Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/13/2022 Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2022 Members Present Members Absent Guests Tom Stevenson – Chairperson Scott Russell (TB Liaison) Ron Doerler Chris Baiz John Sepenoski Karl Novak Doug Cooper Katie Sepenoski Jim Glover Anthony Sannino Steve Schnee John B. Sepenoski Jr. Mark VanBourgondien Opening: th The Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting was called to order on Wednesday April 13 at 7:10 pm in the Supervisors conference room. Next Meeting(s): th The next regular AAC meeting will be held on Wednesday May 4 2022, at 7:00 pm in the Southold Town Hall meeting hall and via Zoom. LPC Meeting with Town Board:  Tom attended the meeting via Zoom between the LPC and the Board and shared his notes with the committee.  Sam McCullough would like to find some common ground regarding the changes to Chapter 70.  Supervisor Russell said the Town Board should move ahead with changes to Chapter 70, it needs to get moving, it doesn’t need another committee. The Town Board members need to decide on a definition of development rights. He also recommended the comp plan for reference.  Melissa wants the LPC, Building and Planning departments all involved in any decisions regarding changing the code.  Supervisor Russell again said a subcommittee is difficult to get together and at this point would slow things down.  Sam McCullough stated that the LPC has rules to follow and that “The AAC is a lobbying group without rules”. And that the experts (town employees) should be the ones deciding on the changes.  When the LPC and AAC were split into two groups there are now very diverse opinions by both committees.  There was no discussion by the board afterwards in the public work session. Big House Code: Page 1 | 3 Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2022  The town is looking to hire consultants for the big house code and zoning. The public hearings for the code change are coming up soon,  The Town Board received Planning department’s opinion on Big House.  Katie Sepenoski sent the proposed code to Farm Credit to see their response about the possible effect it can have for the farming community (Land value, Loans). The said that the new code will have an impact on agriculture.  Zoning is either residential or commercial, there is no zone for agriculture. So, any changes to residential zoning will have an effect on agriculture.  The new code will affect new builds or property where the houses are torn down and are going to be rebuilt. Chapter 70:  A discussion on whether a moratorium should be placed on any future land purchases until chapter 70 is settled.  An email needs to drafted and then sent to the town board asking what is the next steps after your meeting with the LPC. Also Invite them to a future meeting of the AAC to discuss any questions or concerns they may have  The email should also include that the AAC recommends no further land purchases be approved until Chapter 70 is decided on. Update on Kelp Farming:  Steve had an informal meeting with some of trustees to go over some ideas about possible locations and equipment needed.  Possibly using vacant slips at the marinas during the winter for growing.  Elizabeth Peeples is a very good advocate for this project and they will continue working on plans to move forward. . Other Topics Discussed:  A discussion on possibly taking out an ad to educate the public on agricultural issues. Ask if Denis can add it to the monthly community ad he puts it the Suffolk Times.  Anthony Sannino will write up a draft for the ad to have the AAC go over.  The ad should include information on the “Right To Farm”, the savings from development rights purchases, and farming tips, like suggested in the comp plan.  The public should be informed on where the money is going to and the restrictions being placed on the land owner.  New Hotels should be required to provide some form of housing for its employees. Not enough affordable housing to house the number of employees needed. Or transportation needs to be improved for employee’s commute.  Farm Labor Bureau overtime legislation is still in the works, but not yet signed. Also, there is talk about a forming a union for the farm workers. Page 2 | 3 Town of Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2022 Adjournment: MOTION to adjourn at 8:55 pm made by Chris Baiz, seconded by John Sepenoski Jr., ALL in favor. Minutes respectfully submitted by: Laura Arena Page 3 | 3