HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-12-CAC-minutesTown of Danby Conservation Advisory Council (CAC)
Minutes of In-person Meeting in Town Hall, and Via Videoconferencing
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024
Council Members Present: Margaret Corbit, Joel Gagnon, Katharine Hunter, Anne Klingensmith, Renee
Owens, Don Schaufler, Jonathan Zisk
Council Members Absent/Excused: Brittany Lagaly
Others Present: Kristin McCarthy (staff), Ronda Roaring (Danby resident, via Zoom)
Meeting was called to order at 7:17pm.
Deletions or Additions to Agenda: None.
Privilege of the Floor: There were audio difficulties with the Zoom. Roaring asked via the chat function
if the “Reasons to Involve the CAC in Proposed Development” document could be linked to in the agenda
and wanted to know the status of the Woodsen property. Members commented on NYSDEC amending its
freshwater wetlands regulations in 2025.
Approval of Minutes: Oct. 8 notes were not voted on. However, Kristin made a note to correct the
spelling of Katharine’s name in the current draft version. There was some confusion over the status of
September draft minutes.
Reports and Updates
1. Status of Online Systems: Members discussed the organization of their online and computer file
systems, specifically the use of Laserfiche and Microsoft Teams. The goal is to establish a clear
system for storing and accessing documents, including permanent records and working files.
Emphasis was placed on the need for simple access to documents and the importance of version
control. They also considered the possibility of duplicating documents in both Laserfiche and
Teams to ensure accessibility.
2. Status of Easement Monitoring: Renee encouraged other members to reach out to her if they
need help monitoring. Members discussed the Hansen easement, which property now includes
South Hill Cider, and various related topics, including the property's use as a boutique cidery and
event venue. The discussion centered on whether the event venue use is consistent with the
original intent of the easement, which allows for agricultural activities and sales. Members noted
that the property owner has implemented sustainable agriculture practices, including the use of
cover crops. The property's apple collection is notable, and expansion plans include potentially
adding wine production to the existing orchard. Members also discussed regulatory and zoning
considerations. The discussion touched on the potential implications for easement compliance and
the need to ensure that the property's use is consistent with the language of the easement. Wimsatt
monitoring was uneventful. Recent changes in ownership include the purchase of the eastern
portion and western sections. Maintenance has been minimal, with only the fields being mowed.
Palmer easement monitoring report is still pending. However, it appears that maintenance has
been routine, with paths being mowed. Monitoring for the Hoffman-Karlsen easement has not yet
been conducted.
3. Status of Retrieval of Past Easement Monitoring Documents: Participants discussed the
challenges of tracking down and compiling information about completed easements and the need
for accurate and up-to-date documentation. Individuals who have previously monitored
easements should share their reports or provide information on where to find them. To ensure
effective monitoring and record-keeping, the importance of consistent practices was emphasized.
4. Comments on “Reasons to Involve CAC in Proposed Development” document: The group
reviewed the document, which aims to provide guidance on when to appropriately involve the
CAC in environmental reviews. The group noted that the CAC's role is supplementary, providing
background information to support decision-making. The discussion then turned to the interaction
between the town planner, staff supporting the planning board and town board, other entities like
the town highway department, and the CAC. The conversation also highlighted the importance of
a checklist of triggers and considerations for the town planner. It was noted that some of these
entities may encounter projects that the planner might not be aware of. The discussion concluded
with members emphasizing the CAC's advisory role in ensuring environmental considerations are
integrated into decision-making processes. Members will continue to provide feedback on the
document.
5. Status of Timber Harvesting Law: It is still being reviewed.
6. Filing Status for the Kartman Easement: Paperwork is ready for filing with the County Clerk’s
Office and NYS DEC. Kristin will connect with the Town of Danby Clerk for further instructions.
The group briefly discussed the process of filing easement documents, and the roles of the
different parties involved.
7. Updates on Easements: The group discussed the status of various easements, including those on
the Hoffman (Bruce Hill), Ravencache, Melchen, Palmer, and Curtiss properties. They noted that
some properties had not yet been monitored. The conversation then turned to the Sherman
property and ongoing efforts to secure an easement. The group explored easement enforcement
and its limitations, recognizing the difficulty of enforcing specific land use practices. The
discussion concluded with a broader conversation about land conservation, local action, and
federal regulation. They emphasized educating the public about conservation easements' benefits,
including tax breaks and their value to the community.
8. Executive Session: none
9. Meeting Wrap-up; Members discussed upcoming term renewals and the reapplication process.
They also explored the complexity of establishing easements with neighboring landowners and
potential solutions. The conversation touched on the importance of designating zones for various
land uses, including residential and forest zones.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:18pm. Submitted by Kristin McCarthy, Secretary