Um, all right. 7:14. Um, it's June 10th. This is the regular meeting of the South Agricultural Commission. Um, we have a quorum with myself, Zach Barnett, Jen Ditro, Deb Humphrey,
Jessica Parker. Online we have Bird Hansen. >> Yeah. >> So, we have a online too. Oh, and yeah, Alexandra something. Oh, Bushimi Pushi,
but not not a commissioner. Um, we are going to do the pledge of allegiance. So, if everyone would please rise. [clears throat] I pledge allegiance to the flag to >> the flag of America, >> United States of America
for which it stands. >> One nation, >> indivisible, with liberty, justice for all, >> justice for all. >> Thank you. Please be seated. >> All right, that went off pretty well. First time doing that. >> We added that to our agenda last time.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um Doug Mgan's here as a guest. um he would like us to move the first rate of refusal discussion up to the beginning. I've got no problem with that. Um >> um after getting all the information
I've requested, um I don't see that it's really agricultural land, so I don't think it's something we have any right to refuse. Um, if anyone has anything else to say about it, >> I wasn't sure if it was forwarded to
Open Space Land Management. Um, >> I don't I'm not sure if they're on the list. >> Okay. >> They're not. Okay. >> According to um Nicole, we're a courtesy
board or commission. So, we're on the list of people that supposed to get notified. Got it. Um somehow we didn't get notified in the beginning so we had the table at last meeting to get the rest of the information. Um hopefully moving forward in the future we'll
get more information up front but I think furthermore we need to have a plan in place and I was discussing this with Doug. Um we need to look at properties in town that could possibly go up for sale ones we would want to preserve. you
know, prioritize which ones are the best ones to save or try to save. Um, and then when, you know, when the time does come, we have, you know, a plan in place, we can try to get the money, um, maybe already have the money, you know, earmarked or allocated
to, you know, try to save this property. So, um, I'm not sure why conservation committee wasn't more interested in it. It did have some wetlands on it. I mean, I think the money part is probably the biggest problem. Um,
>> I was kind of curious how that worked. I mean, I can't imagine anybody could afford they were selling those as expensive building lots for expensive building lots. >> Yeah. So, they I think they kind of got ahead of themselves before the whole rate of refusal got went through.
>> Yeah. >> Um, >> they had it all laid out already with Mark when I went the day after the meeting. They had it all laid out. >> Yeah. It's just kind of how it went. Um, >> but I mean, do they do they normally do they normally
because they've had a tax break all the years and then they've got to pay the five years >> five years back. Yeah. >> Right. The difference between the taxes, >> the fair market value, >> right? >> Um, so let's say the town wanted to
anybody in what up with the town because it's the town has the right to do it. Would they pay because it would still be not being used as housing? >> You would pay the lower price.
>> Honestly, if the town were to buy it, I don't know what >> I was wondering how that works. >> I would imagine because the town would just be the other side of the sale. I don't know if it would then they would have to owe the back. I honestly don't know. I'll I'll endeavor to find out. Yeah. The assessor, I'm certain, would know. Mass General Law Chapter 61A is is
the overarching law here that dictates this whole process first of all, >> right? >> And it would also dictate that cuz >> I would think you would pay them the the sellers their price minus what they would have to end up paying
>> taxing separate from the purchase. >> Okay. >> Yeah. But I see your point like maybe they might reduce the sale price by the amount that they don't have to pay in property taxes if they didn't have to chew up. I think that's what you're getting, right? Okay. Yeah. >> You mean that you served your meeting was >> No, no, that's fine.
>> I just was curious how it worked because I'm like, I don't even know how that thing works. >> I think a lot of us are pretty curious. [laughter] >> And talking before the meeting, right? One, this doesn't happen all that often and we've had some turnover within town hall and with boards and stuff. So, we sometimes lose the recipe a little bit.
So, the notification was a little bit herkyjerky, but we we [clears throat] had time, right? So we held back here, made sure that you guys had the data that you needed to make an informed decision on it. And then I I completely agree with the chairman. These these
boards and other boards should all get together either individually and then as a group >> and pie in the sky. It doesn't matter who owns what >> in town, please, and put those properties on a list and say these this
is the hill I die on. Here's the top. here's our top 10 and or whatever that number is. And then I think if you were to put those across a chart by board, you'll see some commonality within certainly within your top five, they may not be ranked identically, but
your top five and conservation's top five and maybe even the planning board's top five. There's going to be a lot of commonality. So then you you basically rank them all and come out and say this is the hill I die on. This is the hill I, you know, I'll fight the good fight. And then below that, you have to make
more individual discussions and thoughts if a piece were to come in because you you're only going to we don't have a ton of money obviously >> and you're going to have to go to CPC or other grants and the state or whatever to look for money to
>> relatively quickly too in order to put together uh a package to match [clears throat] a proposed PNS or if the land's going to be put up for sale coming out of 61A, you have it appraised, then you have to match the appraisal. That's the law. >> So that's
if you already have a plan kind of in place of what you're going to do if one of your top priority pieces come up, then you you move to that. >> Um if if it's every piece of land that comes up, we're we want to get it. We want to get it. One, there's
>> you're not going to have powder for when that one does come up, right? And the other is is that >> there there is consequence to the town acquiring a bunch of land. There's cost, direct cost. There's the lack of taxes that now come in on a a piece of
property that came off the tax roles. And the silent one is there's also maintenance that usually comes along with those two. So those three against what you were receiving from income. So you have to it's a very [clears throat] delicate balance. We've done a really good job as a town in preserving a lot
of acreage over the years through CBC and others. Um and we've done you know a really good job of it. I think to have that list and I I won't even propose I'd let each board come up with their own list and say, "Okay, if this one, that's
the one." Um, and then that way you can have a more concerted effort by the whole town to to make something happen if one of those pieces does come in. And then you you literally have a document. It's a living document, but a document that says these are the ones. And so
when that document comes in from a real estate lawyer saying, "Hey, we want you to, you know, not exercise your right of first refusal," he would be like, "Hold up. We got to get in front of these guys, that guys, execute this, do this, and we will exercise the right because
part of it we said, we want to buy this one. How we we finance that at this point?" M >> and and just lastly on the other piece that when they came in when they came in with that right of first refusal document >> and a lot of times attorneys do it the
day of the closing too by the way. >> Yes. >> It's very scattershot >> but we have a statutory limit when we receive it and clock it in. I think it's 120 days. >> 120 days. >> So, but we've seen like the day of the closing they forgot to do it and they sent it in and you know that's not how we want to do business. So we were
following the state process, but they had the for sale ads, AI driven, you know, painted houses and landscaping designs on that. All done. It's for sale on realtor.com, right? That's not abnormal. >> So even if the town exercised their right, they they cannot convey that land, >> right?
>> Until we've formally voted to [clears throat] not exercise our our right of pers. [snorts] >> Yep. >> So they can do all the marketing they want. So, if the day comes that we do do it, they could then, you know, they could close the next day, right, if they wanted to, if they've already pre-sold it or whatever, but they can't actually
transfer it until the town has given up its right. >> [clears throat] >> Do they have They used to have a map back probably 25 years ago. There was I think Dennis Clark was in on some of the stuff cuz I was I was in here one time
and I ended up getting a couple of the maps they were pitching out cuz they're like, "Oh, we got extras, whatever." And it was wonderful because it had how the how all the entire town was designated. It had APR land. It had 61 poster over here. >> You see over there? I don't know where I
went. >> I didn't know if they had it. They painted. >> You can go on the GIS map and you can do different layers and find all that stuff. >> I have such a hard time on this. >> They have a building map. They also have a protected lands. >> I I have like four or five different
ones at home that they had that they were I'm like you could actually you got to do it on the computer. >> Yeah. >> It doesn't work well on >> that. But I used to love the map because I still drag them out sometimes if one of the kids is like, "Oh, such and such is up for sale." And I roll out the map
and I'm like, "Let's look who abs it." And >> you want real entertainment. Ask anybody under the age of 25 to fold said map back up. [laughter] >> Oh, you're great. I appreciate it. Thank you. >> So, we still have to vote on it. Um, I make a motion that we are not we choose
that we're not interested in the I don't think I'm wording >> not exercising >> not exercising right to first refuse. >> I second >> um Zack Barnett I >> Jennifer Dero I Deb Humphrey I >> Barker I >> B Hansen I
>> B Hansen I [clears throat] >> it's unanimous. All right I'll get you a uh letter tonight or tomorrow. >> No problem. Okay. Uh, first of all, thank you folks for wanting to participate on the committee. That's great to see that >> come back up to speed. And also let Bert know he's the host. So tell him not to
go anywhere till your meeting's over. [laughter] Bert, you are the host of this meeting now. Um, >> wait, what? >> The host of the meeting. So >> you can't, but you can't. >> You're gonna have to end the recording at the end. >> Seriously? [laughter] >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. Um, Cindy wasn't available. Doug used his superpowers. um to start the meeting through his phone. So he made you the host. >> Okay. >> I'm logged in the select board, I believe. >> Yeah. [clears throat] >> So, >> okay.
