Duxbury Selectboard Approves Farm-to-Table Fundraising Dinners at Town-Owned Farm

Despite concerns about neighbor notification, board votes 3-1 to allow six Sunday Suppers at Fowl Play Farm

DUXBURY - April 14 - The Duxbury Selectboard approves a series of six farm-to-table fundraising dinners to be held at Fowl Play Farm, a town-owned property, during their Monday meeting. The events aim to raise capital for farm improvements and educate the public about regenerative farming practices.

Michelle Jarvis, owner of H Cole catering company based in Marshfield, presents the proposal for "Sunday Suppers" to be held on the third Sunday of each month from May through October.

"We are partnering with Brett and Amanda at Fowl Play on the Sunday Supper Dinner Series," Jarvis explains. "The idea here is, yes, first and foremost, we need to raise capital for improvements on the farm, but it's also deeply steeped in education and the importance of regenerative farming, knowing where your food comes from."

The events will host 40 guests per dinner, with proteins from the farm cooked over live fire. Jarvis confirms she has been working with the fire department to ensure safety protocols are followed.

Selectboard member Amy MacNab expresses "serious reservations" about the proposal, citing concerns about lack of notification to abutters and potential precedent-setting for other agricultural properties in town.

"I feel strongly that the abutters should be notified that this is an application, a use of this property that again wasn't anticipated, wasn't part of the original conversation and give them an opportunity to provide feedback," MacNab says.

Nancy Rufo, Conservation Administrator, confirms the Conservation Department has reviewed and discussed the proposal extensively with the farmers. She explains the dinners would take place in a 35-foot stretch between two high tunnels, away from neighboring properties.

Amanda Max, one of the farmers at Fowl Play Farm, addresses concerns about noise and late-night activities.

"There is no electricity over at the property, so this will be during daylight hours. This will not be a late night raucous party," Max says.

Max also details the ongoing expenses the farmers face, including livestock costs, feed, shipping for high tunnels, wood for barn construction, and various fencing materials.

"As we grow the farm and we produce more for the community, there's going to be more resources that need to go into it," she says.

The board ultimately approves the one-day liquor licenses for the six dinner events with a 3-1 vote, with MacNab opposed.

In other business, Selectboard Chair Brian Glennon provides an update on the MBTA Communities Working Group, which is finalizing a draft zoning bylaw amendment to comply with state law.

"In November the question was whether we should adopt a Zoning Bylaw Amendment and town meeting answered with a resounding no," Glennon says. "The Supreme Judicial Court in Massachusetts ruled in December that no is not an option and that this required us to go back to the drawing board."

The town is actively pursuing a lawsuit against the state to get an exemption, but must prepare to comply in the meantime. The issue will be addressed at a special town meeting in June.

Plymouth County Commissioners present ARPA funding checks totaling $364,201.55 to the town for various infrastructure projects. County Treasurer Tom O'Brien notes that Duxbury has received a total of $5,316,108.52 between CARES Act and ARPA funding.

"You have one of the best probably in the commonwealth here in the town of Duxbury teams," O'Brien says, praising town staff for their diligence in securing the funding before deadlines.

The funded projects include:

- Sewer lift stations alarm power maintenance: $49,300

- Wastewater treatment facility emergency interim services: $125,934

- McNeil dump additional requirements: $96,900

- Water plate compactor: $10,666.80

- PLC logic controller upgrade at Evergreen Street well site: $43,100

- Water stock parts and motors: $38,300.75

Other items approved by the board include:

- A one-day wine and malt license for the Duxbury Art Complex Museum opening reception on May 11

- A one-day wine and malt license for the SSC Bayfarm Montessori Benefit Concert on June 1

- A filming/photography permit for 47 Brand fashion apparel at locations including Powder Point Bridge and Duxbury Beach on April 16

- A change of manager for the Duxbury Bay Maritime School's liquor license

- An Arbor Day proclamation for April 17, marking over 20 years of Duxbury being named a Tree City USA

Town Manager René Read reports that staffing transitions will affect Town Hall operations, with potential reduction in public hours, most likely on Fridays. The Selectboard's Office will be particularly impacted starting this week due to medical leave and staffing reductions.

Selectboard members Cynthia Fiorini and MacNab propose working together on an employee survey to address morale issues, following up on the board's recent declaration of support for town employees and volunteers.

The next Selectboard meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Full meeting available via The Local Seen.