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Select Board raises questions about community garden grant covenants, volunteers and water access
Summary
Members reported the Water Street community garden remains incomplete, topsoil was moved to adjacent buyout property, and the board asked the manager to clarify a ~$5,000 grant’s covenant requiring free access to patrons and whether charging for water or plot fees is permitted; the board also discussed volunteer recruitment and town responsibilities.
A Select Board member reported that the community garden on Water Street lacks finished raised beds and that topsoil and organics had been moved to adjacent buyout property, leaving some beds incomplete. The board heard that the grant supporting the garden—about $5,000 from a community foundation—was issued with a condition that plots be available at no charge to patrons.
"In researching the grant … I discovered that the grant was issued with the condition the garden would be at no charge to patrons," the board member said. That triggered questions about what town obligations the covenant creates, whether water could be charged for (or divided among plot users), and who will serve as a local volunteer champion to ensure the garden is maintained and accessible.
Board members asked the town manager to consult with the grant contact (Tom) and report back at the next meeting with the grant covenants and recommendations on policy: selection criteria for plot users, water access/charging, rules about what may be grown and long‑term ownership or stewardship arrangements for the garden located on town land.
The discussion also highlighted accessibility work planned for the site (an ordered wheelchair‑accessible picnic table and rubber mat path) and the practical need for a volunteer coordinator to complete beds and maintain the garden in the growing season.
The manager agreed to return with the grant terms and suggested next steps, and board members suggested a public request for volunteers and a clear policy framework before moving forward with assigning plots or charging for services.
