Plots behind local library to be utilized
By Barb Pert Templeton
An idea to start a community garden in Marine City is starting to take shape now that the city commission has approved using space for planting behind the local library.
Marine City Commissioner Sean O’Brien brought the subject up at a city commission meeting in January and asked that the topic be put on a future agenda.
Marine City Manager Michael Reaves.
At the commission’s most recent meeting on Feb. 6 the item was on the agenda and briefly introduced by City Manager Michael Reaves.
“I know this has been tried in past years and took off a little bit but then kind of petered out,” Reaves said.
He said he looked into a few areas in the city and decided the easiest location would likely be some plots of land behind the city library. It’s not a huge space but he recommended the commission authorize the use of several plots behind the library and noted that the city’s DPW maintains the land there now.
“We’ll see how this develops but give the citizens in the community the opportunity to operate a community garden, I’ve seen it work well in other cities,” Reaves said.
So far, Reaves said he’s been approached by a few organizations already interested in participating in the garden.
“I’m thinking something small, six plots at best,” he added.
Commissioner Rita Roehrig asked if there will be any rules and regulations to follow for those utilizing the garden.
Reaves said the rules would be very general like don’t plant invasive species that grow beyond the plots. He said sometimes less rules are better, like no pesticides that aren’t approved, just general garden keeping stuff.
“I don’t want to be the garden Czar on this thing,” Reaves laughed. “I’ve got enough to do, just give them the land and let them do it and get a tomato or a carrot out of there once in a while.”
Attorney Robert Davis asked Reaves if the plan was okay via city insurance and was told yes, it’s fine. Davis also interjected that no marijuana plant growth would be allowed in the community garden which prompted some laughs at the commission table.
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Hendrick made the motion to approved the garden space behind the library and it was unanimously approved by the commission.
After the meeting Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with the city manager via email to find out more about the community garden plan. He said much is “to be determined” until input from members of the community can be gathered.
Blue Water Healthy Living: Will there be a garden committee or a board to oversee it?
Marine City Manager Michael Reaves: Not planning on having that type of oversight at this point. Let the project grow organically (No pun intended!)
BWHL: What will the city provide at the site? (planting soil, seeds, gardening tools?)
Reaves: Ground space at this point – TBD after further meetings and organization occurs.
BWHL: Who will be responsible for watering the garden the city or the individuals? Where is the water source?
Reaves: The individuals who tend to the gardens and the hose spicket off of the building
BWHL: How big is the section of land the city will be providing for the community garden? Reaves: Unknown. TBD based upon organizational meeting. There is ample space.
BWHL: Is there an anticipated start date for this new project?
Reaves: Hopefully before planting season begins. we will have all of this ironed out.
BWHL: Does a “community garden” mean people can walk by and just take vegetables or does whatever the garden produces go to a city food bank or does the produce belong to the individual who planted it?
Reaves: TBD. I’m thinking that those that plant the garden should partake first – but we will see how that matter is determined.
BWHL: Will the city be posting regulations or a does and don’ts list for the garden as it opens? Reaves: We will have some minimal rules (non-invasive plantings, pesticides, etc.)
“We have only begun to “sprout” this idea…waiting to get community input in order to grow it into a viable outlet,” Reaves added.
