04/24/2023 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 Mashpee Select Board Minutes April 24, 2023 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Public Hearing ±Continued from March 13. 20Z Discussionmand Vote Relative to the WRemoval of Mohamad Fand from the Mashpee Communi� Garden Advisov ------------------------------ Charter.oitt'Pursuant to Mashpee mSection 7-9: (continued) Mr. Fand indicated he understands this is the statement of the Mashpee Community Garden Committee. Mari orie Hecht was in attendance on behalf of Mohamad Fand and offered comments with respect to this regard. To avoid this type of situation from occurring again with any committee, it is recommended that regulations be written into every committee's rule that specify due process and mediation for dispute amongst members. Training in best practices is also recommended to assist in the resolution process. Ms. Hecht indicated this is a case of personal animosity and differences. For a committee to function, not everyone has to agree on all matters. In support of Mr. Fand and his position Ms. Hecht stated that Mr. Fand thought gardeners should dispose of their own plant waste and that a concrete slab for plant waste serviced by the DPW was not necessary. Mr. Fand felt that all gardeners should have the emails of other gardeners to share information. The issue of plants intruding in the pathway should not be grounds for removal. Actions not grounds for dismissal also include the use of a laptop during meetings to take notes. The MCGAC was noted to have been working on rule changes since 2022. The main revision recommended by Mr. Fand was due process. Mr. Fand has been a founding member of this committee since 2018. He is committed to the concept of providing plots to residents to grow their own food. Ms. Hecht noted Mr. Fand has agreed to step down from the committee as long as Mr. Fand can retain his plot. Mr. Fand is a gardener and does not own land to grow. Lynne Barbee also spoke in support of Mr. Fand stating that Freedom of Speech is a part of the issue before the Select Board. Disagreement is not a cause for removal of a committee member. By their own rules the MCGAC requires multiple warnings in writing before action is taken against a gardener. Mediation is a better process to resolve disputes rather than coming before the Select Board. The MCGAC rejected the proposal for mediation as proposed by the Town Manager. In closing Ms. Barbee indicated that all gardeners deserve to grow food on public land. The proposal is not specific to Mr. Fand. It is about due process and fairness for all gardeners, residents of the Town of Mashpee. Ms. Barbee respectfully requested Mr. Fand be re -instated as a gardener. Mr. Fand indicated he serves on (3) committees. His wife is Chair of the Planning Board and a member of the Community Preservation Committee. Mr. Fand indicated he is supportive of the community and its residents to grow vegetable gardens, herbs, and flowers. In his opinion, the community garden is not a show place garden or a master gardeners' domain.