HomeMy WebLinkAboutAG Minutes 2013-07-30
Town of Ithaca Agriculture Committee
July 30, 2013
7:00 PM
Final Notes
Members Present: Claire Forest (Forest Family Farm), Christianne White (Steep Hollow Farm), Sharon
Tregaskis and Dean Koyanagi (Tree Gate Farm)
Others Present: Bill Goodman (Town Board), Rod Howe (Town Board), Susan Ritter (Town Planning
Department), Mike Smith (Town Planning Department)
1. Persons to be heard: none
2. Member Announcements / Concerns: Bill said that Groundswell has installed a deer fence on
approximately 5 acres and currently has 2 incubator farms set up.
3. Chair and Coordinator Reports / Updates:
Sharon mentioned about the concern in the area regarding Lyme disease. She also discussed the DEC’s
Deer Management Focus Area which will continue this year. There have been problems with hunters
(and others) trespassing. Sharon will send out the DEC contact information and links to the maps.
Mike mentioned that the fall Town newsletter is coming up and wanted to see if there was interest in
writing anything, and potential topics. The Deer Management Focus Area / trespassing was one topic
Sharon could write something on.
4. Ithaca Town Board Report / Update: none
5: Approval of Minutes: none available
6. Update and status of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan:
Sue talked about the timing of the Comp Plan and that the Town Board is currently looking at the public
comments. Planning staff is working on the environmental review (SEQR). The adoption could take
place in early 2014, with any zoning changes being a couple years after that. Comments can come in at
any point, but now is a good time. Discussed the ideas of mixed use and having the density
concentrated near employment centers (Cornell, Ithaca College, etc). The draft talks more about the
built environment and neighborhoods than the previous Comp Plan. The idea is to allow mixed uses and
to encourage a variety of housing styles available to a mix of income types to make the neighborhoods
more attractive to everyone.
Christianne asked about the long-term and how we can support the ‘anchor farms’ in the Town.
Bill talked about the Inlet Valley Corridor and possible ideas for Steep Hollow and Early Bird Farms.
Christianne says that some rental income could help and maybe the farm retreat idea could fit. Thinking
about retirement ideas.
Sharon explains how continuous groups of farms are important for their survival. Concerned if we are
working to help one farmer (individual) or helping farming in general.
Bill liked the idea of farm trails, off-road farm lanes that could help to move equipment around between
fields or farms, which could be safer than having to travel on some of the area road. Develop these
lanes to help get to hard to access farms or fields. Is this something the Town could help support and
get easements to develop a network where needed.
Sue offered that she is willing to meet with anyone individually to talk more about personal / individual
concerns more specific to each farm. Can discuss more about individual future plans and ideas.
7. Status of Recommendations from Ag Plan:
Mike mentioned that a copy of the recommendations were provided to everyone, and that a column
was added to show the status and actions. Group discussed the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and the
concern in the Town (lots of gorges) if lots of Hemlocks start dying. If they go, so will the soil. The
opportunity to use the hemlock on site was discussed and recommendation 2-c, the use of rough cut
lumber. Concern over finding a local mill for cutting and grading the lumber. In the past the Town’s
Code Enforcement was not willing to allow the use of rough cut lumber, or aware of the procedure to
allow its use.
General discussion occurred on past experiences with Town Code Enforcement Department.
8. Other Business: none
9. Adjourn:
Adjourned at 8:43 PM
Notes prepared by Mike Smith