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TOWN OF GRANBY
AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
October 13, 2010
PRESENT: Michelle Niedermeyer, Chairman; Kate Bogli, Steven Hayes, Stanley Hayes,
Ann Wilhelm, Lanie Neumann
GUESTS: John & Erin Pirro, Sheila Groneman
Ms. Niedermeyer confirmed a quorum and began the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVE MINUTES, ON A MOTION Kate Bogli seconded by Ann Wilhelm, the Commission voted
(6-0-0) to approve the minutes of September 8, 2010 as written.
OLD BUSINESS
TOWN SANDWICH BOARD
- There are already many sandwich boards on the town green therefore the Agricultural Commission (AC) agreed to wait until spring before putting up their sandwich board.
LAND USE REGULATIONS
- Ms. Niedermeyer spoke with Town Manager William Smith and an attorney and gave the AC a brief update on what transpired---
- To get the recommendations passed it will need to go on the Board of Selectman’s
Agenda.
- Sally King is currently reviewing the regulations.
- Fran will come to the next AC meeting on November 10th, 2010.
- Fran will go through the maps/list with the AC to identify land parcels.
- It will be a working meeting.
- Ms. Neumann suggested finding out how the Land Trust works and taking a queue from them rather than reinventing the wheel.
- The goal is to identify parcels of land by March 2011.
UPDATE ON GRANBY SAMPLER & PLANS FOR 2011
- Ms. Niedermeyer gave an overview explanation of what the Sampler is to guests.
- Sampler is continuing to go well.
- Several questions were raised by Ms. Niedermeyer, such as:--
- What is the long term goal of the Sampler program?
- After the initial goal of “50” families is accomplished, how many more families can farmers sustain in the program?
- Should families rotate yearly, thus giving new families an opportunity to experience the Sampler?
- A survey of both farmers and families should be conducted.
- After survey results are in the AC could determine what to do next year.
- Next year the Sampler will start in June and run through to middle/end November, with final basket being available in time for Thanksgiving.
- Erin Pirro inquired what the break even point was for Sampler? Ms. Niedermeyer offered to discuss the grant/budget with Ms. Pirro.
- Initial growing pains have been smoothed out this year, and next year proves to be even better.
GRANBY DRUMMER ARTICLE
- Ms. Niedermeyer asked Ms. Pirro is she would be willing to take on the task of compiling and writing the information for the Drummer, which would include contacting several farmers; asking questions; writing; proofreading and submitting to Drummer. Ms. Pirro accepted this request.
- Ms. Niedermeyer emphasized that the Drummer is offering article space and the AC should take advantage of this opportunity.
- The article is called “The Farm Update”. It will include Questions and Answers.
- It will be informative. Educational.
GOALS/ OBJECTIVES FOR 2011
- Ms. Niedermeyer suggested that the question “Does the Commission plan to have another Farm Forum?” wait until the December meeting.
- Ms. Neumann suggested a “Safe Pickling” speaker in December.
OPEN FARM DAY/FARM CRAWL
- A passport or something of the like may be a good medium for consumers to participate in a Farm Crawl.
- More discussion on the Farm Crawl will take place at the December meeting.
CELBBRATE GRANBY 2011
- Ms. Niedermeyer asked: “How does the Agricultural Commission want to facilitate the Celebrate Granby 2011?”
- It was suggested by Ms. Neumann that the AC get a float for the parade.
- Ms. Niedermeyer stated the AC should be a conduit for farmers to participate in Celebrate Granby. Farmers can do their own ‘thing’. But it may be a good show of solidarity if they use the Agricultural Commission.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION FOR NEXT AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING:
None
PUBLIC COMMENT:
- Ms. Groneman asked about a Granby Farmers Market. She has blackberries, blueberries, jams, apple butter and no retail space. It was recommended by the Commission she contact Holcomb Farm for retail space.
- A Farmers Market is not off the table but at this time the AC feels it is difficult---perhaps with many Granby farms having their own retail space not so urgent.
ADJOURNMENT:
ON A MOTION BY Steven Hayes, seconded by Ann Wilhelm, the Commission voted (6-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 7:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Tappenden
Recording Secretary
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