Northampton Subcommittee on FarmerNorthampton Subcommittee on Farmer’s Markets
October 6, 2009 7P.M.
City Hall Hearing Room
Present: Terri Anderson, Ben James, Bruce Young, Ed Shannahan, John O’Leary, Judith Fine, Bud Stockwell, Maureen Demspey.
Members of the Public: Deb O’Leary and Cindy Tobin
Introductions of Committee Members
Bruce young informed committee that he is leaving his job with the City of Northampton and will no longer serve on this committee.
Judith asked if Bruce would be replaced. It was unknown.
Ben discussed other possible members for committee.
Bruce explained Open Meeting Law. A question was asked about conflict of interest law because of the financial interest of some members. Bruce suggested members would be okay if they
stated who they were and what interest they represent. A copy of the Open Meeting Law Guidelines was handed out to all members.
Cindy Tobin raised a concern about market classifications. She did not want to feel pressured about changing the classification of Saturday or Wednesday markets. They were originally
classified as Class “A” markets, indicating that the vendors were farmers, selling only what they raised on their farms.
Reviewed committee tasks.
John O’Leary raised a question about the overall purpose of the committee. We needed a purpose for the tasks.
Terri provided a list of purposes as she understood them from our first meeting. 1. Create City Policy for use of City Property for Farmer’s or
Public Markets.
2. How do existing markets function and what are the various
models for Farmer’s Markets?
Evaluate existing markets and determine how Farmer’s Markets can be supported in relationship to Sustainability Plan, economic viability of the city and farmers attending.
Determine how markets can be supported/grow in relation to sustainability plan goals.
We put off discussing leadership and time frame for completion of task until all members were present.
We discussed meeting the 1st Tuesday of the month.
Next meeting will be November 10th (second Tuesday)
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Dempsey – Acting Secretary