Uh this meeting is being recorded by the agricultural commission. If any other persons present are doing the same, you must notify the chairperson at this time. What is just this? Uh so I'd like to call this meeting of the agricultural commission to order
for a roll call. Um is there any specific order I have to do that or is it just >> You can just call people out. >> All right. Do we have Denise? Yes, I'm here. Lube >> here, Greg >> here, >> Elizabeth not here, and Sid is here.
Uh, for public comment, speaking time is three minutes for each person. Members of the public must state their name and address or precinct. No discussion or comments will be entertained unless called upon by the chairperson of commission. I have invited uh two different people specifically to come
give public comment today, but it looks like they have not opted to join us. So, we can go ahead and move on from that. >> Comment closed. >> Uh, public comment is closed. Um, so then we're going to look at
previous meeting minutes. I know since Greg, you were gone last month. We had to table the April 2nd minutes. Do you have those with you? >> I look for them on my computer. Could not find them.
have my handwritten with I checked just before I came over here. So, I'm going to retype them soon as I get home. >> Okay. >> Would you like me to read them for the meeting? >> I Yeah, if if we can review them. Yeah. Knock them out of the way. Awesome. Yeah, let's do that, please.
>> Okay. April 2nd, 2025 a committee meeting started at 5:33 p.m. Chairman statement was read by Elizabeth. Roll call. Elizabeth, Greg, Dave Johnson, and Matt Conway. Guest there was Sid St.
John had applied for and this is when you made the statement that you had applied for the agricultural committee. Uh we had uh some guests on the Zoom which included Monica and Stephanie. Um I read the meeting minutes for the
previous meeting. I don't have a date written down. And this was accepted by the commission. Um, our first order of agenda after that was a right to farm signs. Uh, purchase order was accepted by the mayor and
purchase order approved. Elizabeth and Dave, Matt, and Glenn with a DPW met over signed locations. uh proposal to approach department of transportation about the placement that was um Massachusetts Department of
Transportation. Let's ask um u about move of the existing sign on route two as well. >> We talked about that >> possible location near the farmers market sign on the common.
I think we were talking about putting another sign here right here. Front motion on this location will be will uh relocating the sheepside sign on route five north location accepted 2 to one
votes. So two two accepted one uh withdraw withdrew his vote. That was yeah motion to approach do on all four sign locations accepted two to
one votes. I will go with Matt to the mass dot. >> That was you Greg. >> Yes. which didn't happen because Matt stepped away.
So, um, meeting was adjourned at 6:41. Our next meeting was going to be June 4th, which took place. >> Good deal. Uh, and like motion to accept these minutes. So, moved.
Second. I move second. All right. And then we do all in favor. >> I I amazing >> accepted to say. So that's April 2nd accepted in the books. You can stop talking about that meeting now.
Um and then minutes for September 3rd. Did everyone get the chance to look at those online? >> I could. >> That is okay. These look nice. Is that you who did them? I do think I did them. Thank you. They were nice.
>> Thank you. Um >> you want can print off a few copies. Want to do it now or >> uh yeah, let's just knock it out now. >> Wow, this is a lot better than I do. Well, there were a lot of things that I specifically wanted to make sure even
the time. >> I want to step down. >> I was saying that >> I'm certainly not going to step up to this. >> That was um just because my own notes were like, I have to go talk to this person. I have to go talk to that person. That's why so specific.
>> No, no problem. No, it's I'm I'm impressed. Thank you. >> Want to read it? >> Yeah, we'll uh review these real quick and Jonathan's going to print out some copies so we can take them home if necessary. Uh so at 5:32 we started the meeting
with the chairperson's statement. We called the meeting to order. We did a roll call of members. Greg was absent, but Denise, Lou, Elizabeth, and I were all present. Mhm. >> Uh we had no public comment entertained.
Um we were going to review and approve the meeting minutes for April 2nd, but uh due to Greg's absence, we tabled it till today. Uh we were able to review and approve the meeting minutes for June 4th. Four in favor, none against, none abstain.
