Lakeville Agricultural Commission schedules library film, pursues bank account and agrees to investigate neighbor chicken complaint

The Lakeville Agricultural Commission on Nov. 20 discussed logistics for a proposed screening of a farming film at the Lakeville Library, next steps to open a commission checking account, progress on 4‑H programming and a possible Main Street farmers market, and agreed to look into a resident complaint about neighbor chickens.

Commission members said Jamie Viveiros of the Lakeville Library has asked the library trustees before allowing the film; the library indicated limited permission for “passive donations” but would not permit admission charges. Commission members discussed asking the Town for $250 to cover costs; the commission did not approve funding at the meeting and said the request to the town would be pursued separately. The group was offered two March dates for the screening—March 5 and March 26—and one member said they were leaning toward March 26; the film was described as “a little over an hour” and the meeting time under consideration was about 6–8 p.m.

Members discussed opening a checking account for the commission. A commission member said Rockland Trust requires a tax identification number and that someone would apply online for an EIN so the commission can complete the bank account setup. The bank was described as allowing multiple signers; no account was opened at the meeting.

Jared, a commission member, reported that a newly formed 4‑H club held its first meeting and drew about 12 children; members said the club appears to be “up and running” and they will remove 4‑H from routine agendas unless new items arise.

On the topic of a farmers market, members said Jose of Lake Cam had spoken with the Lions Club about hosting a market on Main Street. Commission members said they would continue outreach to potential organizers and to a vendor who runs farmer’s markets, and that no final arrangement was made at the meeting.

A resident, identified in the meeting as Mr. Santos, told the commission his neighbor’s chickens and roosters have repeatedly entered his yard, scratched planting beds and left droppings. “I had 13 on my front yard yesterday,” Mr. Santos said, and said he had provided pictures. He asked the commission to intercede with the homeowner. A commission member responded, “I’ll talk to you after the meeting, and I’ll get a contact number from you and make sure, and we’ll try and coordinate things,” and the commission agreed to follow up and attempt an amicable resolution similar to a prior relocation of roosters in 2015.

The only formal motion recorded was to adjourn the meeting; a member moved to adjourn, another seconded, and members voted in favor. The meeting ended at about 7:20 p.m.

The commission did not take any votes on funding, formal enforcement, or policy changes during the meeting; several items were carried to future meetings for follow-up.