HomeMy WebLinkAboutAG Minutes 2015-01-27 Agriculture Committee
Town of Ithaca
January 27,2015,7:00 pm
Final Minutes
Members Present: Alan Teeter, Devon Van Noble, Claire Forest, Russ& Paula Wedemeyer, Lisa
Ferguson, Christianne White, Sharon Tregaskis
Others Present: Bill Goodman, Rod Howe, Mike Smith
1. Persons to be Heard: none
2. Member Announcements/Concerns: Claire Forest asked that the Town bring us up to date on
Maguire dealership proposal to use 45 acres of farmland. She went to Town Board where some
members seemed to feel that it was not in keeping with Town's Comprehensive Plan. Discussion that
Planned Development Zone might be possible. Paved lots seldom revert to farming.
3. Chair and Coordinator Report: Sharon announced two upcoming workshops/classes by Cornell
Cooperative Extension and the Finger Lakes Beekeepers Club.
Mike Smith shared that the Town closed on the Purchase of Development Rights (agricultural
conservation easement)for Indian Creek Farm, which is the second PDR property by the Town of Ithaca.
State Ag and Markets offered a new round of funding for PDR last summer, and hopefully there will be
another round this year. Factors that rate highly for the State and the Town: Road frontage, proximity
to public water or sewer leading to higher development pressure,type and viability of farm, prime type
of soils, commitment of owner, concentrated area of protection, 10 acres or more. An appraiser does
an appraisal to set value of agricultural land. PDR is for a permanent conservation easement.
The Town has a grant for a tree inventory along Town roads and trails and a forest assessment in Town
parks and preserves. Will be able to plan better for issues like Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive
insects and what the impact might be.
4. Ithaca Town Board Report: Bill reported that Maguire proposed locating five dealerships and its
headquarters where two motels are located on west side of 13/34/96, corner of Seven Mile Drive. They
would have bought one parcel from Dan Mitchell and one from Eddy's, and then extended Town Park.
Maguire's did attend Planning Committee; some members of the committee saw Town needs being
met. Could some land be saved for agricultural purposes rather than being zoned low density
residential? Right now anybody could go in and put up houses. The Maguire's wanted a guarantee of
commercial zoning and allowed outdoor display of goods for sale. There are not any places in Town
where they could put a dealership under the current zoning. Town Comp Plan calls for Agricultural
Economic Development. There really would be no extra sales tax generated for Town from this project.
Possibly 150 jobs would be generated? Eddys want to sell their adjoining land badly. It is zoned light
industrial.
Town contributes $100,000 to City Parks, which goes toward Town resident use of Cass Park, Stewart
Park, skating rink, pool etc.; proposed cutting 25%instead of 50%. Looking to County to chip in.
Now that the new Comprehensive Plan is in place, next comes zoning. Now we are looking at form
based zoning...uses can be mixed as long as appearance is within allowed limits. This encourages mixed
uses...small businesses can be mixed in with residential. Walkable neighborhoods.
5. Approval of Minutes:The approval of the July 29, 2015 minutes were moved by Christianne, all
approved.
6. Discuss proposed changes to the Town's Sign Law: Discussion of new sign law in front of codes and
ordinances committee. Trying to keep out billboards, part of why off premise signs not allowed. In Ag
zones there may be signs allowed so many per feet of frontage. Way finding signs allowed, signs at key
intersections helpful. Trying to minimize clutter and distraction.
Discussion of proposed signage rules.
Self-illuminated, why not in areas where there are no streetlights?
Reflected lights OK, illumination OK
Per parcel rules not helpful because parcels vary in size. Per linear feet would make more sense.
Banners Ok if 500 feet from road (IC campus,for instance)
Are barns principal buildings? Yes, anything 8,000 sq feet or up
Allowed 100 sq feet of signage if 500 feet from public road
How can Town promote agritourism if no one can find sites?
Look into blue state signs, which are allowable for private businesses (like Indian Creek Farm)
Can signs in Ag Zone be unique?
Bill encourages all to write out their specific concerns for new sign law and give comments to him.
7. 2015 Business Items: Claire nominated Russ Wedemeyer for Chair and Sharon Tregaskis for Vice-
Chair, Lisa seconded; all approved.These recommendations will be provided to the Town Board for
appointments. Christianne moved, and Lisa seconded the proposed meeting schedule (January 27,
March 24,July 28 and November 17), all approved.
8. Review"Purpose" section of the Agricultural Committee Rules: (didn't have time to discuss)
9. Other Business: Devon announced that the Incubator Farm at Ecovillage will have 6 farmers this year,
farming approximately 2 acres. Christianne inquired about the Tutelo Park ball field (Bostwick Road) as
site for possible farmers' market.
Meeting adjourned at 9:01 pm.
Minutes by Christianne White