HomeMy Public PortalAboutAgri Cult 2019-10-21 ORLEANSGTOON CLERK
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COUNCIL '19 DEC 18 2:O2PN
MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 21,2019, MEETING
Meeting called to order at 3:35 pm.
Present were Chairman David Light, Steve Ellis, Heather Bailey, and Gretel Norgeot. Also present was
Conservation Administrator John Jannell.
The following meeting minutes were approved:April 8, by a vote of4-0-0; May 20, by a vote of 3-0-1;
June 10, by a vote of 3-0-1;August 12, by a vote of 3-0-1.
John Jannell updated the Council on activities at Putnam Farm. He commended the Council's Putnam
Farm liaison,Steve Ellis,for his frequent presence at the farm site.
Of the five farm plots,said Jannell, the first two were largely abandoned before the end of the season.
The third plot enjoyed modest success.The fourth plot was productive and reasonably well maintained.
The leasee of the fifth plot was a no-show. Following an unanswered warning letter,the lease was
cancelled, and the plot mowed and turned over at a cost of$400.00.
As to water use,Jannell said that even with four active sites,August water use cost was$200 less than it
had the previous August.The new smart meters allow better monitoring. To improve soil,Jannell has
arranged for the Parks and Beaches Dept.to bring chopped leaves to the site.
Jannell reported that he had sent a letter at midseason to three of the leasees to remind them of their
obligation to remove unused materials,and to maintain a tidy,weed-free plot. The response,said
Jannell,was"not as much as I wanted."Steve Ellis suggested that a security deposit might result in tidier
plots.Jannel added that he might schedule an instructional meeting with Russ Norton of the Extension
Service for prospective leasees.
The Council thanked Conservation Administrator Jannell for generously attending its meeting and
providing a thorough updating on Putnam Farm activities.
Ellis then raised the question of how more experienced growers might be identified and encouraged to
apply for available leases. Perhaps existing organizations like the farmers' markets or Sustainable Cape
or those involved in school gardening projects,or community gardens could offer guidance.
Meeting adjourned at 4:35pm by a vote of 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
David Light, Chairman \\, )