HomeMy Public PortalAboutAgriculture Commission -- 2007-10-18 MinutesMINUTES of the MEETING of
The BREWSTER AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION
Held Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
At the Brewster Town Office Building, 2198 Main Street, Room A
Present: Peter Herrmann, Heather Mangelinkx, Julie Trzcinski„ Dave Carlson, Stephen
Brown and Rebecca Howes
Mr. Hernnann called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
Minutes of the September 13, 2007 meeting were accepted and unanimously approved by
the board.
Mr. Carlson reported that the animal regulations that we have a copy of are the current
regulations. The issue that the Board of Health recently had to deal with was not a valid
complaint so was dismissed by the Board of Health. He reported that since that was not
an important issue that there is no urgency in meeting with them but they would like us to
discuss manure management sometime in the future.
Ms. Trzcinski reported that the DPW is still interested in accepting manure for free but it
has to be approved by the selectmen. She will get us on the Selectmen's agenda to
discuss this with them. The DPW will back us when we present it to the selectmen. Mr.
Hernnann wants to be sure we make it clear that it is not going to be mandatory for
everyone to bring their manure to the dump, only an option for townspeople.
Mr. Miller reported that in 1999 he was on the committee to come up with manure
guidelines which were very complex and difficult for horse owners to follow. The town
felt at the time that there were not enough complaints (one complaint every 7 to 10 years)
to justify trying to follow the guidelines they came up with.
Mr. Herrmann brought up that the next meeting will be held on November 15`t' instead of
the second Thursday of the month. We also still need an alternate member. Also USDA
crop disaster program funds are now available for the December 2005 storm damage.
There is a Sustainable Community Grant of $10,000 for strengthening farms and their
communities. It was discussed about applying for this grant to defray costs of setting up a
manure recycling program.
Ms Trzcinski motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:25pm, Mr. Brown seconded and all
agreed.
Respectfully submitted,
Heather Mangelinkx
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