[Adopted 6-12-2006 ATM, Art. 28]
To create an Agricultural Commission to address
and represent agricultural and forestry issues and interests in the
Town of Barre.
The mission of the Commission shall be to:
A.
Represent the Town's farming and forestry community
internally and externally;
B.
Encourage, promote and support the pursuit of farming
and forestry in the Town both as a business and as a community resource;
and
C.
Promote the protection, preservation and economic
use of farmland and forestland within the Town.
The duties and responsibilities of the Commission
shall include, but not be limited to:
A.
Serving as representatives, advocates, educators,
facilitators and/or mediators on farming and forestry issues both
within the Town and externally;
B.
Advising the Select Board, Conservation Commission,
Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Planning Board, Zoning Board
of Appeals and other Town bodies on all matters pertaining to farming
or forestry activities in Town;
C.
Engaging in projects and activities, including educational
programs and community events, to promote the business, activities
and traditions of farming and forestry, as well as farm and forest
land protection in Town;
D.
Developing warrant articles, policies and procedures
advocating and promoting agriculture and forestry; and
E.
Reporting to the Annual Town Report on its projects
and activities.
The Commission shall consist of three members
appointed by the Select Board. At least two members shall be actively
engaged in farming or forestry related activities, with one of those
members actively engaged in the business of agriculture or forestry
as his or her principal occupation. The members shall serve staggered
three-year terms each, with two of the initial members serving two-year
terms and one of the initial members serving a one-year term. Up to
two voting alternates may be appointed by the Select Board, each with
a one-year term. Any vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the
Select Board, based on the recommendations of the Commission, for
the unexpired term of the vacancy in order to maintain a staggered
cycle of appointments.