>> Just don't disconnect, please. >> All right. [clears throat] Uh next, let's see public comments. Uh we have guests Janice Priy and Ashley Peron. Um they would like to join the Agricultural Commission. They've both uh you've signed up online now, right, Janice?
Okay. They both uh done the application on the town website. Um I don't know if you guys want to say a little bit about yourselves or >> um >> just say your name and address first. >> Okay. My name is Ashley Peron. >> You have to look.
>> I live at 181 South Lumis Street here in town. Um I have two goats, one duck currently. Um, my fiance and I were getting married in
our backyard in uh, October. We have a seven-year-old and I drive school buses for Southwick. >> Welcome. >> And we met Janice before. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. [laughter]
>> I can just say Janice Pry. I am trustee of land at 275 Granville Road about 55 acres and I grew up in this town on a dairy farm and I've moved back here to deal with this land on behalf of my brother and sister who are in California.
>> Is it currently being farmed or anything? >> It's being so excused for hay. Okay. Yeah. >> But there's also wetlands, old growth, and regular woods. And um >> Yeah. And I had somebody contact me about putting a battery storage thing. >> Have you heard of that one?
>> It's for solar. >> They were trying to put them everywhere. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I asked them what what's how are you going to power it? And they seem to think they were going to be putting energy and I'm like, there's no solar on our on the western side of town. We don't have any solar. So, which is okay. >> I mean, I think they could just tap into the grid and charge your batteries that way, but
>> yeah. So, >> well, they seemed to be happy that it was next to the pipeline, the land, so I don't that's what they were thinking or not. I have not gotten back to them. They sent me a 26 page lease, which I just >> You're going to get a lot of push back from the people in the town.
>> Well, [clears throat] >> that might that might be bigger than >> they'd rather put it in conservation. So, >> we would appreciate that. >> Yeah. Well, there's been so many issues with the battery storage. >> Oh, really? Oh, if you pop it up on your phone and look at it, it's
>> there's a lot of conflict in states all over the country. >> They don't want >> nobody wants them. >> They don't want the battery storage because it they they are toxic and if the catch on fire >> the fire department is really curious
about it, go see the chief. Okay. cuz my husband was on the fire department and the batteries like that are very volatile and I'm not sure that that we have the capabilities as a town to put out if that started up. >> Oh yeah. I don't a couple years ago
provide fire outside. >> Yeah, that's not something that >> you know >> that's a whole lot of political discussion. But I mean they're desperate that data centers and data centers and battery storage areas are just like
trying so hard in towns and they're trying every town is trying to do their best to block it. >> Well, our cows and our horses used to live on that land. I think of it that way. >> Yeah, definitely. >> You're welcome, Janice. [laughter]
I'm thinking to to go along with the appointments, I think, and they're waiting till the end of June because >> Yeah, I sent an email to the select board today um recommending that they >> appoint both of you. >> It was well said, too.
>> Am I the only one? I feel like I'm due. I feel like my term is up in June. >> One year. Are there other Do we all need to >> leave this one year? Usually, you'll get an email from >> I've never gotten one. I've never
either. Yeah, I >> So, I just don't want to miss the Yeah. >> Ow. >> Well, I sent my letter. >> I think that was the one. >> Yours is up last time. >> Yours is up 6:30 2026. >> Yeah. >> So, you're going to need to send a letter saying you want to be reappointed. >> No, I don't know.
>> You'll have to get sworn in. >> There's a link on the website now. >> It's easy to just apply. >> Oh, you can do it online now. Yeah, >> it's very easy. >> Yeah, it even has a check box for >> recommend it to um
>> um also on that note, Sage uh Fury told me today he is not going to get reappointed. >> Okay. >> So, we are going to have another if you want to become a full member and not have to do it every year. >> No. Just >> I mean you can still quit anytime you want. >> I know. >> But that way you'll only have to get
reappointed every three years. >> Yeah. his point. It'll be a three full three-year term. >> Um, so if you want to do that, let me know and I'll send a recommendation to the select board. >> Okay. >> Who else is up for anybody else?
>> Good question. >> Just while we're on the topic, >> Dan Cook as well, >> I think Dan. Yeah. >> Yeah. Um, he had a baseball game tonight, so he couldn't make it. And Jen, Deb, and Bert, you're all good
till next year. >> Okay. [snorts] >> Um, says Cynthia Barton has a life term. So, I guess she's not allowed to quit. [laughter] >> How do you get a license? >> Because she's she's their paid secretary.
>> Oh, yeah. >> I think anybody who's paid they that's how they say it. Lifeterm. [clears throat] >> Lenita Lenita's term is also up. I'm gonna have to get a hold of her. >> Oh, >> so hopefully she joins again. >> That would be great.
>> And then I'm good until 2028. >> I guess I got lucky. [laughter] >> Um budget and purchases. Um Bert, you were going to get some stuff done at Southwoods. into this.
>> Yeah, I have um >> sever several things in the works. We don't have the actual um invoices yet. >> Okay. >> But uh last meeting um [clears throat] >> uh we voted uh $550 for the solar pump
for the >> community garden. And uh Christian Shurmer and I have been working with Hillary Gilde at town hall there and she she put in all that whole order. >> Okay. >> And we're supposed to get the stuff uh
somewhere between the 16th and the 18th >> that that was coming out of the um the garden budget though, correct? >> Yes. Right. >> Right. So that right >> we have the regular Do you have our budget stuff? >> Um >> usually you do. >> I believe so. Or did I leave it behind?
as we talked about it last year. There you go. >> So, we need to we need to spend what we have left in our >> supply account or whatever. What do we call it now? >> Not the gift account, but just the right >> still supplies. Right. >> Right. And then there are two other
things coming. Um $500 we approved for Southwoods to redo the farm trail brochure and create lawn signs for that. Uh >> Johnson Brook Farm confirms we need to add them to it. >> Okay. Uh
and then uh oh for the uh oriental trading, you know, the candy and uh some pencils we talked about that's 150. >> Was that for the um the South 250 parade? >> Yeah, both I think both the uh the 250
[clears throat] and then the the annual farm parade in the fall. Um, just real quick before we go any further with that, are we sure we want to do the parade the day before Farm Day? >> Yeah. One one quick note on your quick note.
>> Uh, I was looking on the Southwest Civ Civic Fund web site today and there's nothing about a parade for the 250th. And there's also nothing on the town website. So, I don't know. Is that official yet? I don't know. I thought
there was somewhere, but Should we maybe opt out of it? >> I don't know. >> I thought that >> that might not be a bad idea. >> It's not something I'm dead set on doing
for sure. Time for the weekend. >> I think it's going to be a lot because we need to be prepared this year for farm day. >> Yeah. >> And that's the day where we can just kind of coordinate with each other. >> Yeah. I think it'd be better if we could focus more on.
So, I pro I make a motion to not participate in the South 250 parade if it does happen. >> I second that motion. >> Zach Barnett, I >> Jen Pedro, I
>> Deb Humphrey, I >> Bird Hansen, I. >> All right. So, we're not going to do that. Um, do we need to re-release the funds then? Do we have to have a motion for that? >> We still want some for We were going to use it for both. >> Yeah, but we specifically said it was for the South 250.
>> I thought you said both. >> Yeah, I thought we said both. Was it for both? Okay, we'll we'll leave it alone then >> because we wanted to make sure we were covering both. >> Yeah, if I had if I had minutes, I'll [laughter] >> um do we want to get into that? I'm
>> I'm wondering if we can use it on the tables for the farm day, open farm day. And >> you know, >> most certain we did. >> If not, we can we can just hold it over >> till the next to parade at the end. >> Yes. >> What do you guys do for the farm day parades?
>> We have a big float. We're the biggest float in town. >> Oh. >> Um Alex Priy, >> he's what? Your nephew. Um he has a tractor trailer with a big flatbed. We decorate it. We put bales of hay on there. We put our chicken I put my chickens up there. >> Oh.
>> And then it's pretty cool. It's It's a lot of fun. Then we throw candy at people. >> I didn't know if you guys had to um coordinate anything. Um we don't we don't actually put that on. >> We don't put it on. We just We pay >> We paid
>> It's like 20 bucks. It's not much. >> So yeah, it's a lot of fun. The kids get to go on the float. >> Oh. So, >> did we say that the the tractor wasn't available for us? >> No, that was for 250 for 250. >> Oh, okay. >> Lita said we could use one of her her wagons. >> Oh, okay.
>> But we still need a way to tow it. Plus, the wagon isn't registered. >> So, I don't know how it wouldn't really be legal to bring it down the road and back unless it was pulled by >> farm plates on everything. >> You would need something with a farm plate on it, >> right? But that's what they usually do. >> Yeah. But she's not around to do it.
