Agriculture Commission Agenda 3_22 2012Northampton Agricultural Commission
Agenda and Minutes
7:15 PM Wednesday March 22, 2012
210 Main Street (City Hall) Room 10
Members present: Chair John Omasta, Vice Chair Rich Jaescke, John Bobala, Robert Vollinger, and Chip Parsons. Chair John Omast opened the meeting at 7:05 PM.
Discussion of future joint forum with other area Agriculture Commissions.
The Commission discussed holding a joint forum with agriculture commissions in Hampshire and Hampton Counties. The forum would probably include agriculture commissions, farmers, and
local agricultural product vendors. The meeting would be held as Smith Vocational. The commission agreed to discuss the issue at their April meeting and in October, when they hear
back from other agriculture commissions, start planning a February or March forum. The commission also agreed that this forum or some other session to reach out to Future Farmers of
America (FFA) and possibly 4H to attract the next generation of farmers.
Updates from Keep Farming
The Commission had a brief update that the surveys from residents and food providers are currently circulating. They will have more discussion when those have been completed.
Links between local farming and schools: Ben Wood, Director Northampton Health
Ben Wood introduced himself to the commission and explained that the Health Department’s mission includes improving the quality of food that residents by examining policies and regulations.
They are focusing on “making the healthy choice the easy choice” in the retail food environment and in public schools.
Updates on Meadows and farmland land acquisition and farmland preservation efforts.
Wayne Feiden informed the Commission that Mr. Jasinski accepted the City’s offer to purchase a local agriculture preservation restriction on his 80 acres of Meadows property, for Mr.
Jasinski to purchase the old Rogers homestead farm from the City, and for Mr. Jasinski to donate, subject to a 22 year retained lease, 3.2 acres he owns at Sheldon Field. The Commission
indicated that they would be interested in exploring more local APRs after we see how smoothly the Jaskinski project goes.
Updates on use of farmland at Montview conservation property
Wayne Feiden informed the Commission on the status of finding a farmer to farm Montview section of Meadows Conservation Area.
Updates on agriculture related zoning and ordinances
Wayne Feiden informed the Commission that the chickens ordinance was pending before City Council and they have already approved the farmers market policy and fee.
Upcoming March 28st meeting with the Board of Public Works on Meadows Roads
John Omasta and Rich Jaescke led a discussion on how to present the case for better Meadows Road maintenance before the BPW.
Approval of Agriculture Commission February 8, 2012 minutes and Executive Session Minutes (with public release of executive session minutes)
The Commission approved these minutes by unanimous consent.
The Commission adjourned at 8:30 PM