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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAAC 2014-10-30 minutes.pdfCity of Maple Ridge AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, held in the Art Gallery at the ACT Theatre, 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Bill Hardy Margaret Daskis, Chair Georgina Rodriguez Ian Brooks Candace Gordon Councillor Cheryl Ashlie Councillor Bob Masse Al Kozak STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Diana Hall Sunny Schiller COMMITTEE MEMBERS REGRETS Craig Speirs Kimberly Lauzon, Vice-chair Stephanie James Community at Large Community at Large Agricultural Sector Community at Large Community at Large Council Liaison, Maple Ridge Council Liaison, Maple Ridge Agricultural Sector Staff Liaison, Planning Department Committee Clerk Haney Farmer's Market Community at Large Equestrian Agricultural Sector Chris Zabek Lorraine Bates Regional Agrologist, Ministry of Agriculture & Lands Agricultural Fair Board 1. Call to Order & Introductions 2. R14-025 3. R14-026 There being a quorum present, the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:06 pm. Adoption of the Agenda It was moved and seconded That the Agenda dated October 30, 2014 be adopted. Adoption of the Agricultural Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes It was moved and seconded That the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 25, 2014 be adopted Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes CARRIED CARRIED Page 1 of3 ) Agricultural Advisory Committee Thursday, October 30, 2014 -Regular Meeting Minutes 4. New & Unfinished Business R14-027 5. R14-028 4.1 Budget After reviewing the budget presented by the Staff Liaison It was moved and seconded That the budget be adopted. CARRIED 4.2 Business Plan The Committee reviewed the draft business plan. The Staff Liaison will send an electronic copy of the plan to the committee for review. Feedback should be returned by mid-November. The plan will be revisited at the November 27 meeting. The committee discussed what types of agriculture related information could be measured and used for reporting in future years. 4.3 Golden Harvest financial statement The Staff Liaison provided an updated financial statement for review. The committee reviewed the statement and discussed the event. 4.4 Presentation to Council November 25, 2014 The Front Yard Garden Contest and Golden Harvest events will be highlighted in the presentation to Council. Sub Committee Reports 5.1 Golden Harvest Candace Gordon reported the overall impressions of the event: that it was an excellent event, well attended and with diverse and good food. In future years the plan is to keep the event a similar size and to continue to build on the success by improving restaurant diversity and emphasizing local food production and the local farming community. Goals for next year include reducing food costs and bringing in more funding from private groups. 5.2 Metro Vancouver Agricultural Advisory Committee Margaret Daskis reported she had recently attended a Metro Vancouver Agricultural Advisory Committee (MVAAC) meeting at which information on agricultural lease options was provided. Ms. Daskis presented to the committee a "Farming in Metro Vancouver" brochure (from the MVAAC meeting) and an invitation to a Future of Farming event. The Future of Farming event is on November 8, 2014 and the cost is $25 per person plus GST. It was moved and seconded That two committee members be sent to the Joel Saladin Future of Farming event. CARRIED Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes Page 2 of 3 Agricultural Advisory Committee Thursday, October 30, 2014 -Regular Meeting Minutes 5.3 Front Yard Food Garden Contest The results of the contest will be announced at the November 25th Council meeting. 5.4 Intersections The next Intersections event is tentatively set for March 2015. A facilitator may be brought in to help the different committees identify common goals and projects. 6. Correspondence Invitation for the Mayors Breakfast in Pitt Meadows received (and will be forwarded electronically to committee members) Certificate of Appreciation for the Agricultural Advisory Committee's contribution to Country Fest received Real Estate Foundation Public Opinion Poll Ministry of Agriculture Property Tax project and request for case studies -any suggested case studies should be sent to the Staff Liaison by Monday, November 3. 7. Roundtab/e Candace Gordon -provided updates on the Farmers Market food coupons program, and World Food Day. Bill Hardy -confirmed that committee terms are two years in length. Mr. Hardy updated the committee that regulations are being developed for the provincial Water Act and there are changes anticipated to pesticides rules. Al Kozak -would like to make a presentation to the committee about small farming and what factors encourage people to start farms. He also let the committee know about an upcoming Haney Farmers event coming up with a silent auction at the legion. Councillor Ashlie -requested that a discussion regarding the Water Act be added to an upcoming agenda. 8. Public Questions and Answers -Nil 9. 10. Chair /ss Next Meeting - Agenda Deadline - Location - Adjournment November 27, 2014 November 17, 2014 Blaney Room 9:15pm Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes Page 3 of3