Um, Elizabeth Net officially stepped down as chair of the board and decided to remain on the board as a regular member. Um, she proposed an election of a new chairperson and I nominated myself which was seconded by Denise and then we
elected four to zero. Um, an update on Hail Signs. Uh, Matt Conway is no longer working for the city of Greenfield. Elizabeth and Lou had placed states to mark locations for approval. Um, DPW had been notified. Um, but we
hadn't heard back. So, we were I was going to follow up with Glenn to find out uh what was going on there, what the timeline was. We knew that the signs were paid for by the mayor's office that were ready to be delivered and we learned that we're not responsible for
coordinating with Mass DOT. Um, the DPW was going to handle that for us. Um, we reviewed the Agriculture Commission mission statement um, using our page on the town website, reviewed our role as facilitators for
encouraging the pursuit of agriculture, our role to serve as educators in matters of farming. um figured out that the line of communication on agricultural concerns should go to the
mayor's office and then to us. Um and to engage in projects and activities to promote the business of farming, farming practices and activities and tradition and farmland protection in the city. um specifically to advocate for the right to farm but not engage in land use planning or zoning that is the right of
any other department or agency. And we talked a little bit about um if we're here as an advisory and educational body then how do we do that? And we wanted to double check on who the mayor's designate was and make sure that they
could attend our meetings. We wanted to open public comment and um publicize it and have people come and talk to us. And we talked about uh tableabling at the Greenfield Farmers Market. And we put we talked about
making a map of Greenfield's operating farms for the city website. Um that was all just discussion sort of theoretically. Um we moved that the October one meeting be primarily public comment to hear what questions our residents have. We voted
four in favor, but obviously it's fine. >> I knew um and we recognized that Greenfield Animal Controls, the Greenfield Police's animal control
officer. His position was eliminated and we wanted to recognize him and his work and figure out who was picking up his old tasks. Um, and I did some research which we'll talk about in today's meeting and then we ended the meeting at 6:20. Four in
favor? Uh, I'd like to move to accept these minutes. So move second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Four in favor. Amazing. Okay. New business.
Um, item number one, discussion of a grievance filed against the residences of 593 and 589 Leaden Road for the odor and flies resulting from the keeping of livestock on their properties. This is what I emailed you guys about, >> right? >> Um, I try um I noticed you removed the
names in here. Am I allowed to say names or should I leave them off? >> I would leave them off. Okay. >> Since the person's not here. >> Okay. >> Just to be safe. >> Sounds good. Um, so I um was given the phone number for the grievant and I tried multiple times to get in touch
with them um but was only getting voicemail. So I left voicemail inviting them to come speak at this meeting and to reach out if they wanted to meet with any of us individually >> to hear their concerns, see if we can coordinate with uh their neighbors, but
um haven't received a response and they're not here today. So, um, there's nothing we can really do for them at the moment unless they decide they would like us to pursue this matter. So, we're going to leave it at that or that's all we can do. >> Who did they call the grievance?
>> The mayor's office. >> The mayor's office. >> Yeah. And did it get sent to the board of health because that's where it really should go. >> Uh, so it was sent to the mayor's office and they forwarded it to me. I don't know if it had gone to the board of health from the mayor's office, but I do
know that the grievant had talked to the board of health, animal control, and um >> to see where I think they had been. Yeah, I think they had been for those bodies already. Of the police, I think. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But it doesn't look like
>> um And is the board of health doing inspections on the animal side? >> I have no idea. um they for whatever reason elected not to pursue the matter with the grievant. Um so >> for now I just kind of wanted us to be
aware that it it might end up coming up for us and that is definitely like on the radar of what I would like to address if it's like is the board of health inspecting the animals are the >> Board of Health is supposed to expect yearly. >> That inspection period is coming up. >> Okay. Okay.
>> They inspect me yearly. And it's at the same time every year for >> Yeah, usually in the fall. >> Okay. And I make them call me because I'm too busy for them to just show up. >> Yeah, totally. That's what I was curious about. If it's like a set >> usually I like to show up and just be there, you know, so that I can't go
around and clean all my water buckets up before they come. I have time to do that. Oh, >> but um I I personally have got other things scheduled in my day and can't just necessarily be there and they cannot walk onto the property.
>> Yeah. >> Our dog and stuff. >> So, >> I arranged for them to come and we have a nice visit, nice chat and it's all cool. But when I But this is something that is supposed to be done by the board of health. When I lived in Lever, I was
the animal inspector that did that. So, it's a state required. >> Yeah. Okay. So, I would be curious then possibly the reason why the board of health couldn't give them a resolution is because they do inspect on the property and they were like, "Well, we approve it. It's fine." >> But I but I just don't know. Could be.
