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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-12Draft Page 1 of 2 Town of Dryden Agriculture Advisory Board February 12, 2014 Members Present: Evan Carpenter (Chair), and Kim LaMotte Town Board Members: Guests: Mayor Jim Zimmer (Village), Nancy Munkenbeck, and Kelly and Gene Ritter Planning Board Liaison: Craig Anderson Conservation Board Liaison: Craig Schutt The meeting was called to order at 7:38PM. Kelly Ritter from Dryden Agway attended the Ag meeting to discuss the p otential of a farmers market in Dryden. As this is a subject the Ag Committee has previously discussed, the members present and both liaisons were interested in her thoughts about putting the market on property owned by Agway. There is room between the Dryden Lake Trail and the split rail fence on the east side of Agway’s land. Ms. Ritter has talked to Agway’s insurance company and they don’t foresee any problems. They did suggest that Agway add each vendor as a rider on their policy to cover any unexpected problems. Mayor Zimmer confirmed that the Village would have permit fees but he is suggestin g the fees may be waived. In addition, the Village would not be charging the vendors any fees. This will be open to anyone who wishes to participate. K. LaMotte asked who would be responsible for dealing with taxes, having weights and measures calibrated and determining what the vendors can sell. She expressed some concern about the market deteriorating into a flea market. Ms. Ritter has contacted Cornell Cooperative Extension (Monica) with questions including how to contact potential vendors. K. LaMotte also asked about the day the market would be open and the potential competition with the other local markets; there are a limited number of vendors. N. Munkenbeck asked if the vendors and products will be limited to a location – for example, are the vendors and the items they are selling required to be produced within a certain mileage range. The group agreed that it would not be beneficial to Agway if the vendors are permitted to sell live produce (bedding plants, etc). The discussion turned to the timing for the opening weekend. The group considered having the opening after Dairy Day which could be used to promote the market. Three weeks prior to Dairy Day is Memorial Day which is a bad time for Agway. The discussion narrowed the window to the two weeken ds between Dairy and Memorial Days. Mayor Zimmer said the Village will be discussing the potential Farmers Market at their next meeting which will be on the 13th at 7PM in the Village Hall. As a reminder to the Committee, the Agriculture Summit will be held this year on February 26th at the VFW at 9AM. Draft Page 2 of 2 The last issue discussed by this group was the grant application for the Ag Assessment. The group (2 members and the liaisons) agreed that the changes made by the County were not to their liking. They preferred the original document. There being no further business and lacking a quorum, the meeting ended at 8:30PM. Respectfully Submitted, Erin A. Bieber Deputy Town Clerk The next regular meeting of the Agriculture Advisory Committee will be held on Ma rch 12th at 7:30 PM.