2013-09-16-CFC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Community Farming Committee Meeting Minutes September 16, 2013 A meeting of the Community Farming Committee (CFC) was held on September 16, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at Battin Hall, Cary Memorial Building. In attendance were: Michael Bliss, Chairman, Michelle Ciccolo, Alan Wrigley, Tom Oliver (at 7:35 p.m.) and Charles Lamb. Also attending: Assistant Town Manager for Finance Rob Addelson, Community Development Director Karen Mullins and Town Manager Carl Valente. LexFarm Operational/Site Plan—Public Comment Mr. Bliss provided an overview of the process for selecting a farming organization to lease the Town owned property (Busa Farm) on Lowell Street. He further explained that the purpose of this meeting is for the CFC to receive public comments on LexFarm's proposed Operational/Site Plan. Janet Kern from LexFarm introduced the members of the LexFarm Board who were in attendance. Ms. Kern explained that Lexfarm will be a professionally operated farm, but for the public's benefit. Ms. Kern then made a presentation on LexFarm's proposed operational/site plan, which is attached to these Minutes and included: • Hours of Operation • Produce for Sale • Farming Practices • Building Use and Improvements • Safety and Security • Abutter and Neighbor Concerns Mr. Bliss opened the meeting for public comments. 1. Email Comment: David Kantor—Requested that the Town not subsidize LexFarm operations (e.g., providing water/sewer connections). 2. Email Comment: Tina Jaillet—Would like to see the Town provide water/sewer connection to the farm. 3. Roberta Wilson: Concern that the location of the proposed new driveway will cause traffic safety issues. Ms. Kern explained that this driveway is for farm vehicles, not public access. 4. David Kantor: Suggested that Section 4 of the draft Operational Plan delete the language related to the Town providing utilities to the site. 5. Bob Pressman: Asked how the lease with LexFarm will describe the LexHab site that is excluded from the farm lease. Mr. Valente explained that this will be done via an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan showing the meets and bounds of the two parcels. 6. Cheryl Miller: Asked if LexFarm is planning to allow dogs on the proposed paths, on or off leash. Ms. Kern responded that there is not a current plan to allow dogs. She will look to the Community Farming Committee for guidance on this matter, 1