Agriculture/Planning/Environmental Committee
June 8, 2006 - 7:30 am
DRAFT
MINUTES
Members: Danny Ross, Chairman; Kay Breed, Tom Hartnett, John Steger, John Troy and Carol Tytler
Others Present: Marilyn Brown, Chairman of the Legislature; Sandy Price, Legislator, District 19; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Dan Dineen, Director of Planning Department; Amanda Barber, Cortland County Soil & Water Conservation; Bob Duell, Cortland County Fire and Emergency Management Office; and Corey Preston, Cortland Standard
Absent:
Merwin Armstrong
Mr. Ross called the meeting to order at 7:32 a.m.
Mr. Troy moved adoption of the minutes of the May 11, 2006 meeting;
seconded by Mr. Hartnett. All members
voting in favor, minutes approved as printed.
RESOLUTONS:
1.
Supporting an application for State Assistance Payments Under the New York
State Bond Act to Purchase Development Rights on the Vormwald Family Farm,
Town of Preble, Cortland County – Mr. Troy moved
adoption; seconded by Ms. Tytler. Mr.
Dineen briefly explained the resolution.
Additionally, he discussed that this property is along Route 11 in the
Town of Preble and this portion of the property is 115 acres of valley
lowlands, which is part of the larger parcel of 250 acres.
Ms. Tytler inquired about the review process.
Mr. Dineen explained that this farm scored 65 points on the criteria
review. Mr. Dineen also indicated
that this is the only application being submitted. Mr. Steger added that this
property is in close proximity to the other farms.
All members present voting in
favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
2.
Amend Resolution 266-05 Adopt the
Cortland County Purchase of Development Rights Review Criteria
– Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tytler. Chairman Brown inquired as to why the minimum criteria
scoring is being reduced from 65 points to 60 points.
Mr. Dineen explained that the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board
have discussed this and feel that the more appropriate number would be 60,
additionally he added that there are many applications that score between 60
and 64. Ms. Tytler asked if the
number was being adjusted just to include more farmland? She inquired about
why the minimum scoring is being lowered.
Ms. Barber discussed that the score of 60 reflects the state level
criteria. Chairman Brown inquired
about what other counties are doing. Mr.
Dineen explained that other counties are different.
Mr. Ross further explained that Cortland County developed their
criteria from the state and federal criteria systems with additional issues
that relate to Cortland County and aquifer concerns.
Ms. Tytler continued to inquire about the reasoning behind the proposed
change of 5 points. Ms. Barber
explained that she is not part of the screening process but does assist
individuals in preparing their applications and helping them get soil tests,
etc. She discussed that she has
seen a few applications and knew the property involved and expressed that
these properties are the types of lands that we need to protect and their
applications did not even make it to the State level. Ms. Barber discussed the protection of good land even though
other lands surrounding it may not be prime farmland; the good land still
needs these hills and wooded areas to prosper.
Ms. Barber discussed that the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board
having reasons why they would like to see this minimum criteria changed.
Ms. Breed discussed only a small portion of the land being prime and
viable farmland. Ms. Price
discussed that if the State reviews these applications why does the county
also have a criteria review. Mr.
Dineen explained that the County is only allowed to submit three applications
per round and this process allows for them to submit three applications that
meet the minimum requirements. Ms. Price discussed the local criteria. Ms. Breed discussed that some applications are borderline and
she further expressed that she has a problem with “forever” in this
process because laws can change and the lands can be sold to non-farms and
then the lands will not be used for farming.
Mr. Ross explained that the properties couldn’t be purchased for
purposes other than farmland. Ms.
Barber discussed the intent of the program but addressed that there are some
key concerns about potential abuses. She
further explained that the property can be sold to someone who will not use
for farmland but they also cannot use the land for purposes other than
agriculture. She expressed that
once property is built on and developed it can not go back to farmland but if
it is just left and nothing is done on with it, it will remain green and can
always be turned back into farmland in the future.
Committee members discussed having someone from the Agriculture and
Farmland Protection Board is present at the Legislative Session on June 22,
2006 to discuss the reasoning behind changing the criteria requirements back
to 60 points. Mr. Ross expressed
that he thoughy it would be a good idea.
Chairman Brown expressed that it would be good to have them explain it
to the general public and help people understand it.
Mr. Ross, Mr. Hartnett, Mr. Steger and Mr. Troy voted in favor; Ms.
Breed and Ms. Tytler were opposed;
resolution approved.
3.
Authorize Grant Application NYS Dept. of Ag and Markets Farmland
Viability Grants Program NY Agricultural Land Trust – Ms. Tytler moved
adoption; seconded by Mr. Troy. Mr.
Dineen explained that the NY Agriculture and Land Trust Board to discuss these
grants that need to be approved approached him.
He added that there is no cost to the county with this and in the
future this organization could assist with the easements for the purchase of
development rights on farmland. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
DISCUSSIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
1. Cortland County Soil & Water Conservation – Ms. Barber discussed and informed the committee that her office has been busy with field work and added that they assisted with only one proposal in the last round of grant applications for the purchase of development rights on farmland. Ms. Barber added that there were others that had expressed interest but only one actually applied. Ms. Barber added that she has spoken with State Leaders regarding grant money for Environment Protection Funding. She expressed that if any Legislators have an opportunity to speak with State leaders she would appreciate any assistance with encouraging them to support legislation for grant money in regards to Environmental Protection Funding. Ms. Barber also discussed that he is a members of the newly formed NY Agriculture Land Trust and urged that if there is anything that the organization can do to assist the processing of applications for state assistance payments under the New York State Bond Act to Purchase Development Rights to please let them know. Ms. Barber urged that any necessary help will be provided and will assist with a positive image in Cortland County. Ms. Breed discussed the easement issues.
2.
Planning Sub-Committee – Ms. Tyler explained that the Sub-Committee is moving forward with
storm water issues and flood control. Ms.
Tytler reported that at the last meeting Mike Barylski of the DEC discussed
flooding issues and the committee is narrowing down the areas with storm
water/flooding issues and those areas that qualify for block grant funding.
Ms. Tytler expressed that they are in the process of pinpointing target
areas, one in the city and one outside the city so they may begin public works
projects. Mr. Ross expressed that the DEC has been very helpful.
Ms. Tytler expressed that the next meeting will be held June 28, 2006
at 7:30 am.