Agricultural Commission
Princeton Agricultural Commission
Meeting Minutes
December 13, 2023
Town Hall Annex and GoToMeeting
Commission Members present in person: Eddie Good, Chair, John Mirick, Lisa Prozzo (alternate),and Dylan Stimson
Commission Members remote: Dianna Gruber-Markley
Commission Members absent: Susan Connell (alternate) and Chad Steiner
Public Participation in person: None
Public Participation Remote: None
Call to order: 7:00 pm
Minutes
The minutes for November 8, 2023 were approved.
Farmers’ Market
Chad sent a note that Katherine Huck would welcome a farmers’ market in the carriage house at Mountainside. The Commission discussed approaches to starting a farmers’ market on a trial basis, without charging a fee vendors who participated, and using Commission members (and other volunteers) during the trial period. Subject to further input from Katherine Huck, and from Chad, the Commission thought that Sundays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the winter might work, starting on January 14 and running through February 25. If the market is successful, this would mean a springboard to continuing in the spring on a fee basis, and expanding in the summer and fall.
The only out-of-pocket cost would be a professional sandwich board sign for “Farmers’ Market on Sundays, 11:00 -3:00” with an “Open” flag on Sundays and a box of contractor trash bags for use in clean-up, if needed. Minimum time commitment from Commission members and volunteers would be to open carriage barn and put up flag (probably by 10:15 -10:30 on Sunday), welcome vendors and direct where they should set up, and then clean-up and closing (probably 3:00 – 3:30) and see that any trash was put into the dumpsters. Vendors would be responsible for their own tables, etc. No need for presence all day.
BIG CHALLENGE is to get vendors. The “sign up if you’re interested” approach last fall was unsuccessful. It will probably be necessary to personally pitch specific vendors along the lines of “We’re starting a Sunday market and need a baked goods vendor. There’s no charge through the end of February while we develop demand. We think you would be a wonderful baked goods vendor.”
We need input from Chad, and input from Katherine Huck on her planned open hours on Sundays in January and February. If sufficient vendors can be recruited over next 4 weeks, we can make final decision at January 10 meeting.
Programs
Presentation on Grants
Eddie is waiting for confirmation from the USDA presenter for January 24, with January 31 and February 7 as snow dates. There is still nothing from MDAR, Dylan suggested that he might have a possible contact.
Starting and Operating a Homestead
The Commission discussed the program concept, and how to attract participants. It probably needs as many as 5 subjects to draw a good audience. Goal is to have inter-active presentations. Eddie and Dylan are willing to moderate. Dianna suggested that hands on workshops with small groups would be good, but that would be difficult in the Town Hall Annex, but might be feasible as a Farm Day activity. Further work is needed on content and format.
Commission selected Wednesday April 10 at 7:00 pm in Town Hall Annex as date and location. Eddie will reserve the venue.
Farm Day
In May, with date and location(s) to be determined.
Future Programs
Next meetings
Wednesday, January 10 at 7:00 PM – regular meeting in Town Hall Annex with virtual option.
Wednesday, January 24 at 7:00 PM – Grants Program in Town Hall Annex
Wednesday, February 14 at 7:00 PM – regular meeting in Town Hall Annex with virtual option
Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
John Mirick