So, yeah. >> Um, >> lies happen. So, so do rats. >> Yeah. So the the complaint was it was um it was goats ducks and a cat house which obviously I'm not sure falls within our purview but
>> was it male goats are really smelly >> think they got that information >> and like again I'm not sure that the grievant like knows the specifics it's just are finding themselves frustrated by it um but because the size of the
properties that the livestock is on is smaller than the five acres >> and neither >> right then I think what it would come down to is like what are the conditions are they being inspected is it like hazardous is it something that the board
of health should well concerned about when we first moved in here um for some reason somebody wrote an article about the farm was in the paper I then got a call from the board of health saying that I needed a permit >> I didn't know any better >> sure
>> and So, um, I applied for it because we were doing other stuff, but I didn't really want to aggravate the >> Totally. >> Um, but the point is you do have to apply for that. >> Yeah. >> Regardless.
>> Yeah. >> So, if they um if they do end up wanting us to like involve ourselves in this, that should definitely be what we talk to about what we talk to them about. Is it that one of the house numbers isn't right? Because I was curious about
that. Well, I'm looking here and 589 actually looks like a house. 583 >> 93 >> 593 is uh down the road from it. >> Yeah. So, the the grievant I think is at 597A.
There's a newer building there that looks like it's >> 597. >> Okay. Um, so yeah, they are up kind of up the street from that V-shaped intersection where there is a larger property. >> Um,
so yeah, I I don't know if the smells are wafting up the street from there or >> Oh, I see. >> I see. >> And then the other question, as I said to you, was the livestock there first? Yep. Did she move in knowing there was a
farm next to her? >> And I did I did take a look at um like property records, but um it wasn't >> Yeah, >> I couldn't quite tell from that. >> Yeah. >> Um yeah, so that's you know, just be aware of it. It might come up in future meetings. Um number two is the
discussion of a grievance against Greenfield Greenery for odor resulting from outdoor marijuana cultivation. This is a somewhat new marijuana farm on Leiden Road and um I had a phone call with Jenny. So, she received the
complaint and she um emailed and called me about it. Um so, again, mayor's office is like super on top of stuff right now, which we love. Um at the time of writing this agenda, the briement was pursuing a resolution directly with Greenfield Greenery and
didn't need our input. Um, that was about five days ago. Since then, she's reached back out to me. The grievant, who I'm now in touch with, has reached back out to me and said she hasn't been able to get a response from Greenfield Greenery. >> Um, and I invited her to make public
comment tonight, but was unavailable. So, we're trying to have a phone call. >> Do we know where they're located? >> She is on Country Club Road or Lane. >> Where's Greenfield Greenery? >> Uh, it's on Leighten Road. It's actually
it's a ways down from them. >> It's kind of like on the opposite that they're like I think they are on a contiguous block of forest. Gotcha. >> Right. I think the >> greenery is on the other end >> in 2020. Oh, I see what it's doing.
And there is a country club road that intersects there. again, who was there first and did they have actual I'm sure they had to have permission to get that in there. >> So, she her house housing her subdivision was there first. Um, I was
made aware that before Greenfield Greenery was approved and got their permission, >> different marijuana cultivation facility was trying to get permission to build basically right across the street from their subdivision and that was denied. >> Okay. >> Um, Greenfield Greenery is obviously
like further down the road or >> Yeah. >> Oh, it's 493. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, that's from the Cannabis Control Commission, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. >> Oh, good. There we go. Thank you. >> 493 lighten. >> Yep.
>> Um and so when the original um cultivator applied um a lot of people on city council and I believe also the mayor's office um were in defense of the neighborhood. The neighborhood didn't want it built and they were all like,
"Yes, this makes sense. It's a residential area. >> We don't want to change the character too much." But then when the second one wanted to be built, it was further away and uh it was approved. So they did get permission. Um the complaint is that
especially at night time, the smell from the farm is really really strong. >> Sure. >> And so like they can't run their air conditioning because it sucks the smell into the house and they're >> and it probably is worse as the marijuana gets ready to harvest. My son was growing
>> ground up on the deck >> in what, six planes or something, >> right? >> You could smell it >> on the >> Yeah, definitely. >> Just before he harvested it. >> Smelled very stucky. >> Yes. >> So, both both those complaints include
the same 493 laden, right? >> That's what I was >> The first I thought was 593. >> 5 Yes. >> was it? >> Yes. 593 and >> 593 is what's on here for the goat thing. >> Yes,
>> it comes up as the same thing on maps as 493. >> Oh, >> yeah. >> Interesting. So, I actually was curious. >> Same property >> because Oh, wait. So 593 and 493 came up to >> Yeah. So, I'm really I'm like going
>> Oh, you're right. >> That's really uh interesting. That is interesting. >> I wonder if they're connected in some way. >> Okay. Oh, yeah. Look at that. It's really strange.