>> No. >> So, >> I just don't think it's going to work. [laughter] busy [clears throat] enough at the open farm day. >> Alex mentioned definitely doing the farm day. >> Yeah, he loved it. >> No, and and Hunter loved it, too. So,
>> pictures on my phone. [clears throat] >> Well, you can be on the float this time. >> Oh. [laughter] >> Um, so speaking of that, Cindy is no longer going to be our uh secretary. Um, Jen, you had mentioned you might be
interested in doing it, but you're joined all the other commissions in town. >> No. Well, that's just a [laughter] So, I am so I am appointed to the Open Space Recreational Planning Board as a a resident. >> They miss they misappointed me as a
member. So, I had to come back and >> so I'm a resident for them. And then for the open space land management, I'm an actual member, but I have to swear in for just a month and then redo it because it's only for a month, >> which I didn't I wasn't aware of. Um,
and it seems like all the other um all the other um committee commissions are also needing to update theirs. I think that's the date where everybody has to do it. But um so um [snorts] but my my job is just to like right now I'm just
learning. I'm just >> So you want to be our secretary? >> Yeah, I can certainly um try my best at it and like you said the note thing I can try and >> I tested it out today. Um >> unless anybody else wants to >> be the secretary and be on the
committee. >> Yeah, we've done that before. Um, so YouTube creates a transcript of every meeting that this gets uploaded to. >> There's a website that you can put the the link to the YouTube video into. It'll let you download the whole
transcript. >> That's awesome. >> And you can then take that transcript, put it into AI and say, "Hey, create meeting minutes for me." >> Perfect. >> Um, >> that'd be great. >> You There are a ton of spelling errors because YouTube transcripts are way off.
Um like you were Janice pre or something. >> Oh yeah. >> I know it was something weird. >> Yeah. >> So double check it. >> You can then say hey um reference this list of the the current commissioners and get the spelling right. It'll do all
that for you. >> Okay. >> Um I found chat GPT was a little better than Grock. >> Okay. >> Um I mean I can help you with that. >> Yeah. I'll try my hand at it and see how it goes. I'm going to start from like probably January maybe and just >> Yeah, we got to figure out when the last one I think it might have been as far
back as October. >> I'm thinking so too. >> Um so >> if you want a proofer that helped I can proof I can edit. >> Yeah. Then we all have to we all have to go through them and you know uh suggest any changes or whatever or you know
vote. >> Hopefully we can catch up where it's just the last >> we need we need to do something. Um I looked up the law on minutes. There's no specific date that they need to be turned in by. >> Okay. >> But it does say they should be done within a month. >> Right. Right. Right.
>> But somehow they never specified an actual time limit on it. So >> technically we're still kind of within the law. >> Um but yeah, it'd be nice to have our minutes because it's hard for me to go back every meeting and not know what we talked about without having to rewatch
everything. >> Exactly. Yeah. No, that makes sense. I know I have so many it wants to be the clerk or secretary. Absolutely. You know, >> I might be able to help you out. Right now, I'm doing that for the land trust,
but I'm thinking I may not want to do that anymore. >> Sure. Okay. Which is understand. Yeah, I'll definitely take the role if nobody else wants it. Um I've been talking to Nicole about the budget and asking questions. >> Yeah, you seem to have your your thumb on the pulse. So, >> I know kind of. But and the fat cabinets
are in order. So, I'll um >> I think right now you're probably the best candidate for the job. >> Definitely. >> Yeah. At this point, >> I'll make a motion to appoint Jen Deietro as our new secretary. >> I'll second it. >> Uh Zack Barnett. I >> I have to opt out, right? >> I guess. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> Free eye. I [laughter] >> Oh, did everybody else Did everybody else vote? Okay. Sorry, Bird Hansen. I >> All right, Jen, you're you're a new secretary. Congratulations. >> I have two questions about that. It's too late. We already voted.
>> No, not that specific to that. Anyway, um >> is she not required to do them before she goes out since she's had a paid position to to do these? >> Very good question. That's what I want to talk to Doug about. Um >> there's an exit um an exit interview that they have to do, but there wasn't a
process and they talked about the last select board that I was here at and they discussed that there needs to be a process and they're going to enforce like a bylaw to start. Well, there should be a job description that you have to >> Well, and then my second part of that is I don't I mean I don't know how like
does she not get like replaced? Is there not someone like going into her? >> So, it's kind of like a optional extra credit extra curriculum. >> I think you could take take like fill her position, but they don't have to do like any of the extra stuff. >> I think she was afraid that she was they're going to get rid of that
position anyways for the smaller >> um commissioners commissions. Not that we're small or anything, but I think they were ready to start making changes. >> I think we've had better luck having it in commission anyway. >> Yeah. No, I just I didn't I think that's
>> back when Angie did it. It was great because she was at every meeting. She didn't, you know, >> she was really She did it all by hand, too. Like >> I think she knew shorthand. >> Yeah. >> Um she was really good. >> I was going to say the last time I was a secretary for anything, I was doing it by hand. >> Yes.
>> Yeah. Exactly. Definitely. [clears throat] >> I think we should Shouldn't Should shouldn't we make a point of this with the select board [snorts] and say, "Hey, we're saving you guys money or something." >> Yeah. Add that to our budget. That's a great idea. >> Yeah.
>> Good idea. >> I just take my phone out, turn on notes and the recording feature. >> Yeah, you can do that, too. >> And that's how I do the minutes for the intro. >> Yeah. >> And then it does it spit out a transcriptter? It can. >> Okay. >> I generally listen, but
>> got to turn up. That's awesome. >> I did have a an app for a while that was five or six dollars a month. >> Oh, wow. >> Yeah, that's out of pocket. >> Did that too. >> I also I did um when we were talking
about 177 class Anderson, I forwarded uh Marissa the information. Hopefully, you guys were might might have been able to do something, but I guess not. >> And I haven't heard anything about It's a lot of money.
>> Yeah. >> Um, so >> honestly, it's a after looking at the pieces, it >> if you're going to put houses somewhere, there's already houses on the street. There's there's >> there never used to be anyone.
>> I know everywhere. >> I was afraid Jack kid, so we were just, you know, around. But it I I hadn't been down I don't know probably 35 years at least since I've been down. Why would I go? And so I drove down and it's like if if you're gonna have it wouldn't that be
>> terrible because they're going to be large size lots and the house is only going to knock you. You have to put a tax you have to have taxable things somewhere. It's not a street. If I haven't been there in 35 years or more then it's not a street that people go
down all the time. It's the fastest way for me to get to the transfer station. >> That's why I use it. >> It's not Yeah, I was gonna say it's not a main thorough where people go, "Oh, it would be nice to have that be farmland, so you could look at it." Right now, it's just woods. And
>> however, he um Mclofflin owns the field down the street towards um is it Davis Road or that is probably one we should have our eyes on because he's probably going to want to sell that next is my guess. H there used to be a field where
you go to pick strawberries. >> Right now they they hate the field that's there. Um they don't do much with it. A lot of snowmobile tracks in this winter. Um but I'm guessing he's going to want to sell that piece off. So >> what's the address on that one?
>> Uh it's like 173 maybe Anderson. >> Oh the same. >> It's it's literally >> few hundred feet down the street. >> Yeah. It's just when there's a big rock in the middle of the field. >> I'll put that on like maybe one of our lists on our list maybe. >> Yeah, we definitely we need to create a
list of properties, you know, potential properties that we'd want to save. Um my biggest concern is John Wallally has bought up most of the open space in town >> and he's great at preserving it. >> Oh, >> but what happens when his kids take
over? >> Yeah. >> Are they going to want to keep it that way? Well, a lot of it's APR, so >> not all that much 61. Yeah, he just bought the Lella property that we were looking at. >> Very inexpensive. >> A lot of it's not in APR. It's in 61,
but not, >> right? >> Um maybe he'll put more in APR. I don't know. Maybe we want to petition him to do so. >> Well, it's it's hard now. The state just doesn't have a lot of money. I mean, I would say that he probably would have done it if there was available funds,
but we looked into things. I was talking with um >> Jack Feldman >> back quite a few years ago, and the money had just dried up for for APR for through the state. There just wasn't a lot of money coming
>> this way. Well, what about this woman who was here at the meeting a couple times ago from MDR who was talking about them getting started with interviews in the fall to do something to >> Yeah, maybe maybe they got some money or funding. Um >> I thought she said they did. >> I think
>> Yeah, I don't know for the um it would be in our minutes planning the planning valley. So they they already started with the open space land management. I talked to see, okay, I know that we put it off to the fall, but Becky is working
on our templates already, so she's gearing up to start a plan, but the plan takes a long time. I saw what they were going through, and I'm like, >> they're at just the early stages, and then they have to actually designate land that they're interested in, too. So, it kind of goes all together with
the plan, but >> it's all part of the plan, but it it there's a three-year >> plan for them to get through the whole process. >> Yeah. I like to call it moving at the speed of government. >> Yeah. Yeah. It it is a slow process. [laughter]
>> So, and I was surprised to see them there at that meeting because I wasn't sure. I didn't know that they were going all already going through the process, which was great. So, but yeah. All right. Um,
we open farm day. Um, should probably be our next one. >> Volunteers. We've already got a few coming in. >> So, I'm I have a list. Um, so for Yes, we do have two volunteers officially um
through just um going through the >> poll, right? Yeah. >> Yeah. So, um Margaret sent it out to everybody. I got a reply from Greg Dailyaly um which he volunteered for not last year but the in prior years too. I think he was busy last year
>> but he is again this year which is great. And then Martha Kaine from Open Space Land Management is also officially. >> Um my question is um uh did we confirm all the farms that are
participating this year? >> Not yet. We should probably do that. Oh, not yet. Um, >> hang on a second. I have a list here someplace. Well, I can just >> So, we have uh so far I'm assuming we have Blossoming Acres. I don't um
>> uh third Sunday of August. >> Yeah. >> 16th, I think it is. >> Yeah, 16th. Yeah. >> I reached out to all the farmers individually and I haven't heard from some of them yet. Uh Dwight Arnold is
like all about it. Okay. >> Uh, Firefly Fields, too. >> Perfect. Okay. >> Solex. Yes. >> Solex. Yes. Okay. >> I'm sure Dan will go there. >> Yeah. And then the new Johnson Brookke,
but I haven't heard from Calibri Coward. Uh, the Scoop. Oh, Klein View. We have >> Klein View. Okay. What about >> what about uh what's his name up on Ponusk or uh North Longard?
