The Marlborough Town Board has scheduled a public hearing on a proposed local law that would establish regulations for farm venue events while limiting municipal review of traditional farm operations within agricultural districts.

The board approved Resolution No. 52 during its June 22 meeting, setting a public hearing for July 13 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 21 Milton Turnpike, Milton. The proposal would amend portions of Chapter 155 of the town code governing zoning and land use.

The proposed law would recognize farm venue events as an accessory use to farm operations while requiring those events to undergo a streamlined minor site plan review. Traditional farming activities located within agricultural districts generally would not be subject to Planning Board site plan review.

Town officials said the measure is intended to balance the protection of agricultural operations with the town’s responsibility to address public health and safety concerns associated with large public gatherings.

Under the proposal, Planning Board review would be limited to issues such as traffic circulation, parking, emergency vehicle access, fire and life safety, potable water, sanitary facilities, solid waste management, lighting, hours of operation and outdoor amplified sound.

The legislation follows guidance in New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, which limits municipalities from imposing unreasonable restrictions on farm operations within agricultural districts. Town officials said the proposal represents the least restrictive approach needed to meet local planning objectives while remaining consistent with state agricultural protections.

The law would also establish definitions for terms including “Agricultural District,” “Farm Operation” and “Farm Venue Event.” Farm venue events would include weddings, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, private parties, reunions, graduations, corporate events, concerts, ticketed performances and similar gatherings held on farm properties.

Before the public hearing, the proposal will be referred to both the Marlborough Planning Board and the Ulster County Planning Board for review and comment. Environmental review documents also are being prepared under the State Environmental Quality Review Act.

Residents, property owners and other interested parties will have an opportunity to comment before the Town Board considers final action.

In other business, the board approved payment of $257,183.38 in bills. The largest expenditures included $95,834.13 to MEP Healthcare, $38,625 for monthly ambulance services and $29,488.33 to the law firm of Van DeWater & Van DeWater for legal services.

Supervisor Scott Corcoran said legal expenses continue to be driven largely by the growing number of Freedom of Information Law requests received by the town. Board members noted that reviewing and redacting records before their release often requires substantial attorney involvement.

The board also held an extended discussion about Freedom of Information Law responsibilities involving the town’s Conservation Advisory Committee.

Committee Chair Mici Simonofsky said members had questions about responding to a recent FOIL request and whether they were entitled to legal guidance from the town attorney.

Corcoran said committee members are subject to FOIL requirements because they serve on a town committee, but the town’s current legal services agreement does not specifically provide attorney representation for volunteer committee members in the same manner as elected officials, certain appointed board members and paid employees.

Board members expressed concern that volunteers serving the town should have access to legal assistance when responding to public records requests.

Following the discussion, the board approved a motion directing town officials to seek an amendment to the town’s agreement with Van DeWater & Van DeWater to provide legal assistance to Conservation Advisory Committee members in connection with the current FOIL matter.

The discussion also touched on broader concerns about supporting volunteers who serve on town committees while navigating increasingly complex public records requirements.