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DRAFT Meeting Minutes

February 19, 2026 | 6:00 PM

Roycroft Power House | 39 South Grove Street | East Aurora, NY 14052 

Board Members in Attendance: Brett Kreher, Diane Held, Len Janiga, Bryant Zilke, Rachel Chrostowski, Mark Gaston, Mayda Pozantides, Dan Castle, Scott Bylewski, Erie County Legislator John Mills

Board Members Excused: Dan Henry

Staff in Attendance: Sarah Gatti

  1. Welcome and Introductions

    Chairperson Kreher welcomed Legislator John Mills to the Board. 

  2. Consideration of the November 2025 Meeting Minutes

    Chairperson Kreher pointed out an error in the voting record. Ms. Gatti will revise the draft minutes and correct the error. Mark Gaston made a motion for APPROVAL as amended, seconded by Commissioner Castle, and carried by all voting members.

  3. New Business
    1. Election of Officers: Len Janiga made a motion to ELECT Brett Kreher as Chairperson and Bryant Zilke as Vice-Chairperson of the Erie County Agricultural and Protection Board (AFPB), seconded by Rachel Chrostowski and carried by all voting members (Brett Kreher and Bryant Zilke abstaining).
    2. Agricultural Districts 2025 Open Enrollment Update: 2025 open enrollment modifications have been certified by NYS.
    3. Agricultural Districts Open Enrollment Form Discussion: The form will be updated to add a question on whether the parcel has sewer and a question on why the applicant is applying. A draft form will be shared at the May meeting.
    4. Eden Solar NOI: A response letter will be drafted using the standard comments with the addition of language on use variances and local zoning and the removal of language regarding farmland fragmentation.
    5. Eden Solar II NOI: A response letter will be drafted using the standard comments with the addition of language on use variances and local zoning and strengthening of the language related to site design and adverse agricultural impacts.  
  4. Old Business
    1. Agribusiness Park Update: Progress continues at the site.
    2. Sky Lantern Outreach: Outreach ideas include communicating with wedding venues, retailers, and the bridal expo. Ms. Gatti will share the postcard file with the Board. 
    3. 2026 Farm Tour: A farm tour is being planned for 6/25/26. Ideas include drive-by visits to permanently protected farmland and locations of proposed solar development in addition to other farms and the agribusiness park. 
  5. Other Business
    1. Slow Moving Vehicle Decals: Chairperson Kreher noted the unauthorized use of Slow Moving Vehicle decals throughout the County, often to indicate mailboxes along the roadway. Ms. Gatti will prepare social media content to educate stakeholders on the subject. 
    2. November Storm Fund: Mr. Gaston continues to work with grant recipients to close out projects.

  6. Adjournment

    Bryant Zilke made a motion to ADJOURN at 7:15pm, seconded by Rachel Chrostowski, and carried by all voting members.

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