Agricultural Commission, October 17, 2017
AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
October 17, 2017
Attendance: Steve D’Aquila, Jim Dunn, Eileen Charbonneau, Maleah Gustafson
Absent: Chris Hugo, Tim Ethier
Others Present:
Meeting called to order @7:46 PM
The minutes of the September meeting were reviewed and edited. On a motion by Steve, seconded by Eileen, the amended minutes were approved unanimously. Maleah presented minutes of the June meeting. Some corrections were proposed. On a motion by Steve, seconded by Eileen, the amended minutes were accepted unanimously (Jim abstained).
The members discussed the status of Holden Farmers’ Market year-end-review meeting. The market vendors are open to the idea of sitting down with the Ag Comm, but would like to have their own meeting first. The BOH agent was contacted (Phillip Leger from Worcester) and he is happy to participate as well. Members should get questions for the BOH agent.
The members discussed status of new member recruiting. Amy Parker will not go forward as member at this time due to ongoing issues with Town government. Too many potential conflicts could arise. Ryan MacKay from Lilac Hedge Farm has been invited to come to meetings.
Members discussed the Educational Series updates. Rachel Ross is excited about doing a presentation at the Library. She will do recipes at the Library and a walking tour with the Rec Department. The Library event is currently planned for the third Tues in January (Jan 16). Rachel will coordinate directly with the Rec Department for a date for the walking tour. Presentations on invasive species eradication and organic lawn care were potential topics for future workshops.
In a Community Garden update, Steve was informed that the Community Garden Committee has a membership seat reserved for the Ag Comm. No member volunteered to serve and it was suggested that they look for a participant able to be more active. There has been repetitive vandalism at the Davis Hill site. Police have been called.
Steve attended a meeting of the Cannabis Control Committee. Many topics were discussed, but he saw no clear direction or ways for Ag Comms to participate in the process.
No new information was presented on Chapter 61 or Town property management.
Maleah reported that Central Mass Grown will have a list of winter workshops out in November. She also mentioned an offer from an experienced farm market manager to help with the Holden Market in any way possible. November 17 will be the Massachusetts Food Systems Conference, which will include an update on the Mass Food Collaborative.
The group discussed the need for funding to support future workshops. Many interesting and useful speakers are potentially available, but many require compensation for their investment in preparation and presentation. Jim will discuss the potential for the Ag Comm having an annual budget to support these kinds of activities more fully with the Town Manager.
The group reviewed the ‘Raising Goats’ presentation held in late September. There were over 50 people in attendance. All seemed to enjoy the experience. The workshop was deemed a big success. Our thanks to the Red Barn for supporting with the loan of their facility.
Eileen brought up the idea of supporting Vocational Agricultural Education as a long term way to support agriculture. There is an Agriculture Club at WRHS. Steve will contact the sponsor to see if we can coordinate activities.
On a motion by Eileen seconded by Jim, the meeting was adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
James Dunn
Acting Secretary