MINUTES PUBLIC HEARING
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
February 19, 2013
A PUBLIC HEARING was held by the City Council & WPC Authority in the City Hall Auditorium on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 to obtain public input on proposed changes to the City’s Code of Ordinances regarding the Right to Farm.
Present were Mayor Ryan Bingham, Corporation Counsel Raymond Rigat, City Councilors Gregg Cogswell, Elinor Carbone, Gerald Zordan, and Drake Waldron. City Councilors Marie Soliani and Paul Samele were absent. City Clerk Joseph Quartiero, Mayoral Aide Timothy Waldron, City Planner Martin Connor and City Engineer Edward Fabbri were also present.
Mayor Bingham called the public hearing to order at 5:30 p.m.
City Clerk Joseph Quartiero read the legal notice.
City Planner Martin Connor, explained that the Right to Farm Ordinance concerns legitimate farms that are three acres or more in size. He said the 2010 Plan of Conservation and Development recognized that agriculture is a very important part of our city, both economically and for preserving open space. Mr. Connor said a group called "FIT Together," including Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Councilor Carbone, the Land Use Office, the Board of Education, and the YMCA all recognized the importance of farming and having fresh food available in order to make Torrington a healthier place to live.
From a planning perspective, Mr. Connor said his office receives complaints about noise, smells, and various issues that are all part of farming, and this ordinance will protect current and future farmers in Torrington. It lets the public know that we feel that farming operations are very important, he said, and the ordinary things that go along with farming such as incidental noise from livestock or farm equipment, odors from livestock, manure, fertilizer or feed, and dust and fumes associated with bonafide farming operations would not be considered nuisances. He added that, to protect the citizens of Torrington, a review committee would be formed, as part of the Ordinance, which would include some farmers that understand what normal farming operations are. The review committee would resolve issues between neighbors
and make sure that regular farming operations or principles are being followed.
Stephanie Barksdale, director of NWCT United Way spoke on behalf of "FIT Together" saying their goal was to build healthy kids, families and communities through sustainable and proven strategies that foster healthy eating and active living. She said they want to make the healthy choice the easy choice in both food options and fitness. Ms. Barksdale said they think this proposed Right to Farm Ordinance does that, and helps us get back to our agrarian roots.
Laura Marek said her neighborhood is somewhat agricultural, that she is in support of this Ordinance and that she applauds our City for looking into it. She said she is a member of our Farm Bureau Association and recommended that as another resource for putting together some things that make sense for Connecticut and for Torrington.
Bill Burgess of the "FIT Together" steering committee and president of Litchfield Hills Food Systems, said he is focused on connecting sustainable agriculture and local food with active healthy lifestyles. He said he has served terms on the Planning & Zoning Commission in Litchfield and the Right to Farm Ordinance provides a mechanism to address any nuisance complaints that come up, bringing a sense of structure and organization to the balance in your City.
Tom Kandefer asked about CT Statutes that talk about a farm being in place one year. He also asked if protective nuisance clauses would still be applicable if a farm makes substantial changes. Mr. Connor said there's no time period involved. He said if it’s a farm or if there's a farming operation, and there was a nuisance complaint made, then they would be protected under this ordinance.
Mr. Connor cited the publications used in drafting this ordinance including Planning for Agriculture, A Guide for CT Municipalities from the American Farmland Trust and the CT Conference of Municipalities, the American Planning Association's best recommendations and the Planning Commissioners' Journal on Farm and Community.
Mayor Bingham noted that there will be a board in place that mediates situations at a local level and there is always an opportunity to supersede to the State Superior court who would determine whether or not State Statutes override a local ordinance regarding the complaint.
John Czapor said he doesn't need to be reminded about the thrill of living next to a farm and noted that there's more to farming than dairy farming. He said he personally has a three-acre apiary for bees and wondered about vegetable gardening, both of which could be conducted on less land, even a backyard. Mr. Connor replied that any farm of three or more acres in size would be protected under this ordinance.
Butch Klug reported that his farm is inspected by 'Agrimark' for animal rights, animal abuse, and manure systems. He said a legitimate farm has a conservation plan in place for spreading manure and manure runoff, and added that a lot of people inspect farms including the State Department of Agriculture. Mr. Klug noted that his neighbors are very good, with no complaints, and he is very fortunate to have large property owners that let him use their land. He pointed out that keeping the land open is a lot cheaper than anything else. Mr. Klug urged the Council to keep land open, and help farms.
Mayor Bingham closed the public hearing at 5:47 p.m.
RIGHT TO FARM ORDINANCE
On a motion by Councilor Zordan, seconded by Councilor Cogswell, the Council considered the establishment of the Right to Farm Ordinance to conserve and protect agricultural land and to encourage agricultural operations and the sale of local farm products within the City.
Mayor Bingham said this is a step in the right direction and that farming is a proud tradition in Torrington.
Councilor Carbone said she finds the ordinance to be consistent with our Plan of Conservation and Development wherein we recognize that farmland is one of the resources that helps define Torrington.
She said agriculture's role in our community is important because it promotes a rural quality of life, protects our heritage, promotes healthy living and supports our local economy which should not be undervalued. Councilor Carbone said she especially likes the establishment of the Dispute Resolution Board, a great way for farmers and their neighbors to come together, review the circumstances they may have a dispute over, and be able to resolve them.
Councilor Cogswell thanked Mr. Connor, City Planner, and Councilor Zordan, Ordinance Committee Chairman, and said this is well-thought out, well-planned and very good for agriculture in Torrington.
Councilor Zordan agreed that this is a good ordinance and that he would like to se it passed this evening.
A roll call vote was taken and the motion was unanimously approved.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol L. Anderson, CCTC
Asst. City Clerk
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