HomeMy Public PortalAboutAgriculture Commission -- 2006-05-11 MinutesMINUTES of the 9's MEETING of
The BREWSTER AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION
Held Thursday, May 11, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
At the Brewster Town Office Building, 2198 Main Street, Room A
Present: Peter Herrmann, Heather Mangelinkx, John MacLellan, Jack Latham, Julie
Trzcinski„ Dave Carlson, Washington Chase and Elizabeth Taylor.
John MacLellan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes of the Apri127, 200b meeting were accepted and unanimously approved by the
board.
Nancy Sheridan gave the results of her meeting with the board of appeals for a variance
for her chance of use of her barn. She was told to withdraw her variance request and was
instead given an agricultural exemption because she owns over 5 acres. She found the
board very pro farm but they want to keep the option of reviewing cases on a case by case
basis.
Ms. Trzcinski reported on the manure management meeting and requested an extension
for her report until the committee can meet again which they will do on May 18`h.
Mr. MacLellan reported on his farm inventory. He reported that Mr. Latham, Mr. Chase
and Mr. Carlson will be helping him with mapping the farms. He will put a notice in the
Cape Comer and (.'ape C'rxi Times for people who would like to have their farms
identified on this map. Ms. Taylor said this inventory is important for people to say what
type of farm they have in case of diseases coming into the area.
Mr. Latham reported on off season burning. Chief Jones has no problem with this and
anyone with five acres or more are allowed to do this as long as they report it to the fire
department prior to burning. Chief Jones said if he had a list of these properties it would
be helpful to him.
Mr. MacLellan reported that the Right to Farm Bylaw passed with no problems in
Harwich but was concerned that this is only protecting the farms with over 5 acres and
not the smaller farm. He said it was important to get the selectmen on board before it is
presented at town meeting. Ms. Taylor suggested that we have someone from the state to
speak with the selectmen in June as we must get this on the town warrant by the middle
of August. Mr. MacLellan motioned and Mr. Latham seconded and a unanimous vote
was made to submit a cover letter with the bylaw to the selectmen. This letter will be
written at the next meeting. Mr. Herrmann will get someone from the state to come and
speak to the selectmen. Mr. Latham also suggested we get the planning board to approve
the bylaw.
A question came from the audience about clearing over 10,000 square feet if you own
over 5 acres. We suggested he go to Victor Staley to verify his position on this.