HomeMy WebLinkAboutAG Minutes 2013-02-26
Town of Ithaca Agriculture Committee Meeting
February 26, 2013
7:00 PM
Final Minutes
Members Present:
Debbie Teeter – A.J. Teeter Farm
Claire Forest – Forest Family Farm
Russ & Paula Wedemeyer – Ithaca Equestrian Center
Christianne White – Steep Hollow Farm
Jamie Baker – Sweyolaken Farm
Sharon Tregaskis & Dean Koyanagi – Tree Gate Farm
Others Present:
Bill Goodman - Deputy Town Supervisor
Mike Smith - Environmental Planner
One Student
Welcome / Introductions
1. Persons to be heard: none
2. Member Announcements / Concerns: none
3. Chair and Coordinator Reports / Updates: none
4 / 5. Ithaca Town Board Report / Update and Discussion of comments regarding the Town of
Ithaca’s draft Comprehensive Plan:
Bill reported that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the plan / public meeting
scheduled within 90 days of the plan submitted - Early April. Town Board will decide what
impact they want to look into, one example could be traffic. Staff will pull together the EIS,
which will include mitigation. There are two things going to the Town at the same time.
Christianne asked when are the opportunities for public opinion and when would this be
completed?
Bill responded that:
There are a number of times in the next few months for comments on the plan.
Earliest that the plan clean be finalized is June 2013
More towards the fall is more realistic
There will be plenty of time to make comments
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Additional comments and discussions:
Major town decisions occur when farmers are working. Sometimes when we cannot go to
meetings. Farmers are too busy. The Town stated the draft of the Plan was released last
summer (June 2012).
Resolution was made on draft resolution (Sharon moved, Debbie seconded) and go to
general discussion.
Debbie has a comment: I think this letter could be stronger. None of the farmers in the
Town of Ithaca has sold any property. Bob Drake sold land because of a medical
condition.
Claire: I am the one that suggested that we write a letter. First two paragraphs are fine.
Farmers intend to farm; get rid of planner jargon.
Claire continues to discuss the plan
o It is important that we stay proactive
o The Ag Committee made written comments to the Comprehensive Plan
Committee and they were ignored.
Bill stated that the Comprehensive Plan Committee did review the comments but chose to not
include them in the draft. Claire expressed dismay.
Compilation of general comments from attendees:
We have the opportunity to attend town meetings
There are Town Board members who were on the Comprehensive Plan Committee
Personal communications is the most effective
It is best to have communication with small groups
If 4 or more Town Board members meet, the meeting must be open to the public
The economics of selling farmland is unknown
o What is the loss of value by implementing the new zoning changes?
Bill offered to help facilitate setting up meetings.
One farm was purchased years ago with plans to sell for retirement
Committee agreed to submit the letter as written – vote was unanimous
Some people commented that they needed to wrap things up and go home
Additional comments
o We do not plan to sell property, rather our plan is to hold and farm
o Why is the Town focusing on farms? It seems like farmers are being singled out.
o What about the people who own small farms or pieces of property <30 acres, this
will mean they cannot sell a property site at all. There are a number of farms that
are even smaller than 20 acres.
o Can the existing zoning be “grandfathered” to the farm owners and the change
take place if the property is sold?
o This is a troubling precedent; the most recent change to the comprehensive plan
set 7 acres as the density for selling building sites. The new plan calls for 15
acres, what will happen in the next plan?
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o Has an economic study been conducted to assess the financial impact this could
have on farmers? Is the town required to have this study done?
o Farm acreage is sold to other farmers who want to expand current operations
o Some farm acreage is not optimal for farming and would be better suited for other
purposes.
It was agreed that the small landowners would be contacted and alerted to the proposed
changes and the possible impact it will have on their facilities.
A general idea regarding selling development rights or deeding the development rights
could be an option.
One farm recommended that a series of educational tours be hosted for members of the
Town Board to have a better appreciation for the commitment and concerns local farmers
have; challenges facing a farmer.
Summary:
The farmers are concerned that this is a solution that does not have a problem. No one at the
meeting expressed a desire to sell their property; rather they are committed to continue farming.
There is a general feeling that this is a heavy handed approach being taken by the town that
affects only a few people.
The density requirement change in the draft comprehensive plan has no benefit for the local
farmers.
6. Other Business: none
7. Adjourn: 8:32 pm
Notes prepared by Russ and Paula Wedemeyer
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