Voted that the Town establish an Agricultural Commission to represent the Whately farming community. Said Commission shall be established to address and represent agricultural issues and interests in the Town.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Special Town Meeting of the Town of Whately 12-14-2004 by Art. 1. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Amended 4-28-2015 ATM by Art. 20[1]]
A.
The Selectboard shall appoint a seven-member Commission: three members for a term of three years, three members for a term of two years, and three years thereafter, and one member for a term of one year and three years thereafter. Any vacancy shall be filled by the appointing authority, based on recommendations of the Commission, for the unexpired term of the vacancy. At least three of the members of the Commission shall be engaged in the business of farming or related industries.
B.
The current five members of the Commission shall continue to remain in office for the duration of their appointed terms unless they otherwise leave office; the two additional members shall be appointed for a term of two years and three years, respectively.
[1]
Editor's Note: This article changed the number of members on the Agricultural Commission from five to seven.
[Amended 4-28-2015 ATM by Art. 20]
The Selectboard may appoint nonresident farmers who farm land in Whately as members of the Commission. The duties and responsibilities of the Commission shall include, but not be limited to:
A.
Advising the Selectboard, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Board of Health, and other local organizations on projects and activities, including acquisitions and other transactions, involving agricultural lands in Town.
B.
Engaging in projects and activities to promote the business of farming, farming traditions, and farmland protection in Town, including programs and community events.
[Amended 11-12-2024 STM by Art. 8]
C.
Reporting on its projects and activities on an annual basis within the Town report.