Agricultural Commission, August 18, 2015
Minutes of Holden Agriculture Commission
August 18, 2015
In Attendance: Jim Dunn, Maleah Gustafson, Steve D’Aquila, Eileen Charbonneau; Tim Ethier
Absent: Denise Cummings
Meeting called to order @ 7:08 PM (Vice Chair, Jim Dunn)
I. MINUTES:
MOTION & 2nd.to Approve May Minutes as submitted. The motion passed In Favor: 3. Abstain:1
II. Right of First Refusal Hearing 8/3 --Recap
*Board of Selectmen voted to not go though w River Street property, CH 61
III. NEW CH 61 property coming soon
We have been told about a property on Reservoir St. but not received paperwork.
Review of Chapter 61 process & role of AgComm
(Eileen arr 7:18 p.m.)
IV. Chapter 61 Land Preservation Fund
Denise’s presentation at last BOS meeting was well-received
Chair asked Tim Ethier to work with us on this project
Discussion of how to move forward including:
process (legislative or town meeting), prioritization of projects, funding sources, Community Preservation Act, models in other towns
MOTION & 2nd: that the AgComm support both creation of a preservation fund and adoption of Community Preservation Act as two tools to raise money for open land purchasing; pending the participation of other committees.
AMMENDED MOTION & 2nd: that AgComm support implementation of CPA in Holden.
Discussion: Would this be counter-productive to our goals?
MOTION & 2nd to table previous motion: Motion passed unanimously. 5-0.
V. Newsletter:
New issue will be finalized for Holden Days (Thanks, Jim!)
VI: New Business:
* AgComm Boot Camp (Steve) reported on Mass Assoc of Ag Comms – “Ag Comm Boot Camp”: regional meeting, wetland protection act & ag; working with board of health
* Holden Community Garden (Eileen)– Link to Facebook & website
* Maleah mentioned UPDATE on STATEWIDE FOOD PLAN
MOTION to adjourn & 2nd. The Motion passes unanimously.
MEETING ADJOURNED 8:31 p.m.
Next Meeting: September 19, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.