>> Oh. Oh, Bisai. Um >> yeah, I haven't heard from him either. >> Uh talked to him quickly at the farmer's forum and he said maybe. >> Okay. [laughter] And I know um Calibri has said, you know, they
they're a little hesitant because it's like so much work for for their uh their people. And I said, you know, if you can just let us know what you need. >> Yeah. I mean, we can allocate a couple more volunteers there. >> Yeah, exactly. And and maybe even, you
know, I was thinking of this when we were talking about the 250th parade and maybe it's even like the day before. >> Yeah. clean out some stuff or, you know, >> yeah, set set up an area. >> Yeah, whatever it takes. >> So, what I can do or if anybody else
wants to um visit those three Blossoming Acres, Calibri, or Cowards. >> Well, I'm sure Lenita's going to do it. >> Oh, okay. So, I can >> I wouldn't count her out. >> Okay. Um >> Well, unless she decides not to get reappointed. >> Yeah. [laughter]
I mean, I was wondering, too. Um, I never could get a hold of that guy who has the mushroom place >> black rabbit farm, but >> that would be a great way to mushroom guy and I was thinking >> well they he did do I I could never get him to answer
my call. I did like once and then he put me off and then I didn't hear from him after that and I've texted him multiple times and he was busy and >> um >> and then I was talking to my son from at Blossoming Acres and he said
>> last year they were selling the mushroom stuff there >> at Blossoming >> Blossoming Acres and he said a lot of customers were asking for it and then as of last month he wasn't bringing the stuff uh again. So, I don't know if he's
just gone totally online. Um but then I noticed when they had the um Diane Gail and >> I know I've heard it the whole time >> the other um no one of the other candidates had their meet and greet up
there at the farm at that farm and I'm like >> what exactly is that farm? >> I've seen it. I've driven by it. I don't >> It used to be a brewery and they were growing hops, I think. And then they had grapes and stuff. Yeah, there was a woman who had a brewery up there. >> Sold.
>> I think I I've seen that you can go like camp there. >> There used to be yurts up there. There were three campsites. Okay. >> Up up up up up there. And then long time ago it was a ski. >> Yeah, there used to be a ski way back in the >> Right. My hus my husband was a kid. It was a ski place.
>> I know. Sold out in that used to be skiable. >> Oh, the one with the road tote. >> Maybe the white. I remember that. >> Yeah. And that's what I was. >> But then the last farm that was there, they put in grapes and she ran a brewery. >> Um, and then she sold to this guy was
New York Plates. >> Do you know his name? >> Eli the mushroom guy. >> Eli his name is >> That's close enough. >> Oh my the card of his the guy who actually does the hands on growing of the mushrooms, but they do it. Not him.
I have his number though. You're like the finance guy. >> It's He's the farmer guy. >> Eat these mushrooms. >> It's It's all different kinds of mushrooms and and then so they sell the mushrooms and then >> like a greenhouse for mushrooms or >> No, it's probably more like a cellar. >> A seller.
>> It's actually a a metal building. >> Oh. >> They had put up a metal building and they're using the metal barn for that because it has to be dark. >> It's got to be dark. It's got to be like 70 degrees probably. So when I talked to I think his name was Mike, the guy who
was the farming guy for him at the time, but I could never make contact with the guy who actually owned it to interview him. And um but he, you know, it would be an interesting one to add because it's something different. >> I don't think we have time this year though because we we need to start
buying pamphlets and stuff. >> Right. Right. >> Yeah. My other question was um >> I mean I could call him. I have his number. It didn't have to be like this week because people love the mushrooms. Two lectures on mushrooms that people attended. One in Westfield, one >> at the bar shop, and then we had the
mushroom walk at Soapanowski. >> I got shut out of the one at the bar shop because >> I know that >> there was too many people there. >> You know, I had to take people's names and and you guys never include Granville
with it. So, we include the Grand Val scoop. It caused a lot of >> issues with the select board because they're not, >> but we pushed back and we still include them. >> Um, >> are they part of the are they did um
Avola get back to you or >> No, I I called and left a message for her like two days ago. I haven't heard back yet. So, >> I I can get a hold of Avola because I work with her. So I >> Okay. >> So, um,
>> you want me to just let her know that you're trying to contact her about farm day? >> She's in for farming. >> Okay. She's done it every year. So, >> yeah, she's done it. She's They're regulars. So, we just want to confirm that they're in it again. >> Just text her.
[laughter] >> This should This should be their at least third year, I think. Right. >> Yeah, absolutely. That's my favorite ice cream place. I'm actually trying to get her to um >> instead of doing a cake for my wedding, I just want her ice cream.
>> That's awesome. Pizza. They used to have an ice cream truck and they were going to bring that down to South, but it broke down. >> She had a cart, >> I believe. Yeah. >> But I don't think people had an issue going out to see her. No, it's it's seven it's seven minutes
>> from Solic Farm to their >> Doug Mglin said pick your >> Doug tried to make a point saying it was like you know half hour there half hour back and I pushed back I'm like no Google Maps >> it was a lot and I when I went on the farm hop with them everybody you know
that was it was not I mean we were in a a slower vehicle and it still didn't take that long. No, it doesn't. >> Yeah, it's right up the road. >> If you're at Solax or Klein View, it's it's even closer, you know, from there. >> It's the It's the drive that they don't like.
>> No, it's just that it's not South. >> It was take people out of South. They didn't want like the biggest thing was they were saying that people don't have time to go to all the farms and now we're taking people out of South. >> My argument is not want their kids come to our town. They give us tax money.
Have their kids come to our town. They're basically >> I think we better fine. >> Yeah, because Doug said he did the entire route. >> Yeah. >> And he was he was happy about that. So yeah, >> just just don't bring it up around Doug.
We're good. >> I'll try to get a hold of Eli and let you know if I can have >> because it's it is something unique >> because Bert's ordering you know the >> It is something kind of unique. >> It is awesome. Not only do they sell the mushrooms, but then they take all they
at Lanita, they used to take all the mushrooms that didn't sell back, dehydrate them, and make mushroom jerky out of it. >> Mhm. >> And and sell that. >> What about the Hungarian mushroom soup? Where do they get those mushrooms? >> What? The one that they sell?
>> It's my It's my Yeah, it's my wife's favorite soup. It's always sold out. >> I have no idea. >> It's amazing. >> It is so good. [laughter] >> Don't know. Love the thing. >> It just it's got the most interesting taste you've ever tasted.
>> You guys work for it. >> Assume the selling point for the Granville Scoop is it's another attraction to the western side of town where we have all these birds. They can come and visit a whole >> pod of farms. >> We like them. >> Well, and we also their children do they
all come down to school and the animals are there. >> They come down to the food. They come down to they're part of our community. They they are small. Yeah, you come to meetings in Falcon Delia. >> You know, we're not trying to get people to go all the way up the mountain to go down. I believe I believe Granville does have a agricultural commission. I don't
think they've met in years, but >> um yeah, what's that? Um the mead place in there >> where >> in Granville. >> Does Mimi sell me? No, she's in Mimi's
apiary. >> I think it's the same thing, right? I Well, you make me with honey and she has an apiary up there. Oh, >> okay. >> Yeah. >> Oh, that's cool. >> Um, >> but there's a there's a mead place up there. That's why I was asking cuz >> I don't know if she does me. >> I think that's pretty far.
>> Never ever tried me. >> I [laughter] have as a kid. Some people say that's awesome. But >> I'm also I that I'm going to try and do instead of just regular champagne, they have like a me shampoo. >> That's cool. >> Sparkly as well. >> Awesome. Yeah. I'm just trying to get
all everybody included. >> Okay. If we have two new stops this year, but >> Well, that's the other thing. We're going to need more volunteers. >> So, >> you guys you guys got to bring five volunteers.
>> Oh, [laughter] >> well, we can course Jay. >> Yeah. >> Um his cousins, brothers, sisters. He he's got a he's got a large family. >> He does. He does. So, if you have >> consider them signed up to volunteer to sign up, I'll give you >> We'll make James, too.
