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Berkley Agricultural Commission approves plaque request, plans sign placements and online fundraising
Summary
At its May 8 meeting the Berkley Agricultural Commission approved minutes, authorized a Selectmen agenda request to hang a memorial plaque in Town Hall, directed a member to consult on sign placement, and discussed Facebook and QR-code fundraising for a 'Friends' effort.
The Berkley Agricultural Commission met May 8, 2025, at the assessor’s office and approved several administrative items while advancing plans for a memorial plaque, sign placements and online fundraising.
The commission approved the minutes from its April 24 meeting after Ed Harmon moved to accept them and Lisa Tetreault seconded; Angela Young abstained and no members opposed. The meeting was called to order by George Faria at 6:05 p.m. and adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
Why it matters: The commission is finalizing a memorial plaque and coordinating town signage and online fundraising tools that will affect how residents and visitors see commission outreach and donation opportunities.
Memorial plaque and donations George Faria said he purchased seven plaque plates using funds collected from family members and that his contribution left an extra $50 for the Agricultural Commission donation fund. According to the minutes, Ann Marie already has two plates installed on the plaque’s top positions, Aaron Fernandes indicated he may purchase about three plates, and both Ed Harmon and Angela Young have one plate each. Ed Harmon moved that Lisa Tetreault request Selectmen approval to hang the plaque in Town Hall at the next Selectmen meeting; George Faria seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The commission agreed on an order form to be prepared by Angela Young specifying $100 per plate, two lines per plate and up to 20 characters per line.
Sign placement The commission recorded that George Faria has the RTF signs in his possession and that Ms. King has three blank signs available if needed. Ed Harmon moved, with Angela Young seconding, that George speak with Mr. Rose about sign placement and location; that motion also passed unanimously. The group discussed initial mounting on existing no-littering posts at locations including S. Main, Berkley Street, two posts at Myricks, Algerine, Elm and Grove Streets.
Nonprofit paperwork Members heard an update that the commission’s lawyer called George to request Bryan’s Social Security number to complete nonprofit EIN paperwork; the lawyer then contacted Bryan and completed the forms. The lawyer will keep George updated on the status.
Social media and fundraising plans The commission discussed launching and staffing a Facebook presence. The minutes note Ed Harmon will manage the page the next Monday and Harry Harmon will follow. Commissioners discussed using a QR code on the Facebook page once a 'Friends' group is established and setting up PayPal and Venmo accounts to accept donations and sales for a small online store.
Votes at a glance: • Accept minutes (April 24): Motion by Ed Harmon; seconded by Lisa Tetreault; Angela Young abstained; motion approved. • Request Selectmen approval to hang memorial plaque in Town Hall: Motion by Ed Harmon; seconded by George Faria; approved unanimously. • Authorize George Faria to consult with Mr. Rose on sign placement: Motion by Ed Harmon; seconded by Angela Young; approved unanimously. • Adjourn: Motion by Ed Harmon; seconded by Harry Harmon; approved.
Next steps: Angela Young will produce the plaque order form; George Faria will speak to Mr. Rose about sign placement; the lawyer will provide updates on nonprofit paperwork; the commission will pursue a Facebook presence and online payment options once the Friends group is established.
