Agriculture Commission 1_17_2012 minutesNorthampton Agricultural Commission
7:00 Tuesday January 17, 2012
210 Main Street, Room 11, Northampton
Members present: Vice Chair Rich Jaescke, John Bobala, John Kelly, and Chip Parsons
December 6, 2011 Minutes: Upon motion by Chip Parsons and second by John Kelly, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes of December 6, 2011.
February 1, 2012 Farmers Forum: Upon motion by John Kelly and second by Chip Parsons, the Commission approved the final agenda and outreach for the Farmers Forum.
DPW issues of interest to farmers (DPW Director Ned Huntley)
Status of Meadows Roads
Grading and maintaining dirt and gravel roads
Questions and answers on public works issues
Police issues of interest to farmers (Police Sgt. Victor Caputo)
Enforcement of trespass on farmland
Enforcement in the Meadows
Questions and answers on law enforcement issues
Planning issues of interest to farmers (Planning Director Wayne Feiden)
Wetlands requirements
Agriculture Preservation Restrictions
City open space programs
Questions and answers on wetlands and open space issues
Keep Farming effort (Keep Farming volunteers)
Surveys and findings
Recommendations and conclusions
Questions and answers on Keep Farming effort
Next meeting: The Commission agreed on 7:15 PM, Wed. February 8, 2012 for their next post Farmers Forum meeting.
Right to Farm Sign: The commission discussed putting up a “Northampton is a right-to-farm community” on signs, possibly in conjunction with the community effort to have gateway signs
entering the city at several locations.
Rich Jaeske reviewed a presentation from the Commission of Agriculture, including: outreach, solar photovoltaics, and education the community on right-to-farm.
The Commission agreed to adjourn at 8:05 PM.