HomeArchiveVol. II No. 24 12/15/2021Notes from the Agriculture and Forestry Commission (AFC), December 6, Hybrid meeting
Vol. II No. 24 12/15/2021
Notes from the Agriculture and Forestry Commission (AFC), December 6, Hybrid meeting
Present:
- Matt Boudreau, Chair
- Lisa Bozzuto
- Shelby Marshall
- Erik Rasmussen and Chuck Cardillo via Zoom
- November 1, 2021 minutes approved with correction. (Seedlings are not free but are low cost)
- Chair introduced Julie Coop from Tree City USA, Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation, to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of applying for the designation as a Tree City.
- Chair moved to apply for the designation
- Rasmussen was opposed until Commission does some digging and determines cost/benefit; that is, in what ways does Stockbridge benefit versus how much work entailed to apply annually
- Rasmussen's motion carried: will investigate first
- Chair introduced Jordan Archey from Berkshire Grown to discuss feasibility of having a Stockbridge Farmer's Market
- Location, parking, day of week, and intended clientele are key ingredients for success
- For example: Saturday or Sunday may attract fewer locals and more visitors; accepting SNAP payments and/or Senior coupons may attract more locals
- Who would run the Market? Chamber? Town? Private entity? The Farmers?
- Since there are other Farmer's Markets in many other towns, what would attract farmers to Stockbridge?
- How much might start-up costs be? (est. $5 – 10,000)
- Further discussion with Select Board
- Bozzuto mentioned that there should be an Old Growth Forest Designation Ceremony or "do it silently". Cardillo preferred a ceremony in spring. When AFC meets with Select Board to discuss Farmer's Market also set date for dedication ceremony
Meeting adjourned.
Sheep visiting Main Street. Photo: Patrick White