[Adopted 12-8-1992 by L.L. No. 52-1992[1]]
The purpose of this article is to recognize
the importance of agriculture as both a vital local economic base
and as a land form that provides the Town of Southampton with much
of its rural, rustic character and charm. The continued viability
of farming as an industry is important to the local economy and to
the preservation of open space and vistas. The Code of the Town of
Southampton provides for and acknowledges several mechanisms for enhancing
the vitality of the local agricultural industry, including agricultural
easements, agricultural use agreements and the purchase of development
rights over agricultural lands. The purpose of this article is to
provide the Town Board, the Planning Board and other relevant arms
of the local government with an understanding of the market forces
on the farm community and to provide a conduit for recommendations
from the farming community as to how to preserve the vitality of this
essential industry.
[Amended 8-27-1999 by L.L. No. 25-1999; 4-26-2005 by L.L. No. 14-2005]
A.
The Committee shall be composed of 11 members as follows:
[Amended 2-3-2015 by L.L. No. 6-2015]
(1)
Eleven residents of the Town of Southampton from the
agricultural community, including representatives from the horse farm,
greenhouse and vineyard segments of the industry. The members shall
elect a Chairperson.
(2)
The Town Planning and Development Administrator, one
member of the Planning Board, the sole Assessor, one representative
of the Long Island Farm Bureau, one representative of the Group for
the South Fork, one representative of the Peconic Land Trust, one
member of the Town Board, and one member of the CPF Advisory Board
shall serve as ex officio members.
B.
The members appointed to the Committee by the Town
Board shall serve for a one year term.
C.
Members shall serve without salary.
[Amended 8-27-1999 by L.L. No. 25-1999]
The Committee shall:
A.
Make recommendations to the Town Board and the Planning
Board as to changes in policy, including but not limited to proposing
revisions to the Code of the Town of Southampton, which will enhance
the vitality of the agricultural community in the Town of Southampton.
B.
Make recommendations regarding the implementation
of the Agricultural Use Agreement Program and regarding agricultural
easements in general.
C.
Review county, state and federal legislation affecting
agricultural issues.
D.
Serve as a vehicle for communication between the agricultural
community and the Town government.
E.
Make recommendations to the Town Board and the Community Preservation Advisory Board regarding the Town's farmland preservation program and the purchase of development rights pursuant to § 330-50.
F.
Review all applications to erect structures on farmlands whose development rights have previously been transferred to the Town, such review and either approval or disapproval to be according to the procedures set forth in § 330-50D.
G.
Propose rules and regulations, subject to formal approval
by the Town Board, governing activities, including but not limited
to time of meetings, procedure for review of permit applications and
method of reporting its recommendations to the Town Board and Planning
Board.
