HomeMy WebLinkAboutAG Minutes 2014-07-29
Agriculture Committee
Town of Ithaca
July 29, 2014
Final Minutes
Present: Mike Smith, Bill Goodman, Lisa Ferguson, Alan Teeter, Claire Forest, Christianne White, Sharon
Tregaskis, Paula Wedemeyer
1. Persons to be heard: None
2. Member Announcements / Concerns
a. Lisa Ferguson commented on two positive interactions with town officials. One
involving the code enforcement department’s advice on an agricultural building project.
The other concerning assistance with an escaped goat late at night.
b. Sharon recounted a similar positive episode with escaped pigs.
3. Chair and Coordinator Reports / Updates
a. Mike Smith reported that there are state Purchase of Development grants available
again and the Town can apply for them if landowners are interested.
b. Sharon mentioned that the current system of meeting reminders and emails seemed to
help encourage attendance, so it will continue.
c. Sharon suggested that committee members think about the possibility of a fall/winter
meeting topic to consider visioning exercises for these meetings (goals, purpose,
attendance issues). She reminded members that they can offer suggestions for the
agenda anytime.
4. Ithaca Town Board Report / Update
a. Bill reported that the Town of Ithaca’s Comprehensive Plan’s Environmental Impact
Statement is now in response mode. The comment period has closed and Town of
Ithaca staff are drafting their responses to comments. Possible changes in the Future
Land Use Map are being considered based on comments received either to the draft EIS
or the draft Comp Plan.
b. Discussion about cooperation and overlap of Town, County and State of NY land use
plans and responsibilities. Bill mentioned the Town of Ithaca tour of public works
projects.
5. Approval of Minutes – March 25, 2014
a. Lisa moved to accept the March 25, 2014 draft minutes, Christianne seconded. Minutes
accepted.
6. Recap of the May 30 th Ithaca Town Board Farm Tour (original Town Board
schedule/map and reactions/comments sheets attached)
a. Reviewed and discussed the comments following the Town Board Farm Tour.
Christianne added that she was pleased with the visit and thought it was very important.
Lisa felt the visit could be longer and more focused, but overall farmers were glad to
participate. The next tour will be scheduled in the Fall, to accommodate different
farming ventures. It was unclear whether that would be Fall of 2014 or Fall of 2015, or
who might be interested in participating.
7. Recap of the June 16 th Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee meeting - Inlet Valley
Corridor focus
a. Reviewed participant notes on the Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee Meeting.
Mike read notes about all the challenges such as traffic issues, providing amenities, the
railroad, etc. Christianne felt the meeting was positive and was encouraged by the
participation of so many. She asked if it made sense to be thinking of the agricultural
appearance of the community areas in the planning process, since some farms
operations are not visible from the roads. Bill tied the discussion of the Econ Dev Ad
Hoc Committee to Ag lands and zoning considerations (ex: Planned Dev Zones), and the
town’s move towards Form Based Zoning.
8. Discuss proposed changes to the Town’s Sign Law (draft agricultural section)
a. Christianne suggested changes related to linear road frontage for ag properties
b. Claire and Sharon suggested changes related to off premise signs for ag properties with
limited road frontage
c. Discussion ended with a reminder to send written comments to Bill by September 10th.
9. Review draft brochure regarding the Town’s Right-to-Farm Law
a. The committee members had overwhelmingly positive comments on the brochure.
b. It was suggested that it be sent out to local realtors in electronic form.
10. Other Business
a. The committee thanked Mike Smith and Bill Goodman for their ongoing commitment
and participation in the Ag Committee.
11. Adjourned at 9:00
a. Claire moved that we adjourn. Christianne seconded.
Minutes by Lisa Ferguson