Agricultural Commission, June 19, 2018
AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
June 19, 2018
Attendance: Steve D’Aquila, Jim Dunn, Chris Hugo, Eileen Charbonneau (departed @ 8:55), Maleah Gustafson (arrived @7:45), Ryan McKay
Absent: None
Others Present: Christine Shustack
The meeting was called to order @7:35 PM
The group departed from the normal agenda to hear a request for support from a resident. Christine Shustack keeps rescued animals on her property on Bailey Road. She has been assessed personal property tax by the Town on these animals and does not feel that this is fair as they are not pets in the normal sense and are not income producing either. Christine was looking for advice about the possibility of exemption or abatement of these taxes. Jim had skimmed that statute regarding this type of tax and there are clear exemptions for registered charitable organizations and some other methods. The Ag Comm’s advice was to consult a knowledgeable attorney.
No past meeting minutes were available for review/approval. Jim will have May and June minutes for the July meeting.
The Board of Health’s Public Hearing for Farmer’s Market vendor permit fee reduction was held earlier today and the Ag Comm proposal was approved. A new category of permit, specifically for Farmer’s Market vendors, will be created with an annual $40 fee.
The group updated the status of activities related to the Farmer’s Market. Ryan reported that a 2 ft. by 20 ft., 2-sided banner from Connors in West Boylston would be $395. He will get us a ‘proof’ for the next meeting.
Tom O’Shea has completed the ‘Do Something’ questionnaire and Steve will push his name to the Board of Selectmen, hopefully for July approval.
Steve has set up Bee talk for the Red Barn on July 14, from 10:30 to 12:30. Barbara McPhee will present the Honeybee Family, Their Home, and Products and perhaps have an observation hive. A biographical sketch and presentation synopsis will be available soon. The group will publicize in the ways that have become standard.
On a motion by Jim, seconded by Ryan the Commission voted unanimously not to recommend that the Town exercise or transfer the First Right of Refusal on the Princeton St Chapter 61A conversion.
We will attempt to work through a Property Prioritization at the next meeting.
Lilac Hedge Farm’s Back 40 Summer Festival will be Jul 21 and 22, at the farm on Main St.
On a motion by Ryan, seconded by Jim, the meeting was adjourned at 9:04 PM.
Respectfully submitted;
James Dunn
Acting Secretary