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Grievance Resolution Protocol

1. The complainant shall file a grievance against a farm operation in writing with the Town Administrative Assistant. The written grievance shall include the name of the complainant, his/her address, phone number, and a brief description of the conflict. The name of the farmer, address and phone number must be included in the grievance. The person receiving the written grievance will note the time and date when it was received. The grievance must be signed by the complainant.

2. Within three (3) business days or less following receipt of a written grievance, the Administrative Assistant shall forward a copy of the written grievance to:

  1. the Select Board
  2. the Ashfield Board of Health, if this grievance falls under M.G.I Chapter 111
  3. the Chairman of the Agricultural Commission
  4. the farmer(s) against whom the grievance has been filed and provide him or her with a copy of the written grievance

3. At its next meeting following the receipt of a grievance, the Select Board and/or the Board of Health shall decide whether to seek the recommendation of the Ashfield Agricultural Commission or its agent.

4. Within ten (10) business days or less after the Ag Commission receives the grievance from either of these Boards (if the Select Board or the Board of Health chooses to seek a recommendation from the Ag Commission):

  1. The Chairman of the Agricultural Commission shall designate one or more representatives of the Agricultural Commission, or its agent, to work with him or her to resolve the conflict
  2. The chairman and/or his designate(s) shall meet with the complainant to view the conflict area or situation, if necessary
  3. The designate(s) shall contact neighbors or other interested parties as deemed necessary
  4. The designate(s) shall meet with the farmer(s) against whom the grievance has been filed

5. At the next meeting of the Agricultural Commission, as the agenda permits:

  1. The designate(s) shall discuss the grievance and offer a recommendation
  2. The Commission shall discuss the recommendation. A majority vote of the members of the Agricultural Commission shall be needed to accept the recommendation

6. Following the aforementioned meeting of the Agricultural Commission, the Chairman or designate(s) shall deliver the written recommendation to the Select Board and/or the Board of Health for their review.