>> Are you using Google Maps? >> Yeah. >> I wonder if it's >> Sometimes it's screwing. >> Yeah. Like there's a there's a farm. >> Yeah. Um, they are not coming up as the same for me. I >> think 593 may not be an actual address.
>> Yes. So, that is actually what I was curious about. >> Oh, cuz you had trouble finding that one. >> Yeah. So, f it. >> It's like throwing us somewhere. I was curious if it was supposed to be that the goat properties were 589 and
583, but I don't know for sure. >> These are the numbers >> missing in that it's they're right next to each other, too. >> Well, that would make sense. Yeah. 589 583. Yeah. >> I said I'm wondering if they're connected in some way. And gets more
rural as it goes further. >> It does. Yeah. Okay. >> Um, so I mean something to be said for the complaints are both coming from zones that are I believe they're both zoned rural residential.
>> It is just up the road from it. 589. >> Yeah. >> It's where those houses are really close together as you come. Oh yeah. >> So very close. Um,
>> so they're still trying to get in touch with Greenfield Greenery. >> Yeah, they haven't received a response. Um, I have a phone call scheduled with her for Friday. Um, but I don't know how she wants to move on. I don't know if she just wants to have someone hear what
her issue is and have someone care. Um but uh definitely I'll have that phone call with her and if um if she's interested in like trying to pursue a resolution, that's something that I would love to be able to bring >> some other members to or
I don't know very much about marijuana cultivation. So, >> I don't >> like I was thinking of trying to get in touch with Greenfield Greeneries and be like, I know smell is just a thing that happens in any kind of farming, but like is there a way that you can explain to
us why it so smells so much stronger at night and like >> what? >> Well, it must grow what are those big white flowers as snow? >> Uh, clearly no.
So whatever is pollinating I I don't know what actually pollinates them but I know it's not honey bees. >> Sure. >> Uh whatever is pollinating it is the the plants attracting that pollinator. >> Okay. >> So u it's always a certain you know when
it's used to getting pollinated that's >> when it's putting out >> that's when it puts out the >> Gotcha. >> Either with color or with or with smells. >> I find at night when the lilac's bloom and I'm Nico. Oh, sure, sure, sure. Yeah. At night, you know, as it gets to
be dusk, those odors are stronger, >> right? >> And those are usually um so they'll probably be a nocturnal pollinator like a moth or something. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. That's really interesting. H um so
>> that's difficult. >> Yeah, I I don't really know what there is to be done about smell. Um, and it's also tough because they got permission and they went through the appropriate channels. Um, if you look at their website, they're obviously like a very very young business.
>> Like it's it's unfinished. They don't, you know, >> how many places grow indoors versus growing outdoors? Do we know that? >> Um, I do not I don't either. You know, it's kind of funny because um I've noticed the indoor ones, they use an
exhaust fans to to move the air >> and that funnel it all out way. Yeah. >> 253 and it just, you know, you know you're going into >> Yeah. So, it really doesn't seem like it matters whether you're doing indoor or outdoor. Either way, there's going to be
smell. >> Um >> it smells tough. >> Yeah. I mean it it sucks to be coming in and out of focus. Um to be like ah I don't know it's just
going to smell deal with it. I was thinking we could recommend like an air purifier or something in her home or recommend that the farm like plant a hedge or something to try and cut wind moving towards the uh subdivision. >> It might work but it might not. Yeah,
>> it's it's really >> was up on the deck up there into the driveway, you know. >> Gotcha. So cute. >> Yeah. Where did someone hit one further down the road? >> Yeah. >> Okay. But that's another one where,
you know, just be aware that it might come to us moving forward and Okay. >> I might email you guys like, "Hey, we're going to go talk to the farmers today. When can we who can come?" Um, so item number three,
possible outreach opportunities for the Agricultural Commission and how to make them happen. Um, the first one that I suggested is the Greenfield Farmers Market. So, I did send in an application to the Greenfield
Winter Market um with just a note on it that said, "I don't know who might be available to staff this and I don't know what days we might be available, but we'd love to be on your radar." And I spoke to Hannah who runs the Greenfield Farmers Market, and she said that she would love to
there. Um >> when they they just monthly in the winter. >> Yeah, once a month. Okay. Um, you know, >> it's twice a month for two of the months and once a month for three of the month. >> Gotcha. >> Um, yeah, I got them all recorded.
