HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-17 - Ag and Farmland Ulysses Agriculture & Farmland Protection Plan Steering Committee
Dec . 17 , 2009
Present : John Wertis, Chaw Chang, Chuck Houghton, Ann Filley Bruce Austic, Bob
Howarth, Jim Brown, Monika Roth
Meeting called to order by Chair John Wertis .
Minutes of Nov . 24 meeting reviewed, John moved approval, second by Aim, All in
favor.
Announcements : Bob H. provided data from city- data website that indicates that Ulysses
had 3 times the number of building permits issued compared to NYS average from 1996-
2008 . This shows the kind of development pressure the Town is facing.
Monika will share the info with Kevin so that this data can be used in documenting
development pressure.
Timeline review : John offered a slightly revised timeline for plan completion than what
was discussed on 11 /24 (see minutes) . The timeframe accommodates more time for
farmer input during the winter months . [Distributed at Meeting] Everyone agreed to
approve the new timeframe . A question was asked about why not extend a year vs 6
months? While there is a lot of work to do, the committee felt we should press on to
complete the plan. Once the basic plan in approved, it can always be expanded upon .
Reviewed State Expectations for Municipal Plans : the purpose is to ensure that the work
we have planned in the next few months will accomplish the State goals .
Open Space Definition review : John offered two definitions of open space so that there
is agreement for the purposes of this plan. Kevin refers to open space on page 9- 10 of the
draft document . John offered a simple definition : "any land no built upon" . Motion by
Ann, second by Chaw to accept this definition. Discussion : Bob asked why we need a
definition. The state expectations for ag plans is that the open space value of agriculture
be addressed, therefore this definition is important for the purpose of this plan . All in
favor of the motion to approve the definition.
Draft Document Review : Open Space & Rural Character (page 9 & 10)
John offered a substitute paragraph . . . and suggested the list of open space resources be
deleted . Everyone agreed with the change. John will communicate these changes to
Kevin Kelley.
Farm Friendly Town Quiz from American Farmland Trust : Not everyone had done their
homework but the general consensus was that many of the folks did not know the
answers to the questions . Everyone agreed to review this list to consider strategies that
might be relevant for Ulysses .
Character Areas Map provided by Kevin : Everyone felt that this should be reviewed
again when we are working on strategies .
Profile of Farming in the Town of Ulysses : Monika shared a very preliminary draft and
asked farmers to validate/correct information . Lots of notes were made based on farmer
input and Monika will keep on revising/writing. Information gathered in
farmer/landowner interviews will help provide a more accurate picture of farming in the
town. The purpose of this section of the plan is to describe farming activities, their
economic impact, and losses if converted .
Agenda for next meeting: Jan . 21 , 7 PM
-Farm Friendly Town Strategy Review — relevance for Ulysses
-Draft strategies from a prior meeting (Monika will update and send out)
-Document review (as revisions are made available by Monika and Kevin)
Meeting adjourned, 9 PM