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Ballston board to revive Farmland Protection Committee; members’ vetting and scope draw debate
Summary
The Town Board reviewed goals for a revived Farmland Protection Committee and debated its scope and appointment process, with board members urging individual vetting and an advisory-only role; the item was placed on the March 10 agenda for formal action.
The Town of Ballston Board reviewed submitted goals for a revived Farmland Protection Committee (FLPC) on Feb. 24 and agreed to place the committee appointments on the March 10 agenda after members debated the panel’s scope and how nominees should be vetted.
Supervisor John Antoski opened discussion and said the FLPC would be advisory and intended to provide input to the Board, not to exercise decision-making authority. "The Committee has no decision-making power; it advises the Board to help them make good decisions when taking action," Antoski said.
Councilman Michael Carota said more than half of the proposed goals align with the town’s 2013 Farmland Protection Plan and suggested the committee explore a community garden and ways to expand the farmers’ market. "Many of the goals and missions align with the 2013 Farmland Protection Plan," Carota said.
Emilia Medick, who participates with farmland protection efforts, said the draft language is drawn from the Comprehensive Plan and described the committee’s intended role. "The language is taken from the Comprehensive Plan and it refers to the Committee acting as subject-matter experts, similar to how the Zoning Board and Planning Board function," Medick said. She also told the Board that Saratoga PLAN should continue to oversee conservation easements while the committee focuses on local priorities and milestones.
Councilman Rob Fendrick urged that potential committee members be evaluated individually and recommended requiring letters of interest. "Just because someone was on the FLPC before doesn’t mean they should automatically be allowed on the new committee," Fendrick said. He said committee nominations should be reviewed and appointed via separate resolutions.
Board discussion also touched on Purchase of Development Rights (PDR); Councilman Chuck Curtiss said PDR work should be handled by a separate body, while others said the FLPC would have a stake in advising on PDR matters because PDR projects can involve farmland and forested properties.
Resident Steven Merchant told the Board the FLPC has historically helped protect farmland and locate opportunities, citing the Anchor Diamond Park property, and said without an active committee the town had little farmland protection over the past year.
The Board did not vote on appointments on Feb. 24; the FLPC item was placed on the March 10 agenda for further action.