>> And then they can send it um and then they'll forward it once they um usually like a little >> meet meeting beforehand just like everyone. >> We have the orientation or something. Yeah. And that's when we
have to get the bags together and everything. So, um, the historial museum, >> the Y, >> they're still >> I don't know. I'm just asking. I don't >> um I I I have I emailed um Pat Odor and
Lee Hamburg. Uh haven't heard back yet. >> Um I don't know. It's that Sunday is not one of their regular open Sundays. >> No, but they've always opened it up. >> Yeah, they have. Yeah. Yeah. So, I I'll I'll I'll try again with them. Okay.
>> And so um Okay. And then I guess that so Calibri and Cowards that's the only two that we need confirmations on. Is that right? >> Yeah. You know. >> Yes. Right. >> I can go to both of them. >> You know Calib well at this point. >> Oh yeah. I'll stop by there. >> If you don't hear by some of these farms
that by Xate do we have a hard >> Yeah. B. When do you think the literature is going to get printed or needs to be printed by? >> Well, actually, um, >> Southwood Southwoods is going to print put an ad in the the June issue which
goes to press on Friday. Um, >> oh, >> but um I I it's that's not the the end of the world if we have a couple that we add later, you know. >> Yeah. Or drop out. >> Or drop out. >> Right. Right. >> Um
>> Okay. But I would definitely put Johnson Brook Farm on that if possible. >> Yep, definitely. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Absolutely. >> Also, this Saturday, Johnson Brook Farm's having that um barn sessions. >> Um >> Well, I saw their ad for that. >> Yeah, we went to the last one. It was
pretty pretty cool. Um >> yeah, >> the barn was all done up inside. They have to have the bands outside because the the fire department said they can't do it inside anymore because they don't have fire suppression. But the bar is inside. Um, they have video games set up
inside. They have like table games. Um, they have some vendors inside. Um, selling all kinds of stuff. Um, >> yeah. And it's it's $25, right? Do you get anything for the 25 besides admission? >> Um, no. I think it's just admission. I
think it's a little cheaper if you buy it online ahead of time. It's only like two bucks you save, but >> yeah. >> Okay. >> I don't 25 if you bought it online, maybe. And then it went up if you bought it at the door. >> And then there's a couple food vendors there. Uh Mac and Sliders was there last
time and um the meat place in Westfield. Um >> the butcher block. >> Oh. >> Yeah. >> Do they have Do you [clears throat] know their address? Are they on Facebook only? >> Do you know if they have advertisements? >> They do have it.
>> I think they were in the last Southwoods, so there must be >> Yeah, this one's going to be big. Um the other two, the first, this is their third one. Last one probably would have been bigger, but it was pouring rain and it was still a good time. >> Oh, that's cool. >> And the first one they had one like a test one, but this one the weather looks
good, I think. And >> that's good. >> They've been advertising it. And I mean, I think they were even on WWLP and everything. >> Oh, nice. >> Um, who did I send it to? >> Wasn't so sure about the music selection. >> It's got to be a rock show. Well, I don't mind rock, but there was some
other stuff in there when they listed some of the >> Yeah, I don't mind a good oldfashioned rock one, but >> my other question was um uh I know Ray used to be on our list. Um do we ask them if they want to part? >> We should try again. Um I think there's
like new people in charge kind of. >> Y does does anybody know them directly? I don't really know them. >> No, I don't know them. Well, I uh we talked to one of them at the remember the um we were all at the the appreciation um when the kids gave
>> the young woman who kind of manages. She was she was very optimistic. She wanted to do all kinds of but said that Ray wasn't really interested in >> doing a lot >> right but she was she see I can't remember what her name was when I interviewed there. >> I hate to not include them if we should
at least ask. Yeah, >> I haven't been raised in years. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, anybody want to visit Cowards and ask if they're still interested? >> Anybody want to? >> Yeah, I will. >> You want to do it? Okay, perfect. >> Okay, that'll be great. And then that
way we can um we could probably email each other and say before Friday, make sure everybody's on the list, but I'll visit Ray and um ask them. Um and then we don't know about Grand Valley Scoop yet. No, I'm still waiting.
Okay, that's okay. She might be working. Who knows? >> 292. >> Oh, the 292. Okay, cool. Thank you. >> Feel like she's just constantly work work >> cuz if we if so, we need to make a new map
uh on the brochure. >> Yeah. >> To have to put a star or whatever we have. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I was telling my husband about this. He was like, "The last thing I want to do after working all day is go hang out in a tobacco shed." [laughter] You crazy. It was funny though. There's there's lighting inside. Like really cool lighting. They put a carpet down.
Like it's not even a barn >> flat. It was just funny. I was like telling him >> actually like you got [laughter] to be kidding me, right? >> It's a great use to make some extra money. >> We grow back. >> Where? >> On North Longard. >> Oh, okay.
>> Okay. So, um, as for volunteers, >> so I sent an email out to everyone. Um, I attached you on the email so maybe you might get some people. Um, >> uh, but for ourselves we have Zach,
Bert, Jen, Jess, Lenita, Deb, Daniel, uh, Dan, Janice, and Ashley. So, we have all of us as volunteers. Um, Greg, and Martha. Um, and I put a I put an email out to Big Y. all of the people we have
um >> previous volunteers >> six seven eight nine 10 11 12 13 people there um and then for our interested residents that have done it in the past um I sent it out to them um that's a
good a good Juliet should have an email come in to her super >> okay okay [laughter] >> I'm I'm pretty sure she'll sign up Is my mother on that one? >> Yes. >> I was just gonna say because I just
counted her in. Um, so about 18 people. So that's a whole another 18 people that I added. Um, >> I can ask some people. Bus company, too. >> Oh, that'd be great. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Do you say that's like confirmed people? >> No, that's
I went um we they volunteered for us in the past, so I have all their contacts from past um And then I just send an email out. Okay. >> Then I asked Sage as like a last um act of kindness for us to put a digital
signup sheet, like a contact form on the front page of our website. So people can just go there and type it in digitally instead of having to fill out this thing and >> Yeah, that's nice. >> Trying to make it electronic somehow. >> Okay. Um, after he does that, I'm going to have my wife reach out to the three
local Big W's and see if have her contact the store directors and try to get them to get more Big Y help because that's how we got the original Big Y ones. >> Yeah, that was good. [clears throat] >> They do they they have some volunteer program that they're supposed to do. >> Yeah.
>> Um, last time only this little Big Y in Westfield did it, I believe. [laughter] So, >> and the QR code's already on the sheet, so it'll lead right there. And hopefully, oh, there's another button next to it talking about our last years.
Um, yeah. So, they can look at information for that, too. Um, so that's where we're at with um I did not um B asked me to hold off on sending them to the National Honor Society um because he wanted to check with them to see if they're still, you know, some of them
might have graduated and found. Yeah, I think graduation already happened. We didn't get any seniors. >> Um maybe you can get some juniors. >> Yeah. So, I'll hold off on those contacts for now. >> Um the other last thing I have is this letter to for um sponsorships. So,
that's another big thing. >> Oh, yeah. >> Um but you're really good about getting sponsorships. Um, I know you you we've mailed this letter out, so I can update this and send it maybe to you to edit for me.
>> Um, and then, um, maybe we can I can stop by and just hand it to them with >> what, you know, I don't know. Or mail them out because, you know, we >> Yeah. >> somehow got stamps or something, you know. >> And you know who we should loop in here is Eningga.
>> Yeah. Ingga. She's been um pretty big on getting us the a lot of sponsorships in the past. >> Yeah. >> I don't think she's on any commissions or boards anymore, but >> no. >> Um was she on your email list? She she lives right next to um CL.
>> But I was I had a question as per last the at the end of last year and if she was still um wanting to >> I would invite her um because she kind of she was there for the first farm day. Yeah. >> She's kind of invested in it. Um
And so um Bert, do you send out a letter or do you just go to the businesses? >> We um we we send a letter and then follow up. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> All right. So then I don't know. Um
I'm wondering what's the easiest way to send them or just hand them in. It's quicker. I think >> visit and hand them the do that. Um I think if you come into the town they can mail them. >> Okay. >> For them. >> Okay. >> This one looks like there's no address
on it. So I think we just handed it to them. Well >> probably. >> So um I don't know it. >> So that sponsorship is for what? Financial contribution to expenses >> for the open farm day itself for advertising. >> It's going to go into our um public
outreach account now. So we have we can use that money for next year. We can use it for other events too. >> Yeah. the way we set it up. >> So, that's that's another [clears throat] big um piece of it too as well. Um and >> we got to make sure we remove this.
>> Yeah, that that's an old one. Um so, and do we have any sponsors yet that are are interested in sponsoring? >> We need to reach out to the ones that have sponsored us before the launch usually does. Um >> Yep. >> D tool.
>> Okay. Mason, Mason Insurance, uh, VCA, Animal Hospital. >> We should go to all the insurance places. We should ask like Wally Computer, Wally Precision, all that. >> So, I'm not sure if I can do all of those businesses, but I'm wondering >> just a blanket letter. Just
>> a blank letter to everybody. >> Just get an envelope or different addresses on it. >> Okay. All right. Um Okay. So, I can look at maybe our sponsors are listed on the on the brochure, right? Yeah, free press sponsors are
>> okay. >> But it'd be nice to get new ones. >> Does anybody want to volunteer to go to the um the trading post and the other um dispensary to see if they would >> um be willing to either if they want to
be part of the adcom or like would just welcome them >> to Southwick and ask them if they're interested. >> I could do it. >> Yeah. Okay. I was >> anything. [laughter] That's it. >> Unless someone else wants wants to go there.
