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Lakeville AgCom discusses farmers market, food co‑op, veterans garden, right‑to‑farm signs and small funds balance
Summary
The commission discussed potential projects — a farmers market at Ted Williams Camp, a resident-proposed food co‑op, a veterans gardening plot, right‑to‑farm and "purple hot" signage, and how to handle a $255 "friends" fund — and scheduled follow-up and Aug. 14 meeting.
At its July 10 meeting the Lakeville Agricultural Commission outlined several projects and operational matters including a possible farmers market, a resident-proposed food co‑op, a veterans community garden, right-to-farm signage, and handling a small commission "friends" fund.
Members said the commission has periodically assisted residents with agricultural complaints (notably rooster relocations) and that reviving outreach—such as a farmers market—would fit the commission’s mission to promote agricultural-based economic opportunities and education. Paul Hunt and other members discussed contacting local farmers to solicit interest and needs for a market.
The commission reviewed an inquiry from resident John Gregory about assisting to start a food co‑op in town and discussed coordinating that idea with other efforts. Members also said the veterans agent has discussed finding a parcel where a veterans gardening project could be established; commissioners identified Ted Williams Camp and Betty's Neck as sites to evaluate and said the park commission had previously expressed support for using Ted Williams Camp for a market.
Commissioners discussed right-to-farm signage and a separate "purple hot" sign design; Lorraine (commission contact for signage) has collected design options and a vendor quote and the item will be placed on the next select board agenda. Members reported the vendor indicated about eight sign locations have been proposed around town.
The commission also addressed a small "friends" account that previously held $255 and was closed by the former custodian because the account was opened using that person’s Social Security number. Members agreed the vice chair would safeguard the existing money and that the commission should consider establishing a properly constituted fund with a tax ID to accept donations or to purchase modest items for events (for example banners or folding tables) in support of markets or community gardening. Members said pursuing grants could also be an option.
The commission set its next meeting for Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m. to continue planning and to follow up with the veterans agent, park commission representatives and local farmers.
