Agricultural Commission, November 20, 2018
AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
November 20, 2018
Attendance: Steve D’Aquila, Jim Dunn, Tom O’Shea, Chris Hugo, Eileen
Charbonneau (arrived at 7:43 p.m.)
Absent: Maleah, Gustafson, Ryan McKay
Others Present: Amy Parker & Guest
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
On a motion by Jim, seconded by Tom, the minutes of the October meeting were unanimously approved.
SUBCOMMITTEE:
The subcommittee (Jim, Tom, and Chris) met from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
61B 3 PARCELS ON SAWYER LANE:
Three 61B parcels came before the Agricultural Commission. After discussion, Jim motioned that the Town not exercise its right of first refusal. Tom seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously (Eileen did not vote as this took place before she arrived.)
RUTLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING INVITATION:
The Rutland Agricultural Commission has invited the Holden Agricultural Commission to join them at their next meeting on November 27, 2018. Steve, Chris, and Jim plan to attend.
EDUCATIONAL SERIES PRESENTATION:
Chris reported that video from the Land Trust Presentation held in September is up on Facebook and will be added to the Town’s website. Tom suggested sending the link to the video to all Chapter 61 the property owners so that those who were unable to attend can view the video. Though deemed a good idea, Steve noted that costs of mailing might not be absorbed by the Town for follow-up information as they were for promotional information. The Agricultural Commission has used approximately half of its budget so it might not be prudent to use our remaining budget money to cover the cost. It would work if we had email addresses for the Chapter 61 property owners, but that is unlikely to be readily available.
The next program in the Agricultural Commission sponsored Educational Series will focus on pruning and grafting of fruit trees. Jim has made several attempts to contact presenter John Clements regarding a date and time, but has not heard back from him. He will continue to attempt contact with John.
It was decided that a weekend date in mid-late February would be the best time for this presentation. We will wait to hear from John Clements as to a date that fits his schedule.
Chris offered the Red Barn as a good location for the presentation since they have several fruit trees.
CENTRAL MASS GROWN:
There was no report on Central Mass Grown as Maleah was not present.
NEW BUSINESS:
There was no new business to be discussed.
MISC.:
The next Agricultural Commission meeting is scheduled for December 18, 2018. The subcommittee will meet online in December and the full committee will meet at a local restaurant (possibly the Harvest Grill) for a holiday get-together/meeting.
On a motion by Jim, seconded by Eileen, the meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Charbonneau