HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/27/2017 ALCOHOL FARM PRODUCTS WORKING GROUP
Mon., November 27, 2017
5:OOPM
Annex Conference Room
MINUTES
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:00PM.
II. Roll Call
Frank Purita, Joann Maynard, Ian VanBourgondien, Nancy Torchio,
Louisa Hargrave, Anne Murray, Nancy Foote
Also attending: Supervisor Russell, Sal Diliberto, Adam Suprenant, Paul
Libutti, Bob Hanlon, Mark Terry, Kelly Zegers, Russ McCall
III. Approval of Minutes — November 6, 2017
Motion moved by Anne to approve minutes. Motion seconded by
Nancy. All ayes.
IV. Discusson — Mark Terry addressed the committee on progress being
made. He reported the Planning Board is having some difficulties with
the last couple of applications. The Planning Board has no guidance up
front. Definitions are needed. They need to know what elements are in
a winery? The Planning Board would like to hear what the committee
has to say.
There is some concern with upcoming public meeting with the Town
Board regarding legislation. Committee members do not think the
proposal reflects their work. Their interest is taking a comprehensive
approach. Nancy T would like the committee to put together the
framework for what the future will look like and translate that into code.
Once the committee has voted on it, bring it to the Town Board.
Mark would like to see what the vision is for the industry and move
forward and fill in the details. The details will be the definitions needed.
Louisa added that there needs to be site specific decisions. Events that
don't pertain to wineries should not be permitted. State laws don't
permit these activities.
People want flexibility. It takes approximately 3 years to replace grapes.
Farmer needs to be able to trade, barter and sell. Vineyards will sell
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grapes, may trade or buy. If they are required to use 80%, it will put
farmers out of business. The code proposal needs to be sensitive to
behaviors but to over regulate is not the answer. Nancy would like to
present an initial proposal, discuss with Town Board before moving to
public hearing. The committee has not yet defined tasting rooms.
Today with new investors, industry is moving along with better
flexibility. Have microwineries, with visitors by appointment only.
Patrons want a farm experience. There are reasons for NYS law. Start
here and come up with definitions.
Supervisor reminded the group that the Town Board is trying to create a
standard for all. Nancy thinks a framework needs to be approved.
Louisa does not believe a proposal is ready for a public hearing. The
proposal forces people to have an investment that is so large, they have
to have special events. The committee has worked very hard to learn
the industry and put something together. There is urgency due to the
request of the Planning Board. Supervisor Russell informed the group
that the Planning Board is wrestling with new applications. ZBA made a
ruling on 10/2/17. Planning follows ZBA due to lack of definition.
Planning Board needs more guidance through definition. There is a lack
of communication with the code.
Proposed Code limits amount of wine that can be produced and has to
have 80% on site grapes. Adam believes Town should use NYS law, not
make their own. 80% law could be challenged.
Occupancy of building was discussed along with grassy areas.
Occupancy is defined but not grassy areas. There is problem with limos,
busses and turn arounds. Lack of parking is an issue. More patrons
create more noise and more local complaints.
Frank would like to see production and retail issues discussed
separately. Come up with a definition for winery and one for retail.
Louisa believes products should be permitted to be sold at farm. There
is concern with size of tasting rooms. Supervisor Russell informed the
group that code allows up to a certain size. Lot coverage limits size.
Add definitions with conditions met for a winery.
At Ian's question regarding public hearings, Supervisor explained how a
public hearing forms. It goes onto the Town Board work session
schedule. These meetings are advertised. Committee members could be
put on the email list. Committee would like request a postponement of
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the current proposal. Ann Murray would like to request an extension of
committee commitment which is set to expire 12/31/17.
Committee agreed to attend public meeting of those who are available.
Mark Terry offered his help with committee going forward with
definitions including cideries and distilleries.
There was some discussion on using local zoning code and not Ag &
Market. Use of NYS law with Ag & Market will have some restrictions.
Supervisor would like committee to promote Southold agriculture and
not Long Island. There are restrictions on Farm Winery License, 50%
rule (SLA and Ag & Market)
Nancy T proposed executive session at 5:56 PM
Regular session continued at 6:08 PM
Committee reviewed proposed code they are currently working on.
Take distillation out of definition. Code is written with definitions
sections. Definition to include marketing. Marketing includes sales,
retail sales, tasting and selling of product. Mark thought marketing
should be included in the definition.
V. Public comments:
Sal Diliberto — Impossible to legislate common sense! He would like to
encourage small wineries with reasonable restrictions. Cost of 10 acres
is a substantial investment. Framework of the industry is very important
Adam Suprenant — Commended the committee on their work and
commitment. He encourages members to reach out to all Town Board
members. Get Bill Ruland's advice, he is very knowledgeable.
Russ McCall — Reminds all to prize open space. If Ag is so restrictive,
open space will go away and the beautiful vista with it. He advises
handling the traffic, not agriculture.
Bob Hanlon — Bob would like to see marketing left in the definition. You
can have fields of grapes and wine bar. He is not comfortable with
winery activity in residential areas.
VI. The next meeting was set for Monday, December 11, 2017 at 5:00 PM
VII. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM