HomeMy WebLinkAboutLP-03/04/2014
LAND PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Minutes & Discussion Notes from Meeting held
Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Hall Annex Executive Board Room
Members Present: John Sepenoski, Chairman (7:05-8:30pm)
Allan Connell Maureen Cullinane
Sam McCullough Lillian Ball
Anne Murray
Members Absent: Eric Keil
Also present: Melissa Spiro, Land Preservation Coordinator
Melanie Doroski, Land Preservation Secretary
Bob Ghosio, Town Board Liaison
Tim Caufield, Peconic Land Trust Vice President
Commencement:
• The meeting began at 7:00 p.m. with five LPC members present.
Adoption of Meeting Minutes:
• Acceptance of LPC meeting minutes from February 4, 2014
MOTION made by Sam McCullough, seconded by Anne Murray, to accept the 2/4/2014 LPC meeting
minutes.
Motion carried: 5/0 (John Sepenoski not present at time of vote)
Land Preservation Applications and Inquiries:
• SCTM #1000-55.-2-10.1 (MOFFAT FARM NORTH, LLC)
Appraisal review [executive session]
The members entered into EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Appraisal, prepared in accordance with federal grant guidelines, was discussed by LPC.
END OF EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOTION made by Sam McCullough, seconded by Allan Connell, to direct Melissa Spiro, as Land
Preservation Coordinator, to present an offer to Moffat Farm North, LLC at a price per buildable acre
as supported by the appraisal for the purchase of a development rights easement on farmland
identified as part of SCTM #1000-55.-2-10.2. The offer is based on a concept plan as presented to
LPC for a 20.5± acre development rights easement. Landowner will retain a 5± reserve area in the
northeasterly corner of the property. The LPC's offer will include a scenic easement component along
County Route 48. This project is eligible for an awarded USDA-NRCS grant. The Committee's offer is
subject to approval by the Town Board after a Town Board public hearing on the project.
Motion carried: 5/0 (John Sepenoski, LPC Chairman, not present at time of vote)
• SCTM #1000-20.-2-6.2 (EDWARDS)
Update re: status of application
Tim Caufield and Luke McKay of Peconic Land Trust have been meeting with landowners, Elbert &
Heddie Edwards, who are interested in selling fee title to property identified as SCTM #1000-20.-2-6.2
located in Orient and adjacent to, and in the vicinity of several preserved properties. The land is being
used for active farmland with field crops running east/west and onto another lot located directly to the
east that is owned by relatives of the landowners, Linda J. Mason and Carleton T. Latham. Ms.
Mason has been contacted by PLT and is also interested in selling fee title to this adjoining parcel.
LPC favorable to exploring preservation options for both properties.
MOTION made by Lillian Ball, seconded by Maureen Cullinane, to direct Melissa Spiro, as Land
Preservation Coordinator, to commission an appraisal of the two adjoining properties owned by
Edwards (SCTM #1000-20.-2-6.2) and Latham/Mason (SCTM #1000-20.-7.1) for a potential
development rights easement.
Motion carried: 5/0 (John Sepenoski not present at time of vote)
• SCTM #1000-97.-1-12.8 (CALABRESE)
Not discussed due to time constraints.
• SCTM #1000-13.-2-8.37 & 14.-2-3.35 & 14.-2-3.36 (COUNTY)
County inquiry re: selling properties to Town
Bob Blatt, Suffolk County Real Estate Division, has made an inquiry to Melissa Spiro regarding the
Town's interest in purchasing three lots in Orient in tax arrears that the County is willing to sell to the
Town for a minimal sum. These lots were designated as subdivision park. Melissa Spiro to review
whether or not the park designation remains on each of the lots if the County sells lots on the open
market.
Applications & Inquiries for Uses or Structures on Preserved Property:
• EDUCATIONAL/MEMORIAL SIGN AT RUTH OLIVA PRESERVE AT DAM POND
North Fork Audubon Society inquiry (tentative agenda item, awaiting information)
LPC reviewed request for educational/memorial sign, and park bench honoring the memory of the
late George Rowsom at the Ruth Oliva Preserve at Dam Pond where Mr. Rowsom conducted bird
watching, identification and banding for educational purposes.
LPC agreeable to educational/memorial sign to replace the existing sign for this purpose in the same
general area, however, LPC would like to review and approve the conceptual design prior to its
construction and placement.
Since there is no Management Plan yet in place at this preserve, LPC is not granting approval for the
installation of an additional park bench or kiosk but is willing to review this request again at a later
date.
Stewardship and Management:
None
General Land Preservation Items:
• AgPDD EASEMENT
o Draft Easement Template
LPC reviewed latest draft Easement Template which incorporated Committee's comments
from last review. Several additional revisions made by Committee. Committee agreed that
after revisions incorporated, draft is ready to Town Attorney's review.
o Draft Code Template
LPC reviewed latest draft Code Template. Committee agreed that draft is ready for Town
Attorney's review.
o Discuss potential for revision to Template
Melissa Spiro prepared a draft of guidelines for LPC review and comments. LPC in
agreement that this is a "new program" and changes to template will be necessary as AgPDD
program moves forward. Intent is for Easement consistency for all AgPDD projects.
Next Regular Meeting:
• The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Adjournment:
• The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. by the five remaining LPC members.
Respectfully submitted by Melanie Doroski, Land Preservation Secretary