Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Government Meeting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Berkley Agricultural Commission sets up nonprofit account, plans plaque and community fundraisers
Summary
At its May 22 meeting the Berkley Agricultural Commission reported it obtained a nonprofit EIN, opened a BayCoast Bank account with $750, approved steps to install a memorial plaque at town hall, cleared plans to hang new signs, and discussed online fundraising and a proposed tractor event; reappointments will be voted next meeting.
BERKLEY, Mass. — The Town of Berkley Agricultural Commission on May 22 accepted minutes and moved forward on organizing a nonprofit account, creating a memorial plaque to honor local families, and planning community fundraising and signage.
George Faria, chair of the Berkley Agricultural Commission, told members the commission has obtained a nonprofit EIN and opened an account at BayCoast Bank; the account currently holds $750 and will require two signatures on checks. The commission is awaiting tax-exempt status, and Faria said he will consult the commission’s lawyer about whether an accountant is needed and about required paperwork. He said the commission will track transactions with a spreadsheet.
The panel asked Angela Young, clerk, to prepare an order form for a memorial plaque. The commission agreed to keep family names grouped together on the plaque. Lisa Tetreault, a commission member, reported she presented photos of the plaque to the Board of Selectmen, which responded positively and authorized the commission to hang the plaque in town hall; the group also plans to inspect a small, well‑traveled wall near the collector’s office as a preferred alternative.
Members discussed hanging new RTF signs. Faria said the signs are ready and recommended using special locking nuts to deter theft; he also said Mr. Rose granted the commission permission to install the signs themselves. The group agreed to avoid affixing signs to stop signs, telephone poles and trees and suggested 'No littering' text for the signs.
On social media and fundraising, Angela Young said Venmo and PayPal links could be added to the commission’s Facebook page once bank accounts are fully set up; she offered to work with Bryan to create appropriate accounts and posts. Young proposed declaring June 'farm animal month' with a pinned Facebook post asking members to name their favorite farm animal to raise engagement. Members discussed selling T‑shirts after nonprofit status is confirmed.
During public input the commission noted that terms for Harry Harmon, Aaron Fernandes and Ed Harmon are expiring; all three have indicated they want to be reappointed to three‑year terms and the commission plans to vote on reappointments at the next meeting.
The commission also explored fundraising event ideas, including a tractor show or tractor pull open to small and garden tractors with weight classes. Ed Harmon said he will investigate logistics and insurance or liability concerns. The commission discussed possible venues; Faria said the Eagle Club allows town events and carries liability coverage, and members noted the Beagle Club has a larger venue with a kitchen, bathrooms and a pavilion. The commission will gather more details at the next meeting.
With no further business, Lisa Tetreault moved to adjourn at 6:38 p.m.; Ed Harmon seconded. Angela Young prepared the meeting minutes.