>> Hey, Zack, no spend no spending egg time money and money on there. [laughter] Okay, >> because they're part they're part of us now. And >> yeah, no, that's a good idea. >> But there's another one right? >> They're they're not open yet.
>> Yeah, there there was people there was people setting up today. >> There's also there's also the Dollar General down the way. >> Oh, >> yeah. Okay. [laughter] >> And I think spot. >> Yeah, that's >> I mean, yeah, I we never got anything from Tractor Supply, right? They're like
really weird with sponsored >> They're all corporate, so >> they used to be able to do it and then they couldn't, but I mean, >> they'll let us put up any brochure or literature we have. Really good about that. What about IBS? Well, if they >> um I can ask them. Yep, I can ask them.
So I can send an official letter and then like you said follow up like you said Bert. That's a good idea. >> Roma's open again. We should hit them up. >> Can we have the letter? >> Oh, true. >> Anyone? >> It's this this is like a letter from We
>> Village Pizza. >> Yep. >> Yep. Do you have the Fox Flower Shop? >> That's a good one. >> Crush my BS. >> You can ask them if you want. the Fox Flower Shop. >> Oh. Oh. Oh, yeah. I Weren't they a sponsor at one point?
>> They may have been. >> Oh, >> I was never in charge of the sponsorship. >> Maybe I can ask the EDC. Maybe they can actually >> I want to get get in touch with Enga first. >> A lot of these she went to personally. >> Um, >> yeah. >> Just so we don't, you know,
>> go to places twice and look very unorganized. >> I'll >> But yeah, I think we should definitely get Inga involved. I should have should have invited her to this meeting. >> The economic development would have a listing of all the businesses. >> No, they do the town too, which >> there's also there's also the town the
website. >> I'll go to first and then we'll go from there. Okay. >> So, if you go right to the southbass.gov, >> there's a shop South page. >> Oh, yeah. They're all right there. >> It's all here. >> Yep.
>> And this is what Greg Gil or what? >> Yes. Greg Gilly for that. Yeah, he's he I think he built the whole thing. So, >> yes, I think he did. Yeah. So, >> I think Zoo on there. >> I think that's >> What's the Which one's >> That's got to be Firefly.
>> Firefly. Yeah. >> Oh. >> Yep. [laughter] >> That's funny. >> Horses. There's more than one horse place. >> Yeah, there's like >> That's the other thing is should the horse these horse places be on the list?
I mean, we have Pine View. >> There's a one on Coast Hill. There's one right on Binding Hill. >> Um, there's one right across from Jaza Brook. >> Valley Brook. >> Valley Brook. [clears throat] >> I think in the future. >> Well, I know. I don't know if it's too late now, but
>> it's too late now. I think we should definitely get in there. >> Like kind of split like give each other like a list of places to visit and we'll all visit and then we'll visit each place and try to invite them to, >> you know. Do you guys ever do like a a
signup sheet for farms ever? >> Like >> there's a spot on the website pulling out information if you're a farm. >> Farmers aren't real technical pipes. They don't like >> We don't know. >> You need to do a forum. We have a
farmers forum in January that we invite all the farmers in town. >> I think we discussed before though the horse places aren't really farms, but I think they are. >> They are. Yeah, they are. Oh, yeah. Oh, >> give them a chance to be >> I mean, yeah, they're growing horses. [laughter]
>> A lot of them are involved in 48 >> and all that. So, >> y >> an extra thing for them, but >> actually, >> they are a part of our town. So, I think that they should be >> Well, and not all farms have to be business farms. They can just be farms. >> Are there any other farms with animals
besides the horse farms? >> Um, there's some cows around. There are some >> there's there's some cows on >> cows that are actually outside and >> southern coast hill road >> hillside >> um >> there's covered in houses like Demos have cows
>> goes up the hillside >> hillside they have um >> they're at a show >> that's they're Indiana they're on our list >> big ones no >> right when you turn left on the hillside >> no you go keep going down there's
another farm And it has I'm pretty sure they have um longhorns. It has a >> I think that's Coast Hill you're thinking of. >> Well, they aren't just in the parade with those huge >> I'll I'll take a look cuz one of my students is there. >> Sure who that is. >> But there's also there's also that other farm
>> solar farm right by us a client. >> That's not what that's not the one I was talking about. There's there's another one way down. >> That's these things right there. Then it turns into >> then hillside. Yeah. Side. >> Yeah. I don't think I don't think we've actually I mean because we in the
beginning it's mostly farms that you see have businesses or whatever but there there's a lot more farms out there people that are doing things in town. >> Yeah. >> It's just a matter of >> finding them um
>> making them asking them if they're aware that we exist. >> Yeah. you know, and offering our services if they need ever need us, >> which I can talk to. I'm pretty sure it's one of my students father's farm >> that has like the long horn cows. So >> that's pretty cool.
>> I can ask them if they've ever, you know, looked into the Southwick Agriculture Commission. >> I mean, in reality, if they have a forest and they have it under 61B >> for farming for forestry, >> technically a farm. Yeah,
>> because they farm their wood lot. >> I mean, it is considered that. So, there's a I think there's a lot. >> Any maple sugar farms in town? >> I wish. >> I don't think so. >> Only Granville has >> I have one maple tree and I and I've tapped it.
>> You need You need a lot. >> You can make anything. >> Well, maybe we can just start planting some from your house to my house. Just There you go. >> 10 years. That's all it takes. start for the first tack usually.
>> Okay. So, I'll um I'll redo I'll I'll send this out to Deb if you could edit it. Um >> and then um this is like an old one that I found in our files. I have all this computer files that we're trying to combine. >> I was hoping and I still haven't got an
answer. Um we don't have any storage on our Microsoft account with the town. >> Oh, >> I'd love to have everything there for for now and for anyone in the future to find it. Um because right now it's everything's on everyone's personal emails.
>> I've been trying to use our adcom email more for like official stuff. >> Um but even people in the town, they just email my personal email instead of you know one, >> right? >> Um >> which I mean it's fine. We're a small
town. Everyone kind of knows each other, but it just kind of makes it harder in the future for people that take over, >> right? >> To know what the heck's going on. It be nice if we could get it all sort of tidied up while we were >> Yeah, I've tried to do it a little bit >> races.
>> Yeah, maybe. Maybe it is. >> I can't You can't see their their >> cows from the >> But I sometimes I'll like be like, "Oh, >> there they are." >> I think look it up.
>> They're already marching with them. I don't know. Do >> you recognize them? >> No, they don't look familiar, but I do remember those cows being in the Yeah, the one they do it every year >> for Halloween or something. >> That's the farm parade.
>> Yeah. >> So, is there anything else that we have to touch on? Um, >> well, >> oh, regarding the budget. Um, >> that was from April. I think we got it. >> Were we working? Um I had a question for
Bert about our um business cards and um >> we don't have an official logo yet. >> Oh, so do we did they make a lo or weren't they working on a logo >> or you still there?
>> No fell asleep. >> It would be so much easier to get, hey, we're from the icon, you know, and and but I guess we probably won't have those in time. Um, but in the meantime, >> yeah, it would be nice. But, you know, it's on our >> on our agenda, so we'll get to it
eventually. Um, >> um, and then I guess that's it for open farm day. Anybody else wants to add anything? >> No, I think we just need to get the literature printed and >> the farms first, right? >> Yeah, we definitely need to confirm farms.
>> Okay. So, has not answered me, but I see her tomorrow and I'll let you know. >> Oh, okay. That'd be awesome. That'd be great. Um, so you're going to cower. >> Yeah, we transfer at >> and I'll go. >> Oh, that's how that works. >> Yeah. >> Okay.
>> Interesting. >> Hi, Bert. You're back. >> Uh, uh, Jen had a question for you. >> Oh. Oh, sorry. >> No, it's okay. No worries. Um, so, uh, the logo, um, how's that going?
