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May 21, 2026 DRAFT Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes

May 21, 2026 | 6:00 PM

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

Board Members in Attendance: Brett Kreher, Dan Henry, Bryant Zilke, Dan Castle, Rachel Chrostowski, Mayda Pozantides,  Scott Bylewski, Erie County Legislator John Mills

Board Members Excused: Diane Held, Len Janiga, Mark Gaston

Staff in Attendance: Sarah Gatti

  1. Welcome
     

  2. Consideration of the February 2026 Meeting Minutes

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

  3. New Business

    1. Agricultural Districts

      1. Communication from Landowner: Sarah Gatti and Mr. Zilke informed the Board that an applicant from last year had reached out to both the Erie County Office of Agriculture and the Erie County Farm Bureau. The applicant was advised they could reapply this year and could speak to their Erie County Legislator if there are additional concerns.
      2. Open Enrollment Form Modification: The updated Agricultural District Open Enrollment Form was shared. The updated Form includes a question on whether each proposed inclusion has public sewer and a question on why the applicant is submitting the form. The form will go into effect in September. Mr. Zilke made a motion for APPROVAL of the modified open enrollment form, seconded by Dan Henry, and carried by all voting members.

    2. Western New York Land Conservancy (WNYLC) Letter of Support

      Ms. Chrostowski and Mr. Henry recused themselves, left the meeting room, and shut the door. Ms. Gatti then explained that the WNYLC has requested a letter of support for a conservation easement grant application for a 42-acre parcel in the Town of Eden. Mr. Zilke made a motion to APPROVE the Letter of Support for the Henry Farmland Conservation Easement, seconded by Legislator Mills, and carried by all voting members (Ms. Chrostowski and Mr. Henry recused).

    3. Food Policy Council (FPC) Food Systems Resource Fair

      Ms. Gatti shared that the FPC will be hosting a Food Systems Resource Fair in September and that some organizations represented on the Board may be asked to table. 

    4. Concord Solar NOI

      A response letter will be drafted using the standard comments with the addition of language on consolidating siting and better utilization of land. 

    5. Eighteenmile Solar NOI

      A response letter will be drafted using the standard comments with the addition of language on segmentation during the environmental review process. Chairperson Kreher made a motion to APPROVE the response letters for Concord Solar and Eighteenmile Solar, seconded by Mr. Zilke, and carried by all voting members. 
       

  4. Old Business

    1. Agribusiness Park Update

      Progress continues at the site with sewer and gas work soon to be underway. A marketing campaign is forthcoming. 

    2. Sky Lantern Outreach

      Ms. Gatti will mail information on the sky lantern ban to wedding venues and to Mr. Zilke. 

    3. 2026 Farm Tour

      Planning continues and the schedule may change due to timing concerns. Ms. Chrostowski will join the planning committee. 
       

  5. Other Business

    1. Slow Moving Vehicle Emblems

      The social media campaign has been launched. Ms. Gatti asked Board members to like and share the post. Chairperson Kreher will continue to elevate the issue in coordination with the Erie County Farm Bureau. 
       

  6. Adjournment


    Ms. Chrostowski made a motion to ADJOURN at 6:57pm, seconded by Commissioner Castle, and carried by all voting members.

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