May 8, 2006 Annual Town Meeting Article 14 - as amended by May 5, 2008 Annual Town Meeting Article 23. Passed by majority vote to establish the formation of an Agricultural Commission which will support agriculture and enhance open space in the Town of Littleton, as follows: AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION To see if the Town will vote to establish an Agricultural Commission to represent the Littleton farming community. Said Commission once appointed shall develop a work plan to guide its activities. Such activities include, but are not limited, to the following: shall serve as facilitators for encouraging the pursuit of agriculture in Littleton; shall promote agricultural-based economic opportunities in Town; shall act as mediators, advocates, educators, and/or negotiators on farming issues; shall work for preservation of prime agricultural lands; and shall pursue all initiatives appropriate to creating a sustainable agricultural community. The Commission shall consist of seven members appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The Commission will consist of a minimum of: - four members who shall be or have been engaged in farming or related agricultural industries and another three members who are interested in farming - three members for a term of three years; - two members for a term of two years and three thereafter; and - two members for a one year term, and three years thereafter. The appointing authority shall fill a vacancy based on the unexpired term of the vacancy in order to maintain the cycle of appointments, based on recommendations of the Commission. 1. Appointing authority: Board of Selectmen 2. Establish number of members of Commission: 7 plus 5 alternates 3. Establish terms of service: staggered, see above 4. Establish whether members must be Town residents: No 5. Method for filling vacancies: Board of Selectmen 6. Purpose for the Commission: To represent the Littleton farming community 7. Guide principles for Commission appointment: Members should: represent Town geographically, represent the diversity and scale of agricultural businesses, represent the diversity of the Town's population, encourage next generation farmers. The overall intent is to be inclusive not exclusive. Mission: Promote agricultural-based economic opportunities; preserve, revitalize and sustain the Littleton agricultural industry, and encourage the pursuit of agriculture as a career opportunity and lifestyle. |