HOWELL – After many months of push and shove, members of Howell Farmers United and Howell Township Council have come to a clearing in their war.
Howell Farmers United is a group run by residents of Howell township that own farmland. As the council has passed various ordinances and resolutions that sometimes have a direct impact on farms in the town, there have been various conflicts between the two groups.
Based on previous statements made at council meetings, farmers in Howell often felt their freedoms and liberties were being controlled from the council seats.
But, most recently, the passing of a new ordinance has brought the two sides peacefully together.
Betty Lou Velez-Gimbel, who has often spoken for the farmers group, took the microphone during public comments to be complimentary, not combative towards the council members.
”We are pleased our township has aligned the direct marketing ordinance with the state’s right to farm act,” she said. “Thank you Mr. Howard and Mr. Clark; at times we seemed to be speaking different languages but we kept at it and we appreciate your efforts.”
The ordinance Velez-Gimbel is referring to is Ordinance 25-06, which amended a previously established right to farm act that dealt with farmers’ marketing activities.
The amendments to the act included the addition of details and guidelines to provide more clarity to the farmers trying to follow it – prior to this change, it was much easier to fall in violation as the established rules were very broad.
“We are grateful the township acknowledged this in the ordinance being introduced this evening,” Velez-Gimbel said. “The farm direct marketing ordinance tonight has restored our faith in Howell Township as a farm friendly municipality.”
Along with addressing gratitude to Howell Council as a general whole, Velez-Gimbel also personally thanked Mayor John Leggio and Councilman Ian Nadel for their efforts. According to her, “collaboration resumed because of [them] both.”
“We look forward to our next meeting with the administration regarding the special occasion events ordinance, which also seems to mirror the township’s friendly farm approach,” she said about the future of their collaborations.
In response to her comment, which was the only comment from the public at the council meeting, Township Manager Joseph Clark showed equal gratitude for their new development.
“Thank you to the farmers. I knew that we would get across the finish line eventually and I think our last meeting was the most pleasant we’ve had,” he said.
While there do seem to be additional steps in the agenda from Howell Farmers United, this exchange of respect and joy was a change of pace for both sides.
Ordinance 25-06 reads, in part, “The Township recognizes that times are changing and the needs of keeping farms profitable, viable, and operational requires branching out into activities not contemplated under Chapter 244-1 through 244-5.”
“I’m just happy that the farmer’s thing is finally settled.” said Deputy Mayor Fred Gasior.
As for Mayor Leggio, who has only just begun his term as mayor, he also expressed relief for this standstill and even complimented Velez-Gimbel back.
“Your efforts were fantastic, standing up for what our farmers deserve in town,” he said. “I’m happy, being new here and this is over for now.”
The post Farmers, Council Find Common Ground appeared first on Jersey Shore Online.
