2015-05-21-CONCOM-min (Community Garden Subcommittee)

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TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS CONSERVATION COMMISSION COMMUNITY GARDEN SUBCOMMITTEE Thursday, May 21st, 2015 4:30 P.M. Community Development Meeting Room, Town Office Building 1625 Massachusetts Avenue In Attendance: Community Gardeners Alix Bartsch, Marita Hartshorn; Conservation Commissioners: Kevin Beuttell, Phil Hamilton Others Present: Jordan McCarron, Conservation Stewardship Program Coordinator I. Current Policies and Practices: Pros and Cons Mr. Hamilton began the meeting by explaining that the Conservation Commission made the decision to form the community garden sub - committee as a way to address issues that the gardeners at Dunback Meadow have raised over the years concerning the Commission's garden policies as well as issues that the Commission is facing regarding the presence of wetlands adjacent to the gardens. Mr. Hamilton opened up the discussion by asking Mrs. Bartsch and Mrs. Hartshorn to give an update on the gardens this year and inviting them to ask any questions or raise any concerns about the current community garden policies: Mrs. Hartshorn confirmed that sunflowers are allowed at the garden; Mr. McCarron pointed out that gardeners should plant dwarf varieties so as not to interfere with neighboring garden plots. Mrs. Bartsch reported that ticks are a major issue at the garden and indicated that laying down wood chips to minimize tick habitat makes a huge difference. She expressed concern that the Commission has prohibited the gardeners from bringing in wood chips this season when it has always been allowed in the past. Mrs. Bartsch also reported that the water shut -off valve is broken and has been broken since last season. Mrs. Bartsch reported that things are going well this year; all garden plots are currently occupied. The gardeners have set up a rain barrel system which they try to use first before relying on Town water. Mrs. Bartsch reported some minor vandalism at the garden (a small wooden bench was kicked over), but the garden perimeter fence has really minimized incidents of vandalism overall. Mr. Bartsch said that the gardeners have discussed potentially putting a lock on the gate of the perimeter fence to keep out non - gardeners, but indicated that a group consensus would have to made about that. Mrs. Bartsch requested that the gardeners have better access to the gardens for vehicles and suggested that she be given a key instead of having to coordinate for the gate to be opened with the Conservation Division. Mrs. Hatshorn suggested that there be designated weekends at the beginning of the season for the gate to be open for gardeners to deliver heavy or unwieldy items to the garden.