Montgomery’s gardeners breathed a sigh of relief following the town’s January 17 meeting, in which the board announced how it will handle the town’s community garden moving forward, including updated rules that will likely be ready by early February.

Last year, several members of the Montgomery Community Garden approached the board about the issues they had with the garden’s management and frequent quarreling. During the town’s November 28 meeting, the board agreed to meet with three of the garden’s representatives and create a plan for 2024.

Cindy Voss, the town’s deputy supervisor, read a letter from Supervisor Steve Brescia, who was absent due to being sick, stating that the town’s parks and recreation department would take over the garden’s operations and upkeeping.

“The recreation department at the Town of Montgomery has been tasked with overseeing the operation of the Town of Montgomery Community Garden starting with the 2024 season,” Voss read. “This will include the processing of applications and fees, plot assignment, and maintenance of the gardens.”

Additionally, fees for managing a garden plot will differ for residents and non-residents.

“There are currently 66 plots ranging from 20-by-20 to 20-by-30. The fee to operate at the garden is currently $25 or $35 for a large plot,” Voss continued reading. “Anticipated fees for the 2024 year and forward will be different for residents and non-residents.”

Theron Adkins, the town’s recreation director, has already written up and sent revised rules to William Frank, the town’s attorney. Frank mentioned that the rules should be prepared and approved by the board and himself by the next meeting.

“The revised rules have been submitted by the recreation director for approval by the town attorney and the town board and will be posted ASAP to update current and new gardeners,” Voss read.

“At the next board meeting, the rules would have already been presented to the board, and that evening, I expect they’ll be able to approve them,” Frank said.

Mark Palczweski, a resident, thanked the board for their work on the garden and asked if Brescia’s letter would be emailed to the rest of the members. Voss was not sure at that time but she said she would ask Brescia about it.

“Are they going to send out emails to the gardeners with that statement from Steve Brescia so that the gardeners know?” Palczweski asked. “Might be a good idea so the gardeners are aware of it.”

Lynn Thompson, another resident, expressed her appreciation for the board’s efforts and looks forward to seeing the garden once the new rules are implemented.

“I just want to thank you for continuing to work on the community garden issue,” she said.” I know you have a lot of other very pressing things on your agenda but this is important to a sizable group of people in the community.”

“Anyone that gardens is getting a little anxious because this is the time of year you start thinking about your plants and your seeds and all the things you want to do,” she continued. “I hope the rules are streamlined. I can’t wait to see them. I hope the process to apply and get approved goes smoothly.”