>> Okay. >> So, somebody knows. >> Yeah. Okay. >> I feel like probably once a month is reasonable for us to manage. Yep. >> Um, even even if we try to push it like next year into the summer, probably just once a month.
>> Um, but I wanted to ask um, >> as for me, I'm already I'm already going golf. >> Exactly. Yep. Um, if any of the people who aren't Gregory who are already at the farmers market had any interest in tableabling a few of those, >> I would I would do it.
>> Yeah. Um, >> and those would be in the library. >> Yeah. Right. >> So, I think that Hannah would be willing to give us a booth for free. Um, which is relevant because Elizabeth Net just reminded me that we have a budget of $500 annually. um which I'm not
interested in spending undilably. Yes, >> totally. Yes. Um but in terms of like being a government body and being anformational body, I think that we could definitely at least do like a half half table thing.
>> Yeah, I'm sure. Okay. Did you have the dates pulled up, Greg? >> Oh, yeah, I did. So, there are two in November, two in December, and let's see. The November ones are the 8th and the 22nd >> second
>> and on December 6th and December 20th >> and then January 10th. These are the once a month. >> Mhm. >> February 7th and March 7th. have April 4th, too. So, I think we're
going into Oh, yeah. Because the Yeah, they start the outside is at the end of a April. So, it's the last weekend of April. >> Gotcha. Well, I definitely cannot do November 8th. >> Okay. March 7th is questionable.
So, how do we feel about trying to do November 22nd and December 20th >> and then trying to hit each of the once a month ones? >> I will, if I actually take this trip, I will have just gotten back from
Oklahoma. That might be okay. That might work. That sounds fun. But the wind comes sweeping down the plane. >> First person I've met who's taken a trip to Oklahoma. >> Oh, I I'm from Bakersfield.
>> Land of a lot of people that go to Oklahoma, Jack. Yes. Gotcha. >> Sure. Sure. >> We're going sheep dogging. I think I can probably do November 22nd. >> Okay. >> Um, do we have a ticker for December
20th? >> I could probably do the 22nd and the 20th. >> I probably should be there to find out what >> uh Yeah, that's the second part of this is like what do we put on the table?
Um, >> where the heck comes? >> And then January 10th. >> January 10th. That's okay. February 7th is probably okay. The only thing with March 7th is if I'm lamming, I'm not coming.
>> Okay. Um, I can do March 7th. >> If if a lamb is in the process of being born. >> Um, you said February 7th is probably okay. >> Yeah. Okay. And then April 4th, >> that's the beginning of
>> that's >> okay. That's all right. We might be able to ask Elizabeth about that one anyway. And it's also she likes doing that sort of stuff, too. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah, that would be good. that might have an issue keeping her
away from all the others. >> She that this is that's her cup of tea. >> More than I don't think there's a problem having >> Absolutely. Absolutely. Um so, uh what schedule should we attend on? Who can set up the table and what materials
should we give away? >> Um so we might have another meeting before that first one, right? >> That is correct. >> Okay. Um, but as far as materials go, I had thought Let me know what time it is
right now. No, no, no, no. >> Farmers markets. Yeah. >> Let me dig into it. 10:00 a.m. >> 10 a.m. >> 10 to 1. >> Okay. >> 1. Yes. 10. >> Um, you had mentioned trying to put
together an upto-date map of operating farms in Greenfield. And I wonder if that wouldn't be like a good place to start. >> Yeah. I feel like the thing that I was thinking of that made me Yeah. Is that
MDR has um like a mass grown map that's all all of Massachusetts, which I have looked up between last time and this and Greenfield has quite a few, but I couldn't find a way to get the map to like it always starts on Worcester. I
don't know. Why? So even if you change the settings and try and like copy the link, it like sends you to blister still. But that So I guess I'm like do we like how do we not recreate something that already exists, right? And
>> but I don't want to be like putting that somewhere where then anyone clicks it and then it is automatically setting to list. But >> it will send you to your location if you allow it to use. I probably just don't do that. Like I might have that like blocked on my
>> Okay. So maybe that will work. >> But the if I don't know, we could like potentially >> Yeah, we can like crop in on Greenfield and like credit Maseron and MDAR. >> Yeah. And >> that might be a reasonable thing to if
not >> I think so. >> Yeah, >> that could be something. And I feel like what I was just writing down from this meeting alone is like, "Oh, okay." Like, "Do we have >> Yeah. >> Um, information about
like permitting or zoning that like when you know it's like, well, I didn't know better when like how do we try and get ahead of grievances or get ahead of like people being surprised by things?" And I know that for example like my work with AFT at the farmland information center
we have like all of the like a lot of different samples of town like municipal like statutes and things that authorize certain things or like I don't know just having that's kind of not that exciting but just having >> sense yeah
>> maybe people aren't aware of >> I haven't seen any if we have it >> okay what handouts Like handouts probably don't exist. No, we'd have to make them. >> We did have them at one point. >> You did have one at one point, but >> but we made that years ago.
