HomeMy WebLinkAboutAG Minutes 2021-11-30 Town of Ithaca Agriculture Committee Meeting
Tuesday, November 30, 2021, 6:00 pm
(Via Zoom Video Conference)
Final Minutes
Members Present: Matthew Stalker(AJ Teeter Farm), Chair, Claire Forest (Forest Family Farm),
Lisa Ferguson (Laughing Goat Fiber Farm).
Members Absent: Ariel Casper (Casper's Farm) Vice-Chair, Steve Cummins (Indian Creek
Farm), Russ Wedemeyer(Ithaca Equestrian Center), Jamie Baker(Sweyolakan Farm), Sharon
Tregaskis (Tree Gate Farm), Christianne White (Steep Hollow Farm).
Town Representatives: Mike Smith (Senior Planner), Bill Goodman (Deputy Town Supervisor)
Guests: None
1. Persons to be heard-none
2. Member announcements and concerns-none
3. Chair(Matthew) and Coordinator (Mike) reports /updates:
Matt noted that Cudlin's Meat Market in Newfield, near the Town of Ithaca is open for livestock
processing under new owners.
AJ Teeter Farm also has beef products for sale, information was offered to be sent to committee
members and Bill G.
Lisa noted a pop-up local fiber shop downtown near the Commons that features fiber and fiber
products from local farms and artists.
4. Ithaca Town Board (Bill) report/ update:
Bill G reported that the Town Board is finished drafting the Short-Term rental ordinance and a
public hearing is scheduled for December 13t'.
The Planning Committee is working through the process to recommend the Inlet Valley area
zoning change to allow more and different types of small shops and businesses such as small
motels, cafes, restaurants, etc. The Zoning previously was Light Industrial, and the use is
restrictive. The intent of the change overall is to promote economic development and Bill
explained when the Black Diamond Trail is done, it would increase tourist use in the area. The
Gateway Trail bridge completion was also noted as increasing connectivity of the trails.
Claire expressed concern over the noise traveling and any activity near Buttermilk Falls Park
negatively affecting her nearby farm.
Matt stated that ideally the area would be a good place for variety of locally grown and made
products to be sold.
1
5. Approval of minutes—July 28, 2020, November 17, 2020, March 30, 2021, and July 27,
2021, were tabled due to lack of quorum. Mike Smith noted that the new Planning staff member
completed draft sets of minutes to get the Committee up to date.
6. Recap of the October 291h Ithaca Town Board Farm Tour:
Mike Smith updated that a successful Farm Tour with the Town Board took place at Ithaca
Equestrian Center on Trumansburg Road and West Haven Farm at Eco Village. The group was
able to spend one hour at each location touring the farms facilities and operations.
Committee members discussed holding a tour day for the Ag Committee members and their
farms.
7. Other Business Recommendation of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2022 and Approval of the
2022 meeting schedule. This was tabled due to lack of quorum.
Next meeting: January 25, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.
8. Adjourn- 6:27 pm.
Minutes were drafted by Planning Admin Staff Abby Homer 12/06/2021
2