>> Oh, right. Um, yeah, I uh went to Southwoods with it along with the the Farm Trail brochure and I gave them the one that we had kind of picked out. Um, it's a round one and it shows a barn and some a field
and a tractor. >> Yep. And then I think Deb had the really good idea that we should make it a tobacco barn because that's what people see when they're driving around town. >> Yeah, absolutely. Like that. Yeah. And I was hoping to have it for tonight, but I
they didn't get it to me. So, uh, >> that's fine. [clears throat] >> Hopefully by next meeting then we can approve it and >> maybe get some business cards made up. >> Perfect. >> Thank you. That's all I had for questions on that. Okay. >> All right. I think we're good with open
farm day for now. Um, master plan action items are 1.4 was accepted. I believe we're all set with that. >> Yeah. Well, um, so I went to the, uh, on May 27th, I went to the master plan implementation committee, which accepted
it unanimously, which is awesome. Um, but then they have to bring it up to the master plan uh, committee actual, the actual plan. >> So, they're a subcommittee, >> I think. Yeah. So, they were just a planning or subcommittee like you said, planning committee. Um, and so they I
don't know where it's at, but they said that there probably wouldn't be a problem with closing it out. >> Goes to the planning board, right? That's what it is. Master plan implementation goes into the >> correct. Yeah. So, um, we should have it all closed out. No problem, >> but I haven't heard back as to what they
said in the meeting. >> So, we do need to start talking about our next one, I believe. >> Yep. And we have a I believe a whole year. >> I don't have I want a little time off from that. >> Yeah. Maybe we'll start in January or after. >> Yeah, after farm day I think would be a
good time to pick up. It slows down a little. >> I think they give us a year for each one. Yeah. You know, and I think that has a lot to do with conservation because it's um invasive species and um irrigation things like that. So, >> is Norm going to come to another meeting
you think and say like he did for the first one? >> I think he was just reminding that we're up against June 30th was our deadline for that. I think he was just reminding >> last time he came and you know asked us what we were going to do and we little meeting with him ahead of time. >> Oh yeah.
>> Maybe we should invite invite him or whatever. >> Yeah, possibly. Yeah. >> I mean I did email him about reaching out to the our supporting um boards about getting volunteers and I never heard anything back from him. >> Oh, I remember that. Yeah.
>> He never mentioned it, did he? No. >> At any of the meetings you were at? I see him quite frequently and he's also on a lot of boards too. So, >> well, if you see him again, just kind of nudge him, say, "Hey, we need volunteers for perform day." >> Yep. >> From our supporting boards and
commissions and committees. >> Unless they, you know, the last thing I knew was Margaret sent it out to everybody and then Sabrina forwarded it to everybody. >> Um, >> so it's probably out there, but >> yeah, >> you know, a little confirmation would have been nice. >> Yeah, [laughter] exactly. So,
>> just like when you guys did, Janice, did you get any confirmation from the town when you signed up? >> Just a copy of the application. >> Did you get a copy of the application? >> Yeah, it just it just said the application. >> Okay. So, it did at least acknowledge that you
>> Yeah, it just was like a >> I was concern I was concerned that you guys got nothing. >> A job posting up that looking for >> Margaret's positions available now. There's a few other ones. Is she the one that is the >> She's the one who sent it to >> the select board secretary.
>> Exactly. >> Yeah, they was Margaret's last >> I was going to say because I saw on Facebook uh Diane Gail had put something up about a job posting that they were looking for a new secretary for the select or administrative whatever for the select board. >> Yeah, it's
>> I think she falls under Nicole something like that. But yeah, it's in the select board's office. >> So there might be a lag without >> Well, I think I was just thinking there might be a lag because if there were any >> I'm going, you know, anytime I send
something now I'm sending it to Nicole Parker and Naen. >> Oh, so maybe we should I should resend my letter then. >> No, I talked to Doug. He's he's seen them. >> Oh, he have. Oh, okay. He's seen them. That's good. I'm sure it goes to like a main not just I sent a follow-up email
to make sure it was on there. >> You said, right? >> So, I'll keep pushing. So I think we can >> in the past appointments have taken a long time but >> mine was so quick they were on target that one I took you >> forever. It took both of us forever.
>> There was a time when it took months. Yeah. And then all of a sudden they were getting done right away and then I don't know hopefully you guys come in quick. Um >> we'll just keep >> I just coming [laughter] my day. >> Yeah. Just if you're not a member, you just have to pull this out when you
that's the only difference really. I mean, you can't you're not you can't vote, but you can you can say whatever you want because you're >> Oh, that the help is greatly. >> Anyone from the town is welcome. Anyone from anywhere is welcome here. >> Um >> but yeah, we're always looking for help
and suggestions and >> Chris Mill or something. >> Yeah, I was going to put on the Facebook page too. >> That was another thing. Are you interested in managing our Facebook page? [laughter] >> Um, [clears throat] I I could. >> Okay.
We've been looking for someone to do social media for a while. I don't >> Some of us are dinosaurs or don't like >> some of us can't do it. Some of us don't want to do it. Um, I have built up I've added as many people as I could in the
town on our new Facebook page. Um, so >> I mean I'm not a huge Facebook No, but I I can do it. >> We just We just need like events posted like when the kids just like when the kids did the lemonade stand just
>> Actually, we probably do need to create the event for open farm day. >> We should do that >> like now. >> Is it more of a Facebook or an Instagram thing? >> We've done Facebook so far, but we do have >> I think we do have an Instagram. I don't think there's anything on it. I don't
know that >> doing yet. >> Yeah. >> Everyone heard that, right? [laughter] >> Not to hold you to it, but >> um >> it's not like it's a humongous job. It's just a job. And if there's, you know, it's if you're not somebody like for me,
>> you put 15 minutes computer like just it's too hard to do on a phone. And so honestly like you can like schedule things out. I know how to do the things. It's just I work on a computer eight hours a day. The last thing I [laughter] want to do, you know what I mean? Like
>> I'm more than capable. I just I mean I don't even like Facebook. >> No, it's okay. >> Um it's a necessary evil in my eyes. Um >> I look at things people send me, but I do not >> Yeah. >> Not hanging out there. Yeah. >> Feel like Facebook is like starting to die down
>> a little bit. It's still the only way to get local events. I know. Yeah. Do you want me to create the event for >> you have access to it? Yeah, sure. >> I have access to both the pages and they're going to link together now. >> Weirdly, >> we actually I think have four pages total or three pages.
>> So, we we have >> the OG one and then the one that Angie >> We need to phase the old one out. We We don't technically have >> the one that Angie created. The one with the the sunflower I think is the one that's >> Yeah, I changed it though. >> Okay. Well, but that's the one, right?
>> I'm pretty sure we we couldn't be using the original one. >> No, the original one we don't own, but I don't think the original owner owns it anymore. So, this is kind of out there. >> It's just somehow linked on the back end page. >> So, the other thing is though, our new account is like a human account.
>> And then there's another page off of that that we should be using, but I've been adding just people as friends with the main account. >> Okay. Um, but it it has like a like page that >> because I did it for the farmers forum. >> Yeah. >> I don't remember. I can't remember if I
just >> Oh, yeah. The one I see that comes up is it's a add as a friend. So, it's like a >> Yes, >> it's like a person. >> And I've added hundreds of people from town to it. It only It's gotten to the point where it only lets me add five now. kind of kicks me out
>> cuz one is like a >> that but there is a page associated with that one but there's also the other page >> I don't see any other ones >> um >> so is it south commission is that how you get to >> this was the one that I was talking
about this is the sunflower one this was the one that >> um this was the one I think that Angie created >> that's a that's just a like page right >> yes it's just like >> this is the official Facebook page of the south icon that's what it says at the You got to get people to like the page,
>> right? And see, this is where we created the event for um >> the farmers forum. >> Okay. >> Well, I guess you could just once you create the event, we can share it from other accounts. >> Yes. >> And then we can share. >> But I think this is the page, >> but also probably share it to the
Southwick. Um >> yeah, the forum. So that's why I have I built up the regular page. That way more people in town will see it when we share the event from that page. Yeah. So, we'll create the event on this one and then we can share it to like the people.
>> Yeah. We also need to create a new website soon because our time with Wix is up soon. Um, >> should that be with the Southwoods? >> Yeah, I think we're going to go with Southwoods hopefully if they can do it.
I think we almost need to create a tech subcommittee that covers social media and the website. maybe only two or three people are like really involved with it so everyone doesn't have to discuss it all the time. Um it's more in
the weeds than you know the stuff we're doing. We don't want to take up a whole meeting. Um so I don't know. I think Bert knows the Southwoods people the best. Um, I know I know how websites operate
pretty well and then if you're doing >> social media and I really >> I think eventually we're gonna create a subcommittee. Okay. >> I think that's probably our best course of action for that. >> I don't want to do it yet. I need to think about it more. I just I'm just putting it out there.
>> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That would be awesome. Be great. >> Um, >> but yeah, our Wix our Wix is coming to an end soon. Um, and renewing with Wix is cost prohibitive, I believe, because that's how they get you. They get you in real
cheap and then when it's time to renew, they jack the price up like 10fold. >> That's awful. >> Yeah, it's pretty bad way of doing business. >> No, we should probably find out the cost of Southwoods sooner than later because like when we were looking into them do running our page for the >> riding club, it was way out of our
budget. >> So, >> I want something I mean, our page is pretty simple. I want to keep it as simple as possible. We're not selling anything from it. Um, it doesn't have to be an e-commerce site. Um, >> I can't remember what it was, but I just remember being shocked of like, yeah, there was no way we could
>> do that. I >> mean, Sage did it for free, which that's you're not going to get a better price than that, but he doesn't have time to manage it. >> Yeah. >> Um, plus he's not even going to be a commissioner anymore, so >> yeah, >> can't really expect that from him. Um,
so yeah, that's it about that for now. [gasps] Uh, farm to school grants. That's kind of just >> I am >> on going, right? >> I've been trying to get a hold of the vice principal at Powder Mill and I've not gotten a response. I have a cell phone, >> but maybe they're over the top doing
stuff. I have no idea. >> This time of year, they're real busy. Um I I've been trying to get in to do there's a greenhouse there that needs um well we decided it needs to be replaced rather than fixed because we can't find the panels to fix it. They don't exist
anymore. >> My understanding is they're closing that school. >> Really? >> I haven't heard that. >> I I missed that too. >> What I heard [laughter] >> I don't know checking that out first. Um, >> oh,
>> and just >> they're gonna have the junior high move over to the high school. The the same thing they did to us when they built that original school when it became >> My mother-in-law works there. >> That's what I was told by somebody whose daughter is a teacher at the school.
