HomeMy WebLinkAboutAG Minutes 2022-11-29 Town of Ithaca Agriculture Committee Meeting
Tuesday,November 29, 2022,6:00 pm
In Person at Ithaca Town Hall(Aurora Conference Room) and via Zoom Video Conference
Final Minutes
Members Present: Matthew Stalker(AJ Teeter Farm), Christianne White(Steep Hollow Farm).
Town Representatives: Bill Goodman(Town Board Member), Mike Smith(Senior Planner)
Guests: Leon Ginenthal(Der Rosenmeister Nursery Owner)
1. Farmers Round Robin—What's happening on your farm?How is the season going/went?
Issues/concerns?Announcements?
Matt reported the drought and variable temperatures affected the hay crop as well as the moths
affecting the apple trees. The spring calves have been marked and the beef sales have been
steady. The meat pigs are sold,the meat chicken harvest was successful, and the egg production
from the layers continues. The Apple Harvest Festival on The Commons was well attended, sales
included cider and baked goods, noted internet hinderance with electronic payments with
vendors.
Christianne reported the rental of her fields to crops has some return for the farmer, the weather
affecting the crop some. Bobcat and Beaver signs and sightings have occurred as well as the
sounds of the Great Horned Owl.
2. Persons to be heard: Leon Ginenthal of Der Rosenmeister Nursery introduced his business on Seven
Mile Drive as a specializing in cold,hardy, disease resistant,antique, vintage and modern roses. He
reported the rose crops and fruit trees had some die back this season due to varying temperatures as well
as the moth caterpillar. The heat, drought,public water contents, shortages on supplies and increased
costs of supplies, shipping uncertainty were some of the struggles noted. Wildlife in the area seen on
game cameras included bear,fisher, and bobcats.
The Flock Finger Lakes group (www.�klockliii(yerlak_es.com/) and YouTube channel was introduced as
well as the Just a Few Acres Farm channel (www.Youtube.c oni/c,/al:ustaF w.AcaesFarrri)�app—clesl:ton) as
local people promoting agriculture and horticulture in the Finger Lakes region. Videos of the Amabel and
Eco Village Developments were among the features of the Flock channel.
The purpose of the committee was discussed and the overall drop in attendance and participation over the
years. One purpose is to help implement Town Agriculture Plan. The plan identified goals and could be
reviewed more frequently for guidance and goals. All agreed that sharing support and resources
opportunities helpful and taking advantage of social media to share information is helpful as well. Some
members agreed to reach out to current members who have not been in attendance for some time to see if
there are other ways to encourage attendance. Keeping the agriculture interest alive and appealing for the
future generations was also noted as a need.
3. Chair(Matthew) and Coordinator(Mike)reports/updates: Mike updated the committee on the Town's
progress with updating the solar law. Changes in the Ag zone include increasing the size up to 35 acres
and increased restrictions and design considerations brought in from the Ag&Markets guidance
documents. Mike also mentioned that we did the Town Board farm tour in October and visited two
Cornell farms (Dilmun Hill and the Orchards) and the Six Mile Creek Vineyard.
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4. Ithaca Town Board(Bill)report/update: Bill updated that 2023 is his last year with the town and he
will be transferring his committee and Board duties as the year progresses. Recommendations for Town
Board member representative on the committee were requested. Bill mentioned the South Hill TND re-
zoning moving along as well as the proposed Telecommunications law amendments-public hearings and
Town Board action is needed to finalize the changes and a public hearing will be held prior to final action.
5. Approval of minutes—July 26t'', 2022.
The July 26t'',2022,minutes were accepted with one minor clarification added.
6. Other Business: Bill was thanked for his time and dedication to the Town and Ag Committee. The
Chair/Vice Chair recommendation did not occur due to lack of members present and the 2023 Meeting
schedule was distributed.
7. Adjourn. The meeting_adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
• Next meeting 1/31/2023 6:00 p.m.
Minutes were drafted by Planning Admin Staff Abby Homer 12/9/2022
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