Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-09-CAC-minutesTown of Danby Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) Minutes of In-person Meeting in Town Hall, and Via Videoconferencing Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 Council Members Present: Margaret Corbit, Joel Gagnon, Anne Klingensmith, Don Schauffler, Jonathan Zisk Council Members Absent/Excused: Brittany Stein Others Present: Katharine Hunter (via Zoom) Meeting called to order: 7:01pm Agenda Review: Additions or Deletions The agenda was reviewed with no formal additions or deletions noted. Privilege of the Floor: No one from the public spoke. Approval of Minutes: Approval of the August minutes was moved to the October meeting. There was discussion about needed corrections to the June minutes, which Kristin and Don said they would collaborate on via email after the meeting. Status of Current Easements Anne mentioned plans to monitor the Kartman property in the spring to observe spring flora in the woods. For the Tekakwitha easements, the middle parcel was viewed last year, and contact will be made to check another parcel this fall. The group acknowledged that monitoring every couple of years rather than annually is becoming the realistic practice and agreed to report monitoring activities during meetings so the council has a record of completed inspections. CAC discussed using town planner Greg Hutnik's spreadsheet identifying properties over 20 acres contiguous with conserved land to indicate which property owners members know and would be willing to contact about easements. There was discussion about using the HuntStand app for monitoring. Monitoring of the Hansen easement will continue as has been done previously, walking the property with a map and taking photographs. Discussion arose regarding overflow parking in the field for events at South Hill Cider. The easement language requires town approval for motorized vehicle use, but there are questions about whether agricultural use allowances under NYS Agriculture and Markets law supersede the easement requirements. The town attorney will be asked for clarification on whether the easement contract or Agriculture and Markets regulations take precedence. The property owner has agreed to have Agriculture and Markets conduct a thorough review of the operation to determine if activities conform to agricultural use guidelines. Group emphasized that their role is to monitor for impacts on conservation values, not to regulate noise or events. Updates on Ongoing Easements Sherman – Brittany has been working on it but has not been available recently. In the past, Jonathan has offered to help complete the work if needed. Altman – Jonathan is waiting to hear back from Ben on final items. There was extensive discussion about his request to include language requiring traditional Indigenous agricultural methods and prohibiting pesticides, which would be difficult or impossible to monitor and enforce. Members agreed that such aspirations could be included in a preamble or vision statement, but the legally binding zones should focus on restrictions the town can realistically enforce. Olsefsky Rd-- Margaret met with the property owner for a couple of hours to discuss easement options and review maps. The different zone types and how reserved rights work were explained. Discussions will continue this fall. The cabin language from the Melchen- Palmer easement was identified as potentially useful for this property, particularly regarding seasonal structures that would not become permanent dwellings. Discussion of Easement Customization: The group reviewed common customizations in existing easements, which typically involve reserved rights to build additional structures or permit seasonal cabins with restrictions to prevent them from becoming permanent residences. Standard provisions allow expansion of existing primary residences by a certain percentage. Members noted that NYS Agriculture and Markets definitions of agricultural use have expanded to include tasting rooms. There was discussion about whether future easements should require that properties be removed from agricultural districts to avoid potential conflicts, but this would need to be handled case-by-case. The group acknowledged that they are learning from experience and that each easement is unique. Timber Harvesting Law: The timber harvesting law has been presented to the town board and a public hearing is scheduled for October 20 at 6pm. The town attorney reviewed the final version and had no further suggestions. The law reflects input from the highway superintendent, with the town planner serving as the point person for permit issuance rather than the highway department. Both the highway superintendent and planner are comfortable with their respective roles. Notice of the public hearing will be included in the next town newsletter. Copy for Danby Newsletter: The group discussed reducing the frequency of newsletter writeups, with Margaret agreeing to contribute approximately three to four times per year rather than monthly. Topics for upcoming newsletters include the timber harvesting law public hearing, the new spreadsheet identifying properties with conservation potential, and recruitment for new CAC members. Volunteer Easement Monitoring Suggestions: Members briefly discussed whether to solicit volunteer monitors through the town newsletter but determined this should be handled informally, with CAC members identifying appropriate individuals rather than casting a wide net for candidates. Recruitment of New Members: CAC needs to recruit new members. The appointment process typically begins in October with openings announced, applications due in November or early December, and appointments made in January. Information about open positions will be included in the town newsletter. Items for Next Month’s Agenda: Members plan to discuss the South Hill Cider easement parking and agriculture use issue pending the town attorney's response about whether the easement or NYS Agriculture and Markets law takes precedence. CAC may also address the Curtiss boundary issue, though there has been no new information. The bird banding station presentation was postponed to a future meeting. Member Announcements: There were no announcements. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm. Submitted by Kristin McCarthy, Secretary.