>> Yeah. I don't know. I feel like >> I don't think that would be doable. >> I think so. >> Um >> um I don't know what else we could have that's like fun, >> right?
Um there's no place to enter for masses apps. Um, >> so Sid, >> yes, >> we've u Elizabeth and I have talked about
educating doing education stuff >> and um it came up that I was prohibited from educating people in Greenfield. >> Interesting. on honeybee stuff, honey
bee education because I sit on the board and I retail honey and bees here in this in the city. >> Gotcha. So, >> so there was a conflict of interest. >> So, um and I say that because you also
retail here, >> right? Right. >> Uh farm products >> we often or I do. and that there might be a conflict of interest. >> Mhm. >> Uh by and
>> I vaguely see the connection, but I don't agree with a little tenuous. >> Oh, believe me, >> I can look into that a little more >> because I wonder if it's like Yeah, >> but this came from um I'm pretty sure it came from the
mayor mayoral office. >> Gotcha. Okay. before Nathan. >> But I I Yeah, like it's >> I wonder if it's like in these specific cases like you can't talk about bees even though you would be really well situated to do so. And like you can't talk about flowers, you can't talk about
sheep, >> I can't talk about vegetables, but like >> I can talk about sheep. >> You're here to do that in the context of the official committee meeting. So, I mean, it doesn't It seems like it might. >> Yeah. >> I think if you sat there and said, "I
can tell you about bees and here's some honey." >> Yeah. >> And it's $5 a pint. >> That might if I were trying to sell at the same time, you know, if we if I had table set up next to mine, bringing people and then selling honey as well, too. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I totally get that.
>> By local, including >> to go down the street and >> educate because >> feels like a stretch. I I thought it was too, but I thought I'd bring it up. >> Yeah, I appreciate that. >> Good point. >> Yeah. So, I think maybe for at least the
first meeting before we have or at least the first market before we have our next meeting and we just keep it vague like >> we're here. Yeah. Is are you gardening in Greenfield and your neighbors are being about it? Like
>> be a farmer. >> Yeah. >> Or hand out materials. Just Just hand out materials and >> Yeah. try to educate people on anything other than this what >> the codes and the statutes as we're talking >> even if that was a conflict of interest
you could still be there and talk to them about things other than >> business right >> well because what I'm really interested with the farmers market being is I'm interested in people like hey I have a question about how what I'm doing in my
backyard fits into my neighborhood >> but I don't know what your schedule is and I don't know even that you exist and like where do I ask this question and how do I do it in a way that's not just like going knocking on my neighbor's doors asking if they have a problem with me you know >> like I think that that
>> might not be a bad idea to keep copies of the >> still took it off the Massachusetts right to farm stuff M yeah. >> Mhm. >> Hence why I have all my bees and
chickens on our five acre or eight acre >> propert. Um, so maybe what I can do before November is I can comb our town and state right to farm things
and break the relevant pieces of code into just like half sheets of paper. >> That's a good idea. >> And then >> that's a good idea. >> Um, we can do copies at the library or something.
