A hugely well-attended meeting of the Barnard Selectboard on the topic of allegations made against Fable Farm and its potluck dinner theater was notable for its lack of acrimony, its efficiency and as a demonstration of organized, respectful democracy in action.
(We feel so much better! Woodstock Early Bird had heard this was going to be one full-on royal free-for-all pissing match!)
In a moving defense of the Fable Farm mission and activities, Jon Piana asked for understanding as his group of organic farmers find their way and their roots in farming — and as they often indelicately plough their way through the social minefield of setting up shop in the close-knit Barnard community.
Piana and his brother, Christopher, said they sought common ground with the people of Barnard and welcomed their help in resolving problems. Christopher Piana even admitted — with all humility — “Our shit stinks hugely…but we are working to become better human beings.”
The meeting lasted no more than 45 minutes, was moderated by Kurt Lessard — who set out strict guidelines — with the Selectboard Chair Tom Morse reporting on the Board’s site visit findings and Preston Bristow, as the designated administrative zoning officer, reporting on his.
The bottom line is this: Fable Farm, from a zoning standpoint, needs to continue working with the State of Vermont to clarify and improve its septic system based on the continuing needs to house farm workers and/or provide for potluck guests.
Based on its summer outdoor theater productions and sales of up to 100 tickets at $25 per person, Fable Farm also needs to get itself a home business permit. This point was part of Bristow’s findings detailed in a letter delivered to Fable Farm’s principals Christopher and John Piana, as well as Thomas and Jennifer Anderson who are landowners. It was shared with the Barnard Selectboard. Bristow read that letter aloud to the gathering, one which closely rivalled the turn-out for Town Meeting.
Fable Farm can appeal the suggested requirement to the Development Review Board if they do not agree.
In answer to a question of whether Morse and the other Selectmen were satisfied with the Fable Farm situation, both Tim Johnson and Tom Morse replied that, for the time being, they are. They both added that if certain things were not addressed by next spring (septic in particular) they might come up again, but Morse said rarely did punitive measures have the desired effect.
Only one Barnard resident who identified herself as having had concerns about Fable Farm’s activities rose after the briefings to say no one had accused Fable Farm workers of being behind last summer’s burglaries. That was something Jon Piana noted was hurtful gossip as he described it when reading from a prepared written statement. Piana said, “We would share our last slice of bread with the community before resorting to theft.”
The issue of food security also came up several times both from Fable Farm representatives and from the public. Fable Farm pledged to be there for Barnard citizens should its food supplies be cut off. They report that at this point, they are helping to provide food to 100 families in the area.
In detail below is what Selectman Tom Morse said The Board looked into. He said they stuck with concrete concerns rather than differences in philosophy and philosphical concerns between citizens which they could not address:
1. Alcohol: Morse said this is a non-issue. No alcohol is served unless you bring your own to the potluck. The Vermont Liquor Board is satisfied with the situation.
2. Parking: Morse said based on site visit, all is “perfectly legal”. He said all vehicles were on private property with permission or parked along the roadway appropriately within the white lines..also that the Town Hall is available as a parking area.
3, Hours and Noise: Morse said there were “no actionable issues” — that the event appeared to wrap up between 8:30 and 9:00pm.
4. Sale of Pizzas: The Farm sells pizza one day a month and they do have a food permit. A Vermont State Inspector had already visited and the permit is on display.
5. Septic Issues: Morse said, “There are some…” Fable Farm needs to keep working with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation on the issue of temporary workers and extra people on the property. Morse said there are quite a few grey areas. However, he said, “I don’t see any violations or health issues. We will go forward on good faith…” Morse said adjustments should be ready by spring.
With regard to Preston Bristow’s findings his letter details various structures and activities as farm-related and appropriate for use. He noted that while he had worked for the Vermont Land Trust in the past and has sympathy to farmers and their issues, he said — despite some complaints — he is NOT part of the “Fable Farm Inner Circle.”
Seth Butler, standing in the audience, did address philosophical issues saying encouraging Fable Farm’s success is a matter of concern for reasons of community business, diversity and creativity.
Fable Farm’s fans were the most vocal of the crowd as they gave testimonials to the importance of the young organic farmers’ efforts providing community dinners and as the hope for the future of Barnard itself.
Morse himself harkened back to the days long ago (1977) as a young man full of energy when he had been hiding out in Chateauguay doing what he wanted. He says now Barnard finds itself with him as its Selectboard Chair. He said it might be one of the Fable Farm folks leading Barnard in the future.
Suzanne Lacey even attributed Fable Farm with keeping Barnard citizens healthy. She said, “I’m a healer and I don’t hear anyone coughing in this room because Fable Farm is helping to heal our sickness.”
At that point, the Selectboard decided it would move on to other matters, inviting folks to stay on after what turned out to be a rather anti-climatic, albeit apparently satisfying session.
Dang about that anti-climax. But, obviously good work by leaders at moving the ball forward…which makes Woodstock Early Bird think of football which she doesn’t even follow except knowing generally that something BAAAD happened at the Seahawks-Packers game.
Something about bad calls and fill-in referees and all sorts of controversial stuff. There, there’s a story to dig your teeth into.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 