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AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
JUNE 11, 2009
PRESENT: Stanley Hayes, Chairman; Stephen Hayes, Michelle Niedermeyer, Ann Wilhelm, and Jason Bogli
GUEST: Kevin Riggott
Chairman Hayes confirmed a quorum and called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m.
MINUTES
ON A MOTION by A. Wilhelm, seconded by S. Hayes, the Commission voted (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of March 12, 2009 as presented.
REVIEW GRANBY AG COMMISSION PLAN FOR 2009
- M. Niedermeyer handed out a printed sheet – Granby Agricultural Commission – Preliminary Plan – May 15, 2009. The commission discussed the results of the Agricultural survey, which proved to be positive.
- M. Niedermeyer has written an article for the Drummer, an overview of Agriculture in town, which she shared with the other commission members, asking for input. Other members said it look good.
- The Agricultural Commission is sponsoring an event at Holcomb Farm’s Spring Festival, Sunday, June 14th. Several farms are participating.
- Talk of establishing a Farmer’s Market in Granby ensued. There seems to be public interest for this. Maybe it could be done twice a year between the months of August and October. Contacting people that completed the survey, to inquire about their interest, would be a good idea. The question of insurance came up and what the cost might be. Could a Farmer’s Market piggyback with other organizations or town events? If yes, and it is a success, then next year the Agricultural Commission might be able to sponsor a Farmer’s Market event on their own. Looking at Farmer’s Markets in surrounding towns would help to gain information.
Stanley Hayes resigned as Chairman of the Agricultural Commission. He will continue to serve as a member of this commission.
ON A MOTION by Stephen Hayes, seconded by J. Bogli, the commission voted unanimously (5-0-0) to appoint Michelle Niedermeyer as Chairman of the Agricultural Commission.
Review of Granby Ag Website
There was discussion and a presentation by Stephen Hayes, of the website (GranbyAg.org) being worked on. It would be nice to have a downloadable map of the farms in Granby. What pictures should be shown on the site, how to set up the site, will farm pictures be identified by name (issues of advertising or endorsing should be reviewed), and what information should be included were all discussed. A list of farms and their products will be available to be viewed. An icon could be set up so that people can complete an application and contact a commission member to add their information to this site. M. Niedermeyer has created a draft application for this purpose. This site is expected to be linked to the Agricultural Commission’s information on the Town of Granby’s website and vice versa.
Making the site user friendly is a high priority. So far it looks like a great start. Any questions, thoughts, or suggestions commission members might have should be directed to Stephen Hayes.
POTENTIAL REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION
M. Niedermeyer reported she attended a Farmington Valley Collaborative Meeting at Granby Town Hall, to see if there is any interest in establishing a Regional Agricultural Commission. This idea is in the early stages. The Town of Simsbury seemed interested.
ADJOURNMENT
ON A MOTION by A. Wilhelm, seconded by Stanley Hayes, the committee voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 9:48 p.m.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 9, 2009, 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Christian
Acting Recording Secretary
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