HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-19Page 1 of 2
Dryden Agricultural Advisory Committee
March 19, 2014
Members Present: Evan Carpenter (Chair), Kim LaMotte, Joe Osmeloski,
Town Board Liaison: Jason Leifer
Conservation Board Liaison: Craig Schutt
Planning Board Liaison: Craig Anderson
Town Planning Board Representative: Jane Nicholson (Planning Director)
Guests: Bob Beck (Conservation Board)
1. Meeting was called to order at 7:50pm
2. Review and approval of minutes from January 14th. K. LaMotte moved to
approve the minutes, J. Osmeloski seconded the motion which was unanimously
approved.
3. C. Anderson and B. Beck presented to the farmers their thoughts and discussions
on property rights. B. Beck believes that we can all use more information and
conversation regarding property rights. He and C. Anderson believe that the larger
conversation will happen eventually, maybe next fall. This is not intended to be a
political discussion but rather a coming together of the citizens of the Town to create
an understanding of the various view points.
4. List of farmers in the Town of Dryden
J. Nicholson provided the Ag Committee with a list generated by Tompkins County
Cooperative Extension which includes many of the farms in the Town. E. Carpenter
asked the committee members to look over the list and add names or makes notes.
5. Comprehensive Plan Review
No one was ready to review the Ag section. It will be addressed at the next meeting.
6. Solar Panel co-use
E. Carpenter said he and C. Anderson have talked to the folks from TC3 and the solar
panel installation contractor. That led to a conference call with the contractor and J.
Nicholson. Unfortunately the panels are a set height (the panels come in kits) so they
cannot be raised. The concern of the Ag Committee relates to the fact that TC3 is
taking 10 acres of land that was zoned Ag and using it for a non-agricultural purpose.
The Committee is hoping that future zoning will encourage co -use of land for solar
installations.
D. Barton brought up the visual aspect of the solar panels. He remembers
discussions about the view and the concerns expressed in terms of hydro-fracking
drills and wells.
7. Agricultural Land Protection Grant updates:
J. Nicholson had a conversation with the State; they are not ready to accept grants yet
as they are moving to an on-line system. She has the Town account set up and will
turn in the grant application as soon as they are ready.
There being no further business, D. Barton moved to adjourn at 9:35PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Erin A. Bieber
Deputy Town Clerk