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Commission discusses community garden water, possible shed and sustainability grant
Summary
The commission clarified that garden operations and tanker filling are handled by the land-use/facilities/selectman's office; members offered to serve as a point of contact and to explore a sustainability matching grant to fund signage, a shed and water-capture improvements.
East Haddam’s Ag Commission discussed water access, management and infrastructure needs at the town community garden and identified next steps for practical support.
Chair (S2) read a note from town staff clarifying responsibilities: "the ag commission hasn't managed the community garden plots to my knowledge. It's handled in court. A combination of Jim Benders and land use office, facilities department, fire department fills the tank, and the selectman's office that handles everything around it," she said, reading the email into the record. Members took that as confirmation the commission is not the official manager but can serve as a point of contact and coordinator for volunteers and project proposals.
Members discussed an on-site well near the garden, the garden's existing 5,500‑gallon tank and whether a small shed collecting roof runoff and a solar or hand pump might reduce reliance on tanker fills. The group identified a potential funding source: Sustainable Connecticut’s matching fund (matches up to $6,000 for projects), which could cover signage, a shed or basic water-capture equipment if the community raised matching funds.
Next steps: Members agreed to act as informal champions, set up a community Gmail for coordination, pursue the matching grant option if interest remains, and work with town staff to confirm logistics for equipment placement and privacy concerns around plot-holder contact information.
