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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAG Minutes 2014-01-28
Town of Ithaca Agriculture Committee (AC)
January 28, 2014, 7:00 PM
Final Minutes
Members Present: Clair Forest (Forest Family Farm), Russ & Paula Wedemeyer (Ithaca Equestrian
Center), Lisa Ferguson (Laughing Goat Fiber Farm), Sharon Tregaskis & Dean Koyanagi (Tree Gate Farm)
Others Present: Bill Goodman (Town Board), Rod Howe (Town Board), Mike Smith (Town Planning
Department), Alfred Eddy (Eddydale Farm – Guest and Founding Member of Ag Committee)
1. Persons to be heard: none
2. Member Announcements / Concerns: none
3. Chair and Coordinator Reports / Updates: Mike mentioned that the new Town newsletter will be this
spring, and any articles would need to be in by late March. The Indian Creek Farm PDR grant has been
approved for disbursement of funds, which will hopefully happen in the next month.
4. Ithaca Town Board Report / Updates: Bill updated the group on the Comprehensive Plan status and
progress of the DGEIS (environmental review). The Town Board has started reviewing the DGEIS and it
should be released to the public soon. Mike will send the ag section of the DGEIS to the AC soon. The
AC could look at the DGEIS at the March meeting and see if the group wants to submit comments.
Bill was asked about the Biggs Property. They are currently waiting for funding and would most likely
come to the Town’s Planning Board first.
Rod mentioned that the Town is starting an economic development ad-hock group and could include Ac
members.
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5. Approval of Minutes: Claire questioned the 12 acre density number again in the November 19
notes. Bill responded with a summary of the Town Board discussion. All three sets of minutes/notes
were approved, with Claire abstaining.
6. Brief summary of local rough-cut lumber use in the Town of Ithaca: Mike provided a quick overview
and referred people to the notes from the November 19, 2013 meeting.
7. Review and prioritize the short term goals/recommendations from the Town’s Ag Plan:
Recommendation 4d, Paula will work on articles for Town newsletter, including the farm profiles.
Recommendation 4j, Bill will research what is currently required and how the Town might be able to add
to it. Look to see if other communities have any similar brochures already created. Paula could help,
maybe contact local Board of Realtors. Bill isn’t sure if the Town can pass something to require this.
Alfred felt it is important to keep farmers informed on topics important to them such as the rough-cut
lumber and tree information (invasives). We need to save farmland for farmers.
Rod suggested the idea of having a farm tour by Town Board members (similar to public works tour last
year), and was willing to help arrange.
Russ (last year built first barn, brought in water, and one paddock) and Lisa (exploring options for more
space – farmer worker housing, shop and sales) provided quick updates on their farms.
8. Other Business: It was asked if any changes could be made to the meeting schedule to encourage
more attendance – different time, day of the week, etc. No changes were proposed at this point.
Unanimous approval of 2014 Meeting Schedule.
Alfred asked who to contact regarding problems he is having with the Cayuga Inlet behind Eddydale on
Route 13. He has talked with DEC, but they won’t allow anything to be done. Bill will start with a site
visit in the spring to see the area. AC members are welcome to join him.
9. Adjourn: 8:52 pm
Notes prepared by Mike Smith