The purpose of this chapter is to recognize the importance of
agriculture as an integral component of the rural character that enhances
the quality of life of all residents of the Town of Lima and to assure
the continued viability of agriculture as an industry which is important
to the local economy and to the preservation of open space and vistas
in the Town of Lima. In addition, this chapter is intended to:
A. Encourage
the wise use and management of the Town's natural resources through
best management farming practices that support the most beneficial
relationship between the use of land and buildings and the agricultural
practices of the community; and
B. Provide
the Town Board, Planning Board and other relevant boards or committees
of the Town of Lima with an advisory body on a variety of matters
of importance to or which may impact the agricultural community of
the Town of Lima.
The Agricultural Advisory Committee shall:
A. Advise
the Town Board and the County Agricultural and Farmland Protection
Board in relation to the proposed establishment, modification, continuation
or termination of any county agricultural district. The Committee
shall present advice relating to the desirability of such action,
including advice as to the nature of farming and farm resources within
any proposed or established area.
B. Review
any agricultural data statements forwarded to the Committee and provide
for a publicized time and location for discussion of potential impacts
on the neighboring farms.
C. Review
any proposed local law or policy reasonably affecting agricultural
land or agricultural operations within any Town agricultural zoning
district or within or contiguous to a county agricultural district.
D. Review
any application to the Town Board, Planning Board or Zoning Board
of Appeals affecting property within any Town agricultural zoning
district or within or contiguous to a county agricultural district.
E. Review
the State Agriculture and Markets Law on an annual basis for amendments
that may affect agriculture and policies affecting agriculture in
the Town, and report findings to the Town Board.
F. Review
other county and state legislation affecting agriculture in the Town
of Lima that are brought to its attention, identify issues related
to the proposed legislation and report on said issues to the Town
Board and other appropriate board or committee.
G. Participate
in the review and consideration of any public infrastructure improvements
proposed within Agricultural Use Districts A. Evaluate all such proposals
and provide recommendations which account for the potential impacts
on agricultural operations to the Town Board and to the Livingston
County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board.
H. Conduct,
in collaboration with the Town Highway Superintendent, a review of
drainage ditch conditions within agricultural areas of the Town as
needed, and report findings to the Town Board.
I. Serve
as a vehicle for communication between the agricultural community,
boards and committees of the Town of Lima and the County Agricultural
and Farmland Protection Board.
J. Reports
of findings on matters reviewed by the Committee shall be compiled
and submitted annually to the Town Board and shall serve as a record
of the Committee's activities.