HomeMy Public PortalAboutAgriculture Commission -- 2010-10-28 Minutes R
MINUTES of the MEETING of
The BREWSTER AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION I�
Held Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
At the Brewster Town Office Building, 2198 Main Street, Room A
Present: Peter Herrmann, Heather Mangelinkx, Dave Carlson, Dave Miller and Rebecca
Howes.
Peter Herrmann called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
Minutes of the November 12, 2009 meeting were accepted and unanimously approved by
the board.
Mr. Herrmann handed out the updated listing from the town of board members and their
term limits.
He had an application from the Division of MA Association of Agricultural Commission,
looking for one member from each county to serve on the board. The deadline is
December 1st for anyone interested in serving on the board.
Mr. Herrmann passed out to the board members rules of the new open meeting law that
went into effect on July 1, 2010.
Discussion was held on how to promote Brewster Agriculture to the townspeople.
Suggestions were to add information in the town report, let the community know we are
an interactive group willing to help farmers. Do an information meeting perhaps at the
library. Do a directory listing farming skills of individuals in the community, or use
access TV to promote agriculture in the town. It was decided that we would do a
slideshow of Brewster farms for access TV. The slideshow would end with information
for contacting the Agricultural Commission if they are interested in farming.
Peter gave a report that the Harwich/Brewster farmers market was well received with 3 -
4 Brewster farmers participating. Selectmen Mr. Foley is interested in having it held in
Brewster next year.
Mr. Herrmann reported that the University of New Hampshire has a book on Agricultural
Commissions that they are trying to sell. There is also a listing of local growers at
www.diaryofalocavore.com/
Discussion was held about having a representative to the Finance committee. Since we
don't usually have any financial issues is this necessary. Discussion was tabled for future
meeting.
Discussion was held about updating town zoning regulations which Victor Staley had
suggested at a previous meeting. This discussion was also tabled for a future meeting.
Peter informed the board that there was an issue last March about flooding of farmland
around the Herring River due to someone blocking the water flow.
Mr. Herrmann has also informed the board that Dion Dugan would like to come before
the board about a pig farm or oyster farm near Freeman's Pond. He was scheduled on a
previous meeting but did not come, if he reschedules we will put him on the agenda.
Rebecca Howes motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:25pm, Heather Mangelinkx
seconded and all agreed.
Respectfully submitted,
Heather Mangelinkx
Approved 72-2,4 ch y c?8 / I