Agriculture Commission minutes 2 1 12 Farmers ForumFarmers’ Forum
Northampton Agricultural Commission
7:00 Wednesday February 1, 2012
Restaurant at Smith Vocational Agricultural High School
80 Locust Street, Northampton
Members present: Chairman John Omasta, Vice Chair Rich Jaescke, John Bobala, John Kelly, and Robert Vollinger.
Welcome and introductions from the Chair John Omasta
John Omasta opened the meeting at 7:05 PM
DPW issues of interest to farmers (DPW Director Ned Huntley)
Ned Huntley presented on the status of Meadows Roads and grading and maintaining dirt and gravel roads. There were several questions and statements urging that roads be better graded,
especially where mud spots have developed and gravel has been thrown off the road.
Police issues of interest to farmers (Police Sgt. Victor Caputo)
Sergeant Victor Caputo presented on enforcement of trespass on farmland and enforcement generally in the Meadows. There were a couple of questions on how to address problems.
Planning issues of interest to farmers (Planning Director Wayne Feiden)
Wayne Feiden presented on wetlands requirements, agriculture preservation restrictions and city open space efforts in the meadows and on farmland. There were a couple of questions on
how the wetlands laws affect maintenance of gravel roads in the meadows.
Keep Farming effort (Keep Farming volunteers)
Mari Gottdiener and Nola Reinhardt presented the data and findings of the Keep Farming planning effort. There were a couple of questions on specific aspects of the work.
The Commission adjourned at 8:55 PM.
For more information:
Wayne Feiden, FAICP
Director of Planning and Development
wfeiden@northamptonma.gov
(413)587-1265