[Ord. of 6-22-09]
By ordinance adopted.
[Ord. of 6-22-09]
The Agriculture Commission shall be an advisory board with the
following charges and duties:
(1)Â
Information. To serve as a conduit between non-profit agencies, civic
organizations, municipal boards and commissions, elected officials,
and local farmers. To serve as an agricultural clearinghouse by creating
an informational website and map of local farms. To chart land use
in Durham to support a balance between agriculture, preservation and
other land uses.
(2)Â
Education. To recommend changes to language and practices across
Town departments and other boards and commissions regarding a local
definition for agriculture, farming and farms. To educate Town government
about agricultural laws, such as right to farm, and legal issues regarding
farm machinery, buildings and operations. To provide information and
guidance on agriculture-related issues—such as zoning, inland
wetland, public works and others—to Town departments and other
boards and commissions as necessary. To act as a sounding board/provide
review/to Town departments, boards and commissions concerning the
impact of proposed Town policies on farms. To support young farmers
and new farmers. To support local, regional and state vocational agriculture
education programs.
(3)Â
Conflict resolution. To serve as a resource for information and non-binding
advice for residents, established Town committees and departments
concerning the resolution of agriculture related conflicts.
(4)Â
Economic opportunities. To identify innovative opportunities for
farming additional lands in Durham. To promote opportunities for residents
and local businesses to support and value farming. To serve as a conduit
between non-profit agencies, funders, and local farmers. To work to
create a climate that supports the economic viability of farming as
a career in Durham. To create a sustainable agriculture community.
To secure the land base necessary for future agricultural uses.
[Ord. of 6-22-09]
Appointed by the Board of Selectmen.
[Ord. of 6-22-09]
The agricultural commission will consist of five members and
three alternates. Members and alternates will be appointed by the
Board of Selectmen in accordance to Connecticut General Statutes and
Town Charter. Insofar as practical, members appointed shall be representative
of all groups interested in the management, protection and regulation
of agriculture as defined by C.G.S. § 1-1q, particularly
those directly involved in agriculture. The failure of a voting member
to attend four consecutive meetings of the commission shall constitute
cause for the Board of Selectmen to remove the member and fill the
position thus vacated.
[Ord. of 6-22-09]
Staggered three-year terms, with initial appointments to be
three members for three years and two members for two years; one alternate
to be for three years and two alternates for two years. Members of
the commission shall serve without pay.
