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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/06/2017 ALCOHOL FARM PRODUCTS WORKING GROUP Mon., November 6, 2017 5:OOPM Town Hall Conference Room MINUTES I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. II. Roll Call Frank Purita, Joann Maynard, Ian VanBourgondien, Kristina Gabrielson, Nancy Torchio, Louisa Hargrave, Anne Murray, Will Lee, Nancy Foote Also attending: Denis Noncarrow, Paul Libutti III. Approval of Minutes — October 23, 2017 Motion moved by Anne to approve minutes. Motion seconded by Nancy. All ayes. IV. Microwineries — Discussion continued with items for Microwineries. One item discussed was tasting room size. Tasting room would be only a reception area with very limited space. Also noted: having a tasting room/reception area requires public water. Microwinery would be restricted by zoning. The thought is that a serious vintner will want at least 4 acres. For the first 3-4 years of new business use other grapes from local sources or otherwise until farm grapes have been established. Resident concerns were discussed. Joanne encouraged committee to read resident's digital comments on social media. Limit or eliminate special events at microwineries, let code dictate on this item. Promote business for vintner instead of special events. In the case of a fundraiser, let ZBA rule on it. Tasting room/reception area would accept visitors by appointment only with minimum parking area within the code of Health Dept. To avoid cement and blacktop in parking areas, Health Dept is allowing use of grassy areas. Committee would like to invite Chief of Police Martin Flatley to a meeting to discuss winery customers and how the Police Dept. deals i with them & arrests made. Frank will invite Chief Flatley to attend a future meeting. Breweries — Farm requirements and different licenses for breweries were discussed. Ian spoke about a specific brewery in Riverhead in a commercial space, producing 7 barrels at a time. This brewery operates in a small space. Ian explained the brewing process, different grains used, and methods used at each stage of processing. More water is needed to process the grains for a brewed product than wine. Processing can occur every two to three weeks. Hops are a bigger crop needing larger acreage. Grain harvesting requires a columbine which is an expensive investment. NYS brewer licenses current is 20% NY ingredients with a goal to increase that schedule to 80% for hops and barley. Guest Mr. Libutti described his operation located on 40 acres on CR 48 in Mattituck. His farm grows hops and grain. V. The next meeting was set for Monday, November 27, 2017 at 5:00 PM VI. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM