Agriculture Commission Agenda and Minutes January 8_2014Northampton Agricultural Commission
Agenda and Minutes
6:00 PM Wednesday January 8, 2014
Cafetorium, Smith Vocational Agricultural School
Locust Street, Northampton, MA
Members present: Chair John Omasta, Vice Chair Rich Jaescke, John Bobala, Chip Parsons, Robert Vollinger, Stan Zawalick and future member, Maggie Gifford.
Staff present: Wayne Feiden.
John Omasta opened the meeting at 7:00 PM
Public Comment: There was no public comment.
Approval of Agriculture Commission Minutes of December 11, 2013: Upon motion by Rich Jaescke and second by Chip Parsons, the Commission voted unanimously to approve.
Final preparation for January 11, 2014 Agriculture Forum: The Commission had a discussion with Pete Westover on the forum and worked out the final logistics of the event, with an expected
47 attendees.
Discussion of Stormwater Utility Ordinance: Rich Jaeske brought up the stormwater ordinance in the context of the Meadows. The Commission will work to meet with the Ordinance Committee
and City Councilors and the ordinance advances.
Discussion on next steps on Meadows public access: The Commission noted that they have received comments from Michael Pill with his opinion on the status of the Meadows Roads and have
been notified that they will be receiving comments in the end of January from the Meadows Farmers Association. Upon motion by Chip Parsons and second by Rich Jaeske, the Commission
agreed to dedicate their February meeting to this issue.
Discussion of next steps from Keep Farming data and recommendations: The Commission briefly explored the opportunities for a permanent farmers market, preserving more farmland and restoring
farmland that is growing over back to farmland. They agreed to schedule more time once the final Keep Farming report has been submitted to the Commission (probably for their March meeting.
Upon motion by Chip Parsons and second by John Bobala, the Commission voted unaminously to adjourn (6:55 PM).