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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-03-CFC-min Community Farming Committee Meeting Minutes February 3, 2014 A meeting of the Community Farming Committee (CFC) was held on February 3, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. in the Parker Room of the Town Office Building. In attendance were: Michael Bliss, Chairman, Michelle Ciccolo, Alan Wrigley and Charles Lamb. Tom Oliver was not in attendance. Also attending: Janet Kern from the Lexington Community Farm Coalition, Inc. (LexFarm), Linda Levin, and Bob Pressman Mr. Bliss called the meeting to order at 7:35. He indicated that Rick Abrams (Greenways Corridors Committee) and Candy McLaughlin (Town Manager’s Office) would not be in attendance. Mr. Wrigley moved that the Minutes of Nov 14, 2013 be approved and Ms. Ciccolo seconded the motion. (3:0:1, CL abstaining because he was not present at Nov 14, 2013 meeting). Mr. Bliss indicated that he had attended a LexHab info meeting in December and handed out copies of a document distributed at that meeting, “Proposed TriPlex for LexHab”. He indicated that almost all the abutters at that meeting were opposed to the project, and in particular to the project going from the 4 units that the Board of Selectmen had earlier voted to 6 units. Ms. Kern said that there is a drainage pipe that runs across Lowell St running to the Arlington Reservoir. Her concern is that pipe could be disrupted when the proposed housing units get built. She indicated that Dave Eagle gave a verbal answer to her saying “it will be fine”. She has requested more detailed plans. Bob Pressman said that Dave Eagle said that the pipe would be rerouted around the proposed house. Ms. Kern requested that the plan be put in the public record and that the CFC make that request to the Town. Ms. Ciccolo said that the CFC should be able to keep an eye on it. Ms. Kern expressed concern that there would be no way to mitigate the airborne pollution (construction dust) so that construction should be done outside the growing season. In general, she feels there needs to be consideration for when construction should occur. Ms. Ciccolo said that probably the most important thing is the fill that they put on the site due to leaching issues. When LexHab goes out to bid, they should specify that the origin of the fill needs to be known and that it needs to be pre-tested. She further stated that it is still early to be able to deal with this issue since there are no plans to review yet. Mr. Bliss suggested that the CFC would continue to be cognizant of potential issues. There was discussion of 4 vs 6 units of Affordable Housing. The conclusion was that Mr. Bliss should speak with the Chair of the Board of Selectmen stating the Committee’s concerns and that the public process should continue to be used. Identify Conservation Organization to hold the Conservation Restriction 1 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