Agriculture Commission Agenda and Minutes February 11_2015Northampton Agricultural Commission
Agenda
7:00 PM Wednesday February 11, 2015
210 Main Street, Room 10 (2nd floor, City Hall)
Northampton, MA
Members present:
Chair John Omasta
Chip Parsons
Stan Zawalick
Vice Chair Rich Jaescke
Tim Smith
John Bobala
Robert Vollinger
Wayne Feiden (staff)
Meet Clem Clay, new executive director for Grow Food Northampton, met with the board as a get acquainted visit.
Public comment—Dianna Riddle and Jonathan Guidman discussed their interest in using the Smith Vocational buildings at the former Northampton State Hospital for a compost facility. Feiden
clarified that approvals needed are Smith Vocational (as lease holder), Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources (as owner and APR co-holder) and the city (as APR co-holder). The Commission
was interested in the project, especially if it provides clear benefits to the Smith Vocational farming operation.
Approval of Agriculture Commission minutes of January 14, 2015—Upon motion by Rich Jaescke and second by Chip Parsons, the Commission unanimously approved the minutes.
Farmland preservation and related open space activity (Baye property, local conservation restriction program, any other related projects)—Feiden updated the Commission that the Baye
closing has been delayed by title issues. We hope to close as soon as we find clear title to the property.
Right to Farm signage—Commissioners suggested using Rich Bushy to develop the Right to Farms funded by the Mass. Association of Agriculture Commissions.
Plan future agriculture commission/public works meeting- The Commission wants to focus on Meadows road maintenance at the next time the commission meets with the public works commission.
Feiden will request time at an upcoming meeting.
Set date for next meeting: 7:30 PM March 2, 2015.