Agricultural Commission, October 16, 2018
AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
October 16, 2108
Attendance: Steve D’Aquila, Jim Dunn, Maleah Gustafson, Eileen Charbonneau,
Tom O’Shea, Chris Hugo
Absent: Ryan McKay
Others Present: Amy Parker & Guest
The meeting was called to order at 7:36 p.m.
On a motion by Maleah, seconded by Jim, the minutes of the September meeting were unanimously approved.
SUBCOMMITTEE:
The subcommittee (Jim, Tom, and Chris) met from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. They reported to the full committee that they reviewed two parcels (69-6 and 69-8). They adjusted their understanding of the criteria. They believe they have gotten a good start and are working well together. However, they did not have final scores yet for the two parcels. They feel they may need a few months until they are sure that their method is producing accurate results.
Steve requested that they wait until they have final scores before giving a presentation to the full committee.
Jim has emailed three more parcels to the subcommittee to work on in November.
It was decided that parcel numbers, but not landowner names will b entered in the minutes.
FARMER’S MARKET:
Some vendors have reported that certain vendors have been consistently packing up and leaving early which is against Market rules unless the vendor is sold out, but that has not been the case. This upsets the other vendors because when customers see vendors packing up and leaving they think the market is closing and turn away. The vendors who are upset by this have reported it to a few members of the Agricultural Commission with the apparent expectation that the AgComm will intervene. It was agreed that the AgComm’s role in regards to the Farmer’s Market is solely to assist with publicity. All other issues will have to be handled by the Market Master.
The AgComm will request that the Light Department put the banner advertising the Farmer’s Market up again for the final two weeks of the Market.
Leslie reported to Jim that the apples have been cleaned up by the town and are not squashed, the lawn mowed regularly, brush cleared away, and the power left on after Holden Days as requested. She was very pleased with these results. Leslie did not feel a recap meeting with the AgComm to be necessary as things have gone well. Jim requested that she ask the vendors if they have any questions, issues, or other feedback, but has heard nothing as of this date.
OCTOBER PRESENTATION:
The presentation for October entitled “Protect Your Land, Protect Your Legacy” is scheduled for Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Holden Senior Center.
Tom contacted one of the speakers (Rob Warren, Managing Director of Conservation for the Trustees of Reservations ) and he is ready to go. He plans a 45 minute talk with Q&A, leaving 20 minutes for Attorney George Dresser of White Oak Land Trust. Rob asked Tom about A/V. Chris said the presentation can be streamed from the Senior Center or he can video tape it and put it on YouTube. Rob will utilize PowerPoint. There is a screen projector in the ceiling. Chris will take care of getting permission to use it and the codes for it and will handle setting up the technical part of the presentation.
Promotion for the presentation included flyers posted at Sweets ‘N Java, Speedway Gas Station, Jed’s Hardware, Watercolours Salon, Ace Hardware, the Blushing Bee Naturals, and the community bulletin board between Pet Barn and Bagel Inn. It is also being advertised on the Town’s electronic signboard. Advertising has also included the social web, Worcester Magazine, Bay State Parenting, and the Landmark. Steve contacted the AgComms in Rutland, Sterling, and Princeton. Maleah sent the information to Selectman Anthony Renzoni, but has not heard from him yet. Steve asked Jim to check with the Grange about promoting the presentation which he will do. Maleah will send the information to Central Mass Grown for dissemination as well as to the North Quabbin Agricultural Group. Eileen will contact Attorney Stephanie Goodwin and ask her to impart the information to her relevant clients. Steve will contact Anthony Renzoni regarding the Master Planning Committee and Maleah will contact CMRPC. The town provided the AgComm with copies of the flyer, envelopes, and address labels for all 61A landowners in Holden. Steve, Maleah, and Eileen stuffed the envelopes prior to this evening’s meeting. They will go out in tomorrow’s mail.
Maleah reported that Lisa Trottier requested that future flyers be submitted in jpeg form rather than as Word documents for easier uploading to social media sites. Eileen will submit future flyers in jpeg format.
MISC.:
Chris reported that the Red Barn festival went very well and had a good turnout. They were able to bake bread in the outdoor oven. Chris did a scythe cutting demonstration in the back 40.
Tom asked for more information regarding the Master Planning meeting. Steve explained that there were eight groups. Each group discussed assets and challenges on three separate topics.
Amy Parker commented that Lavender Days at The Farm at SummitWynds went very well. They had an excellent turnout. The PYO lavender was a hit as participants picked it all.
Jim brought his tractor to the Rutland Antique Tractor Show. There were about 10 tractors. Maleah also attended. The event had a good turnout, there were many crafts and attendees appeared to be enjoying it. The only drawback was that the apple cider and apple crisp attracted a huge amount of bees and yellow jackets which was a problem.
CENTRAL MASS GROWN:
Maleah reported that CMG has just sent out their advertising packets and membership renewal letters.
NEW BUSINESS:
There was no new business to be discussed.
On a motion by Jim, seconded by Maleah, the meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Charbonneau