coffee. >> Oh, even better. I love it. But um >> is there anything that we can think of that we could give that is more than a piece of paper, >> right? that like draws people to the table because I was just
tableablingformationally at the market for aft recently and like really people were yeah coming for themselves obviously but then they did take theformational sheets and stuff away but just trying to think of like what is something >> looking for a hook
>> yeah lollipop lollipops >> okay maybe if they were like maple >> yes >> maple cream >> maple cream yeah >> what do you AFT or another organization like it might want to table alongside
>> the commission. >> Well, yeah. I that's a I mean that's a question I guess too that I would have is like I can definitely get aft stuff but is that okay? Like if it's like a nonprofit, are we allow like or we could ask CISA
for like stickers that are that say like local hero or something? But then is that like we're somehow promoting >> if it's like at the same table with the same people doing it? Then I think that's more of a an issue because you're sort of promoting specific
>> organizations. Yeah. >> But if it was, you know, next to the a commission. >> Yeah. Yeah, >> but I see then it's not >> necessarily like and while you're over there come over here. Okay, so maybe not that but >> have to make a Greenfield specific
specific sticker. >> Yeah, >> like >> green green field >> green green. What? I think that's a thing signs that people put on their fences like this is a pollinator friendly garden like
That's Why can't people just be excited about information? Oh, >> you're telling me. >> Okay. Well, maybe that's something we could talk about at another meeting. Like, I think it's totally fair to have this first one be pretty
>> right. Well, the other thing we could do is we could lit we could just not do November and jump into it in December and give ourselves a little bit more lead time. >> I think maybe that's the way. >> Okay. And then Yeah. I don't know. We could talk about
maybe we could eat. Well, our next meeting 71. >> Yeah. >> Mhm. And then if we >> Okay. So, yeah. So, okay. Um,
so really quickly, let's just spitball like a bunch of crap that we could give away at this table that we could look into where >> Yeah. I I feel like people like stickers. They really do. But like not like like something that's like waterproofed, like
>> whatever. But I don't know what it would say. So, we'd have to think about that. >> Maybe something about Greenfield being right to farm, >> right? Yeah. Greenfield, the right to farm community. That's a good idea. >> That's a really good idea. >> So,
really, do you want to join the commission? >> Um, >> we have some budget. >> We do. Um I do I need to Elizabeth was not entirely sure how much we had left for this fiscal year and also when the fiscal year starts and
ends. So that is information that I would get. Same as the >> Yes. >> The fiscal year is July 1st, right? >> Uh I think we are July school year. Yeah. Yeah. I can check on um we spend it all on the signs >> plus some. >> Yeah, we did. >> Yeah.
>> Oh, okay. Better look. Um, I have put together events in the past where Copycat has donated like signage and prints and things like that. >> Oh, cool.
>> That might be that might be something we can look into. Um, so I'm like constantly offering this, but so I'm laughing at myself because I'm like, stop offering this, but I'm going to offer it. Um, I I screen print.
like I bring in screens. So if we had something that we wanted to make shirts, >> we should do bring your stuff and we will print it for you, >> right? That's what I typically do at like events. And so I had like a four shirt registration thing and but we
would have to then like >> make something again with probably words or image or something. But >> yeah, that's easier for me to do in the winter than now. I have like five right now that I'm sense. That's something.
>> I love that. >> Do you Do you have a design background? You seem like you have a design. >> Yeah. >> But gradually. >> Yeah. But I do. But yeah. Yeah. >> Um for example, like the I when I was tableabling, someone came up that had a
Greenfield Farmers Market t-shirt on who was like in his 80s and I was like, "Oh my god, I love that." And it was just like like know your market or know your farmers or something. Green Farmers Market. They were like, "Yeah, we don't make them anymore." And and people ask for it sometimes. And and then his wife came up
and she was like, "I have another one. Do you want it?" And I was like, "Kind of, actually." And so she dropped it off at the farm. But >> uh yeah, I feel like >> it's nice. Like it's a nice thing to have that's like shows.
>> So we should before the next meeting come up with someies that could go >> Yeah. >> Yes, definitely. Greenfield liked upon community or what's Greenfield's like slogan, you know? Do we have one? >> Greenfield is green.
>> Is it? >> Town or city and they sometimes have like a little like have a slogan. If they do, I'll be really embarrassed. >> Well, it can be a learning moment for all of us because I'm like I don't know. Feel like it would be like there if it
if it was something. But >> I know there is a an official city slogan. >> Okay. >> I like the know your farmers too. >> Yeah. Or >> who you come from. >> Know your food. >> Yeah. Know your
>> know your food or grow your food. >> Um Okay, cool. So, we'll come up with some things. >> Lou, you and I should talk. Okay. >> Department >> and I think we can at least have some things to propose
before our next meeting. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um uh what do we need to compile an up-to-date map of Greenfield's active farms that the MDR website? Um, I would be interested in there's a there's a
map that's published of Franklin County that's about like tourist attractions and it's like illustrated which with each of the tourist attractions and if in long future I think it would be cool to do something like that for our operating farms in Greenfield
>> um and have that as like >> we once uh a few years ago back in the dark ages um coordinated with the Greenville Garden Club and had farms on there. Garden tour. >> Okay. >> Astrom's farm was on it and didn't work
because he didn't know you had to be there all day long. >> Oops. >> But I I was on it and I can't remember who else was on it. >> That would be cool to do. >> I have to weed my gardens, but
>> yeah. Um, actually I chat very regularly with the heads of the Greenfield Garden Club. So that's something I can chair >> Laura something right so yeah
before me >> um but I think for the time being we can table the specifics of like a specially designed map. think that MDR thing is going to be really functional for >> Is that something that we can just add
to our little page? >> For sure. Yeah, I can do that. >> Yeah. >> Awesome. >> We've got a web page for the commission now. >> We had done a brochure and we asked people, you know, what their specialty
was when they were open and blah blah blah. >> Of course, that's on five computers ago, right? >> And I don't think I >> did everybody fit. about well we did a three-page thing and it wasn't a big a lot of information but >> it's thinking there were maybe 10 or 12
that I don't >> um I could post a flyer at the farmers cooperative and see if anyone would be interested in us putting a blurb >> that's a really good idea >> I'm sorry I I was writing something down and I didn't catch what you just
Um, I think it would be cool to post a flyer on the bulletin board at the Greenfield Farmers Co-op. >> Yeah. >> Um, to ask people if they would be interested in being featured on like a brochure like you guys did a while ago. >> Oh, yeah.
