applications
through a lot faster than they have been.
The committee will also reach out to Ag & markets to inquire if this code is appropriate and
what they think is an acceptable timeline on approval for ag structures.
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Town of Southold
Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting
st
Minutes of July 21, 2021
Farmworker Housing
To build housing for agricultural workers, does the farmer have to go through the
application process again?
To avoid the application process maybe getting RV’s is the answer? They are not a
permanent structure.
Also, how many worker houses can you have per acre? Is there a restriction on where
they can be built? And do you have to subdivide lots to provide the housing?
Another possibility is to a mobile home could be cargo containers that can be converted
into housing. This may be more sustainable environmentally and the way to go in the
future.
Housing structures should not need to go through the application process, it is a standard
agricultural structure and need.
Oregon Road Purchase:
Their will be a public hearing soon regarding this purchase. Possibly a member or two of the
committee can attend?
Try and find out what the agreement says in relation to agricultural structure rights? Can they
only put structures on the property in the future that were agreed upon at the time of the sale?
Or can ag structures be placed where needed in the future?
Ask Melissa for a copy of the plans showing the land that is being purchased.
Subcommittee Meeting with LPC:
A tentative meeting of the subcommittee will be held on 08/26/21 at 7:00pm in the meeting
hall.
The discussion will only be focused on the easements and their restrictions that may
hinder future farming practices. Possibly pick the top issues we see in the easement that
cause those restrictions.
Also ask that the seller is made aware of how many rights you have prior to selling and
what they are. Also, a list of how many rights the town is actually purchasing and what the
cost is per right is possible.
New Business:
Farmland Select Committee still has no representation. Maybe Tom Gepple can fill in there.
Adjournment:
MOTION to adjourn at 8:45 pm made by Mark VanBourgondien, seconded by Tom Stevenson, ALL
in favor.
Minutes respectfully submitted by: Laura Arena
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Town of Southold
Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting
st
Minutes of July 21, 2021
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