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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/08/2021 Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting th Minutes of September 8, 2021 Members Present Members Absent Guests Tom Stevenson – Chairperson Anthony Sannino Heather Lanza Chris Baiz John P. Sepenoski John Koppell Doug Cooper Marty Jim Glover (Zoom) Karl Novak (Zoom) Steve Schnee (Zoom) John B. Sepenoski Jr. Mark VanBourgondien Scott Russell (TB Liaison) Opening: th The Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting was called to order on Wednesday September 8, 2021 at 7:05 pm in the Southold Town Hall meeting hall. Next Meeting(s): nd The next regular AAC meeting will be held instead on Wednesday September 22, 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. Farmworker Housing Page 1 | 2 Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting th Minutes of September 8, 2021  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: 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 Page 2 | 2