HomeMy Public PortalAboutAgriculture Commission -- 2006-02-09 Minutes..~~,
NIINUTES of the 3'~ MEETING of
The BREWSTER AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION
Held Thursday, February 9, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
At the Brewster Town Office Building, 2198 Main Street, Room A
Present: Peter Herrmann, Heather Mangelinla~, John MacLellan, Jack Latham,
Washington Chase, Dave Cazlson, Elizabeth Taylor, Mazk Stephens, Kathy Mealey,
James Foley
Mr. Hemnann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The minutes of the January 26a'
meeting were accepted and approved unanimously by the board.
Mr. Herrmann distributed the letter of introduction about the agricultural commission that
was distributed to the various town boazds by Ms. Taylor.
Mr. Herrmann reported that the selectmen said that we cannot bring the right to farm
bylaw to the July town meeting but the fall meeting would be ok. Mr. MacLellan
reported that Harwich is using the state by law to present to the Harwich town meeting
this spring. He said he would go to the Harwich town meeting to see what kind of
opposition it receives so we will know what to expect when we take it to town meeting.
Mr. Latham suggested that we try to keep the by-laws the same among all the towns.
Mr. MacLellan attended the Harwich Agricultural Commission meeting he reported that
they are working on the following issues:
- Right to Farm By-Law
- Starting a farmers mazket azea on an old Queen Ann Road property grant,
perhaps build a building for the mazket and educational events.
- Reseazching a Town Master Plan both for the past and present to see what
changes in agriculture have taken place so they can project for the future of
agriculture in the town
- They do not presently have a budget from the town so they are working on
what kind of funds they will need
Mr. MacLellan reported and Mr. Foley confirmed that the selectmen from the two towns
will be meeting to discuss the agricultural commission and budget issues. Mr. MacLellan
said he will continue to go to the Harwich Agricultural meetings.
Producing a brochure was discussed. Copies of the Cranberry growers and Aquaculture
farmers were shown. Discussion on how to fund producing them was discussed.
Suggested we check with the town accountant to see what the rules aze in applying for
non-profit grant money. Mr. Foley said we can apply with selectmen's approval.
Mr. Herrmann distributed ane-mail for a website for the state laws & regulations
regazding agriculture. http~//www mass gov/a~/legaUindex.htm
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New members were discussed. Since Stephen Brown has not attended a meeting Dave
Carlson has been formally appointed. A motion was made by Mr. Latham to have
Heather Mangelinlo~ replace Mr. Brown as secretary. Motion was approved unanimously.
Other associate members were mentioned to have on the committee particularly from the
greenhouse and tree farmers not yet being represented on the board.
Ms. Taylor reported that Ms. Sheridan is still checking with the Harwich DPW on
exchanging T-base for manure.
Mr. Hernnann also handed out information about an energy discount for farmers -gas
and fuel refund programs. The agenda for the conference in Carver March 18a'was
handed out. Mr. Herrmann will issue a press release about the March 23`~ meeting to
discuss agriculture zoning, windmills and historic district rules for Chapter 61A farms.
Mr. Victor Staley, chief zoning enforcement office for Brewster and Mr. Larry
McCormick, Chief Counsel for the Mass Dept of Agriculture will be at this meeting.
Mr. Latham reported that there is a meeting on February 16a' in Marshfield on farming
and the wetlands. Mr. Hemnann also distributed a list of farms in Brewster.
Ms. Taylor brought a copy of the Open Space Committee report she is sending in for the
2005 Town Report and wanted our ok on sections where she mentioned the agricultural
commission. Ms Mangelinkx motioned to approve the report all members approved.
Mr. Hemnann suggested we do a report for the Town Report also which he will do.
Mr. Latham motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 pm. All approved.
Respectfully submitted.
Heather Mangelinla
Minutes approved `J - ~ ~ - O ~