[Adopted 6-29-2011]
In accordance with § C-402D of the Town of Colchester
Charter, an Agriculture Commission is established for the Town of
Colchester.
A.
The Agriculture Commission shall consist of five regular members
and two alternate members appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The
Board of Selectmen shall, to the extent possible, appoint members
who have knowledge in the management, protection, and regulation of
agriculture or who are directly involved in agriculture as defined
by C.G.S. § 1-1(q). Members shall serve without compensation.
In the event of any vacancy, the Board of Selectmen shall fill the
vacancy for the unexpired portion of the term.
B.
Regular and alternate members shall serve for terms of three years,
except that members first appointed shall serve as follows:
C.
The initial organizational meeting of the Agriculture Commission
shall be held within one month after the Board of Selectmen appoints
its members. Thereafter, the Agriculture Commission shall hold an
annual organizational meeting in January of each year. At the initial
organizational meeting and, thereafter, at each annual organizational
meeting, the Commission shall elect a chair, vice chair and secretary.
Such officers shall serve until the conclusion of the next annual
organizational meeting.
A.
The Agriculture Commission shall have the following powers and duties
related to information and education concerning agriculture:
(1)
To serve as a conduit of agricultural information for local farmers,
other Town boards, commissions and officials, nonprofit agencies,
civic organizations and other governmental agencies and officials.
(2)
To serve as a source of information for the public about local agricultural
enterprises.
(3)
To provide information to Town agencies and officials about agricultural
laws and legal issues regarding farm machinery, buildings and operations.
(4)
To provide information and guidance to Town agencies and officials
on agriculture-related issues, including, but not limited to, zoning,
inland wetlands and public works matters.
C.
The Agriculture Commission shall have the following powers and duties
related to conflict resolution for issues impacting agriculture within
the Town of Colchester:
(1)
To review state and federal regulations and to recommend, at its
discretion, policy changes to Town agencies and officials to help
ensure a consistent definition and treatment of agriculture, farming
and farms.
(2)
To meet with and advise Town agencies and officials, at its discretion,
concerning the impact of proposed Town ordinances, regulations and
policies on farms and agriculture within the Town.
(3)
To serve as a resource of information and provide advice for Town
agencies, officials, residents and taxpayers concerning the resolution
of agriculture-related conflicts.
D.
The Agriculture Commission shall have the following powers and duties
related to economic opportunities involving agriculture:
(1)
To identify innovative opportunities for farming additional lands
within the Town of Colchester.
(2)
To promote opportunities for residents and local businesses to support
farming.
(3)
To serve as a conduit between nonprofit agencies, funders and local
farmers.
(4)
To work to create a climate that supports the economic viability
of farming as a career within the Town Colchester.
(5)
To work to create a sustainable agriculture community within the
Town of Colchester.
E.
The Agriculture Commission shall be an advisory body, and all advice,
guidance and recommendations shall be nonbinding.
