Skip to main content

Meeting Minutes

May 19, 2022 | 6:00 PM | Webex

Board Members in Attendance: Brett Kreher, Dan Castle, Diane Held, Rachel Chrostowski, Bryant Zilke, Earl Gingerich

Staff in Attendance: Sarah Gatti

  1. Consideration of the January 20, 2022 Meeting Minutes

    Bryant Zilke made a motion for APPROVAL, seconded by Dan Castle, and carried by all voting members.

  2. Storefront Revitalization Initiative

    Dan Castle briefed the AFPB on the County’s Storefront Revitalization Update and directed Board members to visit erie.gov/storefront for more information.

  3. Food Policy Council Appointment:

     Sarah Gatti provided background on the Food Policy Council of Buffalo and Erie County (FPC), explaining that one appointed seat is reserved for an AFPB member. Commissioner Castle had currently been serving in that role but can no longer continue to do so. In his lieu, it is recommended that Ms. Gatti fill the AFPB seat. Earl Gingerich made a motion to APPROVE the appointment of Sarah Gatti to the Food Policy Council of Buffalo and Erie County as a representative of the Erie County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board., seconded by Bryant Zilke, and carried by all voting members.

  4. Agricultural Districts

    1. 2022 Open Enrollment: Ms. Gatti stated the 2022 Open Enrollment would begin in September. There is no action required at this time.
    2. Consolidation Plan: Ms. Gatti stated that the final consolidation will begin shortly and will be finalized in in spring of 2023. The Amherst #17, Alden Newstead #1, Clarence Newstead #14, and Lancaster Alden #16 will be consolidated into the North Agricultural District. There is no action required at this time.

  5. Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan Update

    Ms. Gatti also explained that the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan is not eligible for update until 2023 – ten years from when NYS certified the Plan. Ms. Gatti further stated she would keep the Board apprised of the grant application process.

  6. Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan Implementation Matrix

    Ms. Gatti asked the AFPB to email updates, if any, to her. 

  7. Other Business

    Commissioner Castle provided an updated the Board on the Evans Agribusiness Park.

    Diane Held recommended that farmers from Providence Farm Collective (PFC) and Urban Fruits and Veggies be invited to an APFB meeting within the year to present on their work and what the Board can do to support BIPOC farmers. The Board agreed to have PFC and Urban Fruits and Veggies present, at a date to be determined. Ms. Held also recommend that the upcoming Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan update should address urban agriculture, the Board agreed. Ms. Held also informed the Board of upcoming changes to Open Meetings Law.

    The Board also discussed the composition of the AFPB, which is legislated by Agriculture and Markets Law (AML). Ms. Gatti will explore the legality of appointing alternates.

    Rachel Chrostowski informed that Board that she required a signature of support from Chairperson Brett Kreher for NYS grant applications regarding land appraisals.

  8. Next Meeting

    Scheduled for August 18, 2022. Dan Castle made a motion for ADJOURN, seconded by Bryant Zilke, and carried by all voting members. The meeting concluded at 6:43PM.

Changed