MANSFIELD AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

DRAFT  Minutes of September 2, 2009 meeting

Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building

Conference Room B, 7:30 p.m.

1.  Acting Chairman, Charlie Galgowski,  called the meeting to order at 7:35.

2. PRESENT:            Charlie Galgowski, Carol Stearns, Bill Palmer, Vicky Wetherell.  Also attending: Jennifer Kaufman, Greg Padick, Rudy Favretti, Ed Wazer.

3. Minutes of the July 1, 2009, meeting were approved.

Continuing Business

4.  Proposed Revisions to Mansfield’s Zoning Regulations Re: Agricultural Uses

            The committee (and others attending) discussed a process to draft proposed zoning regulations for PZC’s consideration by next spring.   The goal is that the committee and the PZC Regulatory Review Committee would be in agreement about the proposed regulations before they are brought to a public hearing.

            Greg recommended that a subcommittee of representatives from both committees meet to (1 gather information, 2) make general recommendations that would be reviewed by the full committees, and 3) draft revised regulations for review by the full committees before a public hearing.

            Possible subcommittee actions:  Collect information from outside sources, such as other towns and agricultural organizations; request input from local agricultural operators and individuals with agricultural activities; refer to Rudy’s list of items to be considered when creating farm regulations.

            Some issues to address: need clear language in the regulations, need to state how a wetland is defined for these regulations, have as few items in the regulations as possible, have regulations (perhaps separate subsections) that address three types of agricultural activities:  commercial farm operations; hobby farms, and horse owners in subdivisions.

New Business

5.  Regional Agricultural Project

            The committee discussed inviting those with agricultural interests in surrounding towns to a meeting in the winter to discuss common issues that could be best addressed on a regional level.   Possibly a speaker would be included in the meeting.

6. Outreach Activities

The committee discussed having an exhibit at the Know Your Towns Fair, perhaps using a display currently at the Mansfield Historical Society’s museum.  Vicky will inquire.

7.  The meeting adjourned at 8:55.  Next meeting on November 4, 2009.