Agricultural Commission, March 21, 2017
AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
March 21, 2017
Attendance: Steve D’Aquila, Jim Dunn, Eileen Charbonneau, Maleah Gustafson (@7:40)
Absent: Denise Cummings
Others Present: Amy Parker, Chris Hugo (Red Barn Committee)
Meeting called to order @7:35 PM
Steve updated the group on progress toward a conducting a seminar on poultry raising. He had been in contact with Chris Hugo from the Red Barn and they have voted to host the event, pretty much any time we wish. It can be inside or out depending on weather.
The plan is to have a slightly advanced, rather than very introductory class like Jed’s is thought to be planning. Steve will bring his chicken tractor and incubator as demonstration items. Maleah will publicize the event in the Landmark, Red Barn Facebook, and Garden Club Facebook pages. We will need a summary of the presentation from Andrea to make that possible. Steve will coordinate. Eileen will create a flyer for publicity at Jed’s and elsewhere. Steve will coordinate announcing the event on the Town’s electronic sign board. Jim will try to get it on the Town web site calendar. Chris Hugo will announce the event on the Red Barn’s sandwich board. Tentative date/time is April 22 at 10:00 AM (Earth Day). This must be approved by Andrea.
Regarding the Open Space Preservation Fund and the $50K contribution in the Town FY18 budget, several members of the Select Board were contacted informally. There did not seem to be support for increasing the Town’s contribution this year above the current $50K level.
Jim reported that he spoke to the Conservation Commission on March 1 and the BOS on March 6 regarding the changes to MGL Chapter 40A Section 8L. The request to accept the changes to Section 8L should be on the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting in May.
Jim reported that the synopsis of poultry raising regulation is now posted on the Ag Comm page on the Town web site.
The group made an attempt to actually use the Open Space Evaluation/Prioritization schedule that was created last year. Jim provided a package of data on his Chapter 61A property collected from the Holden GIS and Assessor’s data bases. The group learned this will be a challenging effort to collect all the data and evaluate it fairly and completely. A number of improvements to the Schedule were suggested to make it easier to use and more complete. Jim will make the changes. We need a source for historical data. The Historical Commission may be that source. Chuck Skillings may be able to help.
Maleah updated the group on Central Mass Grown, and related, activities. The CMG Annual Meeting is April 24. The new Farm Products Guide will begin distribution then as well. Harvest New England Conference will be July 22 and 23.
The group discussed the Holden Farmers Market and what we could do to make it more functional and productive. An advertising banner across Main Street was considered a good idea. Steve will research costs and installation issues. Jim will contact Leslie Kelly, the market manager, and offer assistance, particularly with social media presence.
The next meeting will April 18.
On a motion made (Maleah) and seconded (Steve), the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM
Respectfully submitted;
James Dunn
Acting Secretary