>> I will be investigating too, I'm sure. But I've been trying to get a hold of him and I just haven't heard back. So maybe things are in chaos. Who even knows? But I will keep working. >> Yeah, they have a lot of events going on right now. Yeah, I'll keep working on trying to get a hold of him. I did I got
the I was awarded one of the senior tax property tax things that you apply for. There's 10 that there's positions and so you volunteer
>> for 100 hours and they put that money toward your t your property taxes, >> right? and they assigned me to the schools which only Woodland and Powderm Mill have ever taken the volunteer hours. So,
I don't know what I'm going to be doing, but [laughter] I was going to propose. I didn't know what they had planned, you know, for a volunteer and I thought, "Oh, maybe they'll like me to work on that, >> right? [laughter] Not a bad idea." >> So, I texted him about it. I'm like, "Hey, I don't know if you have anything
to say about it or if you can say, "Hey, we'd like her." Cuz I've got a 100 hours to do as a volunteer person. At one of the schools, they might as well use me for more than like shredding paper and filing things since I I have skill. Um,
>> I was a teacher. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. You said, >> so, you know, it's like we can maybe do something with it. So, I texted him, but I haven't heard back. But >> I guess I'll be investigating the whole school thing first because that will
impact, you know, what school I end up at anyways because they only said the volunteers only in the past only been accepted at Woodland or Powder Mill for the Hopefully they're wrong. I don't know. That's what I heard. I didn't
think we were that low on on maybe >> Yeah. I don't know. School came from the teacher. So >> yeah, I mean there must be meetings going on. >> Um, so that that's where I stand at that. I'll just keep puttering away at
that one until we >> now though. So >> there is it's like a it's like a known thing now. There's a baby boom happening. >> Okay. >> I'm sure more kids will be going in soon. >> You had said MDR is not till fall,
right? >> Yeah, they're not till fall. They did give me an update since I was there that um Becky Becky's like working on the templates which is very exciting and that's our downtime anyways. So it' be great to >> cool >> and I I'll have um practice working with
them earlier to but it's a a way to say okay this is the land we have. This is the farms we have. This is the land we the the farms that we want to conserve, you know. Um, and then there's possible other land that we could possibly add to
it as our future, you know, >> um, future lands like, um, Doug was talking about. So, >> yeah, I think this is where we got to go about it. >> Yep. And then, um, there are grants that they would lead us to completing like um, open space land management just
received a grant for this planning. >> So, um, they have a lotment of money to actually do the plan now. So I think the the grant information is probably the first thing that happens. So I'll reach out to Becky again update as to you know
how we start that you know and then we can build that plan. >> All right. >> Um so yeah I'll put my a note to myself to reach out to Becky again and get an update on that. >> All right. Um I think that's about it
unless anyone else has anything to talk about. I have one last super quick thing just while we were talking I went on because I was trying to find all the 4 clubs in Hampton County. You used to be able to just easily do that but you can't anymore. So um I'm going to
get the email. My friend, she is on the um Hampton County Fair. So she said she can give me the email and then we can put the u information about open farm day looking for volunteers in the Hampton County for news blast. That'd be cool >> because they are required to do
volunteer hours. So if we have like the write up or because whatever you were sending out, right, about like >> Yeah, I just have I was sent this out as a temp as a um >> Well, there's there's stuff on our website, too. >> Okay. >> Maybe grab a couple things and then do
you have like the digital form of >> Yeah, I can send it to >> the this one. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, I can send it to you. >> Might be the easiest. Are there existing 4 clubs in South now? >> There are Blind View has one, right? >> Fine view has one. Um they have a theor one, but there's also there's another
one in South um that Randy Brown also does and I think it's they do like robotics. Um really >> really >> I think it's robotics and um forget the name of their club, but they do miscellane a few miscellaneous things. Um >> so robotic farming animals.
>> No, no, it's not far. It's not animal related. There are like 4 clubs that are you know not animal what is a 4 club >> 4 is like >> hard but it's poor youth the 4 is
>> yeah involved >> historically >> it used to be like agricultural only but there would be like chickens there would be >> yeah there was the riding club the cooking club the garden club >> um so it's not just animals but Yeah,
like for the horses cuz that's my weren't you can um you go and you learn how to judge horses. You can learn how to show horses. You can you know um and they have like state they have like state they do state at the big E.
There's a lot of for >> that's where they end up exhibiting a lot of their stuff is at the big >> not just the big E but like throughout the year they have like 4. Westfield has a few um horse ones as well, horse clubs right now still currently. >> And they have their fair, so I think
they do something. >> Yep. The hand fair is going to be held at the um they're doing a clinic at the riding club. >> That's cool. >> Um I was president of the writing club, but I'm not anymore, but I'm still on the board. Um so they have we're very
much like [clears throat] enthralled in the 4. >> I was going to say when my kids were younger, they had like there was some groups that did rabbits. used by the >> some groups goats. I mean, you could throw anything honestly. There's a couple
>> help to recre um it's usually at the big and um offseason like this. >> I mean, it sort of ran >> like volunteer, you know, how to be a good good person. >> I know that [laughter] um years ago
Harry and Todd Brown, >> Todd's Avola's brother. >> Okay. And um they live across from Randy Brown. Randy because he lives at his Henrietta Florex old place, his
grandmother's old place, I believe. That's where Randy lives. And they live across the street, but they used to have a >> they used to do a big forage thing. Their kids were about the same age as mine. And they had a big forage thing that was going and they used to have like horses with carts and and other
animal, you know, they did all kinds of things that >> they were very involved. But it was usually what like one family that would like get it rolling >> and and help to >> get other interested people like Yeah. It's very like volunteering. That's
usually how it starts. It's like a family and then >> right >> or a barn like Klein View, right? or the barn like where I have my horse, they also have a 4 club it like and turns into that, you know, like they'll have a lesson program and then you have a group enough big enough group of kids where it turns into, hey, let's do a 4 club. But
>> my sister was in the like horse one and she got to travel like Kentucky for states to like learn how to like judge forces competitions and there's a lot of really cool things that you can do with 4. >> Pretty involved. >> Yeah. >> All right. So anyway, I can send that
out and I don't know. >> That's great. >> It'd be interesting just to see what we have in this in town anymore if we have to be able to see. And I messaged her and she said, "Oh, it's not public online anymore." So there must be a reason for that. But >> because you used to be able to go and see like choose your county and it would
show you all the clubs and what their like focus was. But I guess that's >> that's weird. It's not public. >> It's not just people's names or >> it [clears throat] it was like the club member like the whoever ran the club. It would have their like name, but it would say like, oh, the the Misfits 4 or you
know, whatever the name of the club was, and then the club owner, but I guess the club leader, it doesn't say that. >> She said it's not. [clears throat] >> Speaking of for uh the big Hampton County Improvement League,
um Subarusa and Mike >> Patrusa. >> Mike Petrusa. Yeah. >> Are they on our list for volunteers? They've never volunteered, I don't think, in the past, but I don't think we've ever invited them. I >> think they're >> they used to come to the farmers forum and I don't think we invited them last year either. So,
>> I don't think we have their information. >> What is their names? >> Subraasa. >> Um, >> and Mike Patric. >> I have I have Sorry. I have emails for them. >> Yeah. Can you email them then? Maybe. >> Sure. >> Yeah. I don't have them on the list. Erin,
>> maybe copy me and Jen on it too. >> Yeah, that would be great. I'd like to get them more involved. Um, Sue always asked me when I walk by her house about what's going on. So, >> okay. >> I don't think she has any interest in joining. I almost got her to, but then
she doesn't want to do that stuff anymore. >> Yeah. Yeah. I I tried once, too. [laughter] >> She thought about it for a while and I don't know. She's busy at her farm. Um,
>> well, yeah, it'd be it'd be nice to keep them involved if possible. >> Jessica, I um I just sent that, too. Yeah, >> thank you. >> Sorry, my phone was updating at the same time. >> What a great time to do that. >> I mean, I had it off and I was like, uh
oh, this is going to take forever. [laughter] It's the oldest phone. >> All right. Um, so I was wondering if we could you do like put some of these to old business but leave them on the Um, >> yeah. I mean, anything that says ongoing I just leave on there. It's I guess that's old business or
>> that's fine. >> However you want to call it. Um, >> so I think that's all we have to talk about. Anybody have anybody anything else talk about? >> I think that's it. Um, I'll make a motion to adjurnn. >> Second.
>> All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> All right. Good night, everyone. >> Good night. >> Okay. >> Thanks you guys. >> I'll do it. Have a good night.