2014-02-03-CFC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Ms. Kern suggested that an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) might be more appropriate than a Conservation Restriction (CR) and that perhaps the CFC should work from an APR rather than a CR. Issues with CR as starting point are that it doesn’t allow (e.g.) composting, vehicles, maintaining vehicles, etc. Mr. Bliss said that this is entirely a legal question. Mr. Bliss and Mr. Wrigley agreed to look into the legal requirements of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) regarding such restrictions. Mr. Bliss will also look into the Farm Bureau as an appropriate entity to hold such a restriction. Status Report from LexFarm Ms. Kern said that the CSA shares are selling well. The heating has been a challenge. They have started in the greenhouse but it has been cold so they’ve had to take extra steps. Long term they’ll have to look at energy efficiencies in the future. Fund raising has been going well and they’re starting to reach out to businesses. They’ve raised $65K towards $150K. Funding plan includes capital and hiring Executive Director and staff. The farm business is sustained by the farm produce. The rest is from donations, grants, etc. Bare minimum for capital is $90K for two tractors and some other equipment. They’ve already spent more than $25K on building repairs: new roof, new electric in farm stand. They’ve purchased an RV for use as an office. They now have phone and internet in the office. Long term they hope that there is some way to build a barn if for no other reason than vehicle storage. Ms. Ciccolo asked if they would be considering animals. Ms. Kern responded that it’s a small piece of land so it is hard to imagine animals beyond chickens. Planning on opening the farm stand on April 19th. February 22nd is a community cleanup day. Future Meetings Proposal is for Weds March 12th and then the 3rd Thursday in April, May, June, subject to Tom. Mr. Bliss proposed that we meet once per month until that frequency is no longer necessary. Other documents, Proposed TriPlex for LexHab, dated October 20, 2013 and December 27, 2012 (rev 3/7/13). 2