TOWN OF GRANBY
AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
January 19, 2011
PRESENT: Michelle Niedermeyer, Chairman; Kate Bogli, Steven Hayes
Ann Wilhelm
GUESTS: Kim Becker, Deb Kramer, Sheila Groneman
Ms. Niedermeyer confirmed a quorum and began the meeting at 7:06 p.m.
APPROVE MINUTES:
ON A MOTION BY Kate Bogli, seconded by Ann Wilhelm, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of December 8, 2010 as written. Steven Hayes abstained from approving the minutes as he was not in attendance at the December 8, 2010 meeting.
Celebrate Granby 225
- Kim Becker and Deb Kramer came as guest speakers to discuss Celebrate Granby 225 with the Agricultural Commission.
- Ms. Becker and Ms. Kramer explained that the 225th Celebration would have a feel like an old town fair, including carnival rides, Granby history and memorabilia.
- Steven Hayes suggested to Ms. Becker and Ms. Kramer they may want to contact Amy Gilbert of 4H.
- Some initial ideas the Agricultural Commission came up with included:
- showcasing agricultural projects;
- Kate Bogli will contact the Historical Society to find out about getting variety of tractors;
- A parade float
- Guest Sheila Groneman suggested Ms. Becker and Ms. Kramer get in touch with Bob Crockett at the Grange.
- Sheila Groneman suggested a ‘best scarecrow’ contest or the like for younger ones
- Kate Bogli may spend time educating the public about chickens
- Agricultural Speaker every hour or so discussing different topics: “Ask a Farmer”
- Michelle Niedermeyer will contact farmers and take a poll with what they come up with and make a proposal to Ms. Becker and Ms. Kramer.
Preserving Lecture – March 8th
- In place of the regularly scheduled meeting on March 9th, the Agricultural Commission will present on Tuesday, March 8th a lecture on Preserving held at the Granby Senior Center.
- Two guest speakers will be on hand.
- Preregistration is required.
- As of this date there is no official snow date. The speakers will be contacted and asked in the event of inclement weather if they could reschedule for Wednesday, March 9th at the Senior Center.
- Michelle Niedermeyer will ask Valley Press to publicize event. Ann Wilhelm will contact Granby News to publicize. There is an article coming out in the Drummer
Sampler Update
- A survey was completed by consumers giving “actionable” feedback to AC. Lots of good ideas for improving logistics of Sampler.
Town Land Analysis---Next Steps
- Next step is for the AC to make suggestions to Board of Selectman/Town Manager.
Programs for 2011
- Michelle Niedermeyer and Kate Bogli suggested a few things the AC could get involved in for 2011 in addition to the Sampler and the Land Parcel Research project.
Ideas for 2011 include, but not limited to the following:
Preserving Lecture/March 8th
Celebrate Granby
Open Farm Day
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION FOR NEXT AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING:
None
PUBLIC COMMENT:
A comment was made that Roger Philips of Grow Hartford has a workshop on February 8th at Auer Farm; includes networking and is geared for ‘new’ farmers.
ADJOURNMENT:
ON A MOTION BY Kate Bogli, seconded by Steven Hayes, the Commission voted (4-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 7:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Tappenden
Recording Secretary
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