Agricultural Commission, September 19, 2017

AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES

September 19, 2017

Attendance:       Steve D’Aquila, Jim Dunn, Eileen Charbonneau, Maleah Gustafson

Absent:                Chris Hugo, Tim Ethier

Others Present:  Amy Parker

Meeting called to order @7:38 PM

The minutes of the July meeting were reviewed and edited.  On a motion by Jim, seconded by Eileen, the amended minutes were approved unanimously.  Maleah has notes from the June meeting and will have a draft minutes in Oct.

The members discussed the status of Holden Farmers’ Market.  A new manager is not in place.  It seems that there may be lesser vendor participation recently, possibly due to Board of Health enforcement issues.  Research has showed that alcohol cannot be served, in any quantity, on Town property.  Steve will work toward getting the Market vendors and a BOH representative together for a meeting in late October, after the market is closed for the season.

The educational series will continue with Jennifer Poirier’s Raising Goats talk on Sep 23.  Jim will give the welcome, as Steve cannot attend.  All the pre-event advertising seemed to be in place.

The members discussed additional ideas for other education events.  Rachel Ross’ presentation does not require a kitchen.  Eileen/Steve are working with Rec Department and Library to finalize availability and interest.  The Cooking Club might be a willing co-sponsor. 

No new information was presented on Chapter 61 or Town property management.

Maleah reported that Central Mass Grown has a $10 membership renewal discount.  A paid intern position is still available, as are several volunteer positions.  CMG is working on a Winter Workshop series.

There is an Ag Comm roundtable at the Holden Light Department on Sep 27.

On a motion by Jim, seconded by Maleah, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.

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Respectfully submitted;

James Dunn

Acting SecretaryAgi