I wonder if like if we are >> firing in that way too if it's like especially at the co-op >> a helpful thing to have on there to say like we're going to be tableabling like is there is there anything you want us to
>> Yeah. And they have a list of farms. >> Yes, they do. >> They're members. >> That's for sure. >> Okay. Um, how do we publicize our meeting schedule? Uh, I'd like to bring a copy of our schedule to table at the
market. That might also be something worth posting at the cooperative. >> Um, Jester's just got a bulletin board in our farm store. So, >> okay. If we I'm happy to put something there. >> Um, let's uh we'll make a few copies and
get them hung in relevant places. >> Uhhuh. >> Um, okay. any >> other things and so does um MFM. >> What's MFM?
>> Mass Farmers Markets. They're primarily like Boston, but they do have all stuff all over there. >> Um any final thoughts on new business? All right, we're going to scoot through
old business super fast and try to get out of here on time. Uh, number one, update on installation of three right to farm signs at the city edge on the main roads into Greenfield. So, the long and short of this is I got a hold of Glenn. He needed new photos to
go with the posts for the location that needed to be submitted to Mass DOT. And I took those photos. I sent them over to him. I'm just waiting back from him. Thank you. >> Good job, Sid. >> Um I did ask what the timeline might be
on the one sign in within city limits. Um in when he responded to me, he only said we need those photos for Masad. Mhm. >> So, I don't know entirely what's going on there, but I'm not going to bring it up again until
I have new information for you guys. >> So, until we are actually putting signs in the ground, I don't want to talk about at these meetings anymore. >> Okay. >> Um, number two, follow up on clarification of line of communication between Mayor Dorer's office and the
agricultural commission. Uh, so we just talked about how the mayor's office receives any agricultural concerns in the town. The mayor does not have an official designate to receive those complaints. Um, but they do know that they need to loop us in when they receive them. And it's very likely that
you will be our unofficial line of communication there. >> Perfect. >> Congratulations. Congratulations. >> And we're very thankful that you're here with us every week because >> I love communication. It's wonderful.
>> Me, too. Um, we also obviously um like with the Greenfield Greeneries thing, Merida Sarter has reached out specifically when there are things that she was like particularly involved in previously. >> Um, so we are looped in. We know what's
going on. And number three, follow up on transition from Greenfield Police Department to Franklin County Sheriff's Department for animal control calls. Um, I included their contact information here. Um, and I called them and was
like, "Hey, my name is Sid. I'm chairing the egg commission. There's anything you need from us, this is how to get a hold of us." Um, so I'm hoping that we'll be able to work closely with them. I also asked them, as you had mentioned, do they also do livestock? Um, they work with MDAR and they have a couple other
like resources that they can call upon if they need to. So, they do both pet and livestock issues. Mhm. >> All right. So, our next meeting is going to be December 3rd. >> Is it? >> Is that right?
>> December 3rd. Some reason I had December 1st. >> Second guessing now. >> First Wednesday. >> No. Yeah. December 3rd. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Uh 2025. Looking forward to seeing you all there.
Um, as far as I know, I should be there. >> Okay. >> So, then I move to adjourn this meeting. Uh, second. >> So moved. >> Something right. >> I. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Amazing. Do I have to do this last roll
call or what is that? >> You're all set. >> Okay. Amazing. Meeting a journ. >> Thank you. Good meeting. >> Yeah. Thank you.