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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-10-CAC-minutesTown of Danby Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) Draft Minutes of In-person Meeting in Town Hall, and Via Videoconferencing Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Council Members Present: Pacific Austin, Margaret Corbit, Joel Gagnon, Anne Klingensmith, Don Schauffler, Jonathan Zisk Council Members Absent/Excused: None Others Present: Greg Hutnik, Ronda Roaring (via Zoom) Meeting called to order: 7:04pm Agenda Review: Additions or Deletions: An update on the Selin-Hansen easement was added to the easement summary section. Privilege of the Floor: Ronda Roaring noted that the annual report must be submitted to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) by December 31st of the report year and requested that the CAC review its enabling legislation for copy editing errors. Approval of Minutes: The February 2026 minutes and the hummingbird presentation report from the December 2025 meeting were both approved (moved by Joel Gagon, seconded by Margaret Corbit) with minor edits. Pacific Austin abstained. Annual Report: The 2025 Town of Danby Conservation Advisory Council Annual Report was approved (moved by Don Schauffler, seconded by Margaret Corbit). Per the enabling legislation, the report will be forwarded to the DEC following town board approval. Affirming Purpose of CAC: Members reviewed the enabling legislation, with Joel explaining that sections A–H reflect standard state law for CACs and cannot be amended. He added that the conservation easement program material was added locally by putting the state charge into resolution form. Don asked about the definition of "open area," which other members clarified refers to undeveloped land including forests, and Jonathan brought up the management plans paragraph. The group agreed that the CAC’s primary focus should remain on writing and managing conservation easements given current capacity, that the enabling legislation should be reviewed annually. It was also noted that new members should read it before joining. Easement Summaries: Margaret presented her completed summary of the Selin-Hansen easement using Anne's template, sharing her screen via Zoom. Topics discussed included keeping summaries concise and useful for future monitors, paraphrasing legal language and including property-specific details such as exceptional values, prohibited uses, chain of ownership, and relevant history. A brief narrative description of property boundaries was also suggested as helpful for monitors unfamiliar with the property. Joel explained that the definition of "agriculture" in local zoning may be reviewed by the planning board, and the CAC may want to weigh in if this moves forward. Members discussed scheduling future summary presentations; details provided under Next Month's Agenda Items. Easement Monitoring: Anne shared her vision for the monitoring form: each monitor would maintain a customized version of the form containing the relevant summary information for their easement — e.g., exceptional values, restrictions, and property- specific notes — to reference in the field. Members discussed this approach, offering minor formatting improvements to the form's layout and structure. They were invited to suggest further edits via email. Tax Benefits: Jonathan reported that he has posted the Excel spreadsheet with sample tax abatement calculations to the Easement Outreach folder in Teams. The group agreed it should serve as an illustrative example for prospective landowners only, with any specific financial questions directed to tax advisors or other appropriate professionals. Updates on Ongoing Easements: Sherman Easement: No new update. Town Planner Greg Hutnick previously spent time pulling together deed descriptions with former CAC member Brittany Stein. However, he believes some legal descriptions may still be incomplete. Greg and Pacific will review. Olsefski Easement: Margaret has been in touch with Paul Soloway a few times, and both he and his wife are interested in proceeding. A meeting with them both is tentatively expected in April. Altman Easement: No update; work is ongoing Easement Outreach: Members continue to reach out to neighbors and potential landowners about the easement program. The Tompkins County Environmental Management Council has invited the CAC and Greg to present on the easement program at one of its monthly meetings this summer. Items for Next Month’s Agenda: Jonathan will give a summary of the Gladstone easement, and Don may present the two Palmer easements. Anne will reach out to Brittany and Pacific to potentially schedule a meeting about the Sherman easement summary. Member Announcements: Members were reminded to complete required annual training. Certificates from equivalent trainings at other organizations may be submitted instead. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:07pm. Submitted by Kristin McCarthy, Secretary.