Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAAC 2014-11-27 minutes.pdfDeep Roots Grt~aler Haigllts City of Maple Ridge AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, held in the Blaney Room, at the Maple Ridge Municipal Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, on Thursday, November 27, 2014 at 7:00 pm. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Margaret Daskis, Chair Stephanie James Bill Hardy Chris Zabek Councillor Cheryl Ashlie Councillor Bob Masse Candace Gordon Ian Brooks Lorraine Bates Georgina Rodriguez Al Kozak STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Diana Hall Sunny Schiller COMMITTEE MEMBERS REGRETS Kimberly Lauzon, Vice-chair Craig Speirs 1. Call to Order & Introductions Community at Large Equestrian Agricultural Sector Community at Large Regional Agrologist, Ministry of Agriculture & Lands Council Liaison, Maple Ridge Council Liaison, Maple Ridge Community at Large Community at Large Agricultural Fair Board Agricultural Sector Agricultural Sector Staff Liaison, Planning Department Committee Clerk Community at Large Haney Farmer's Market There be ing a quorum present, the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. 2. R14-029 Adoption of the Agenda It was moved and seconded That the Agenda dated November 27, 2014 be adopted with the addition of Item 6.3 - Committee Recruitment. CARRIED Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes Page 1 of3 Agricultural Advisory Committee Thursday, November 27, 2014 -Regular Meeting Minutes 3. Adoption of the Agricultural Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes R14-030 It was moved and seconded That the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 30, 2014 be adopted. CARRIED 4. Presentations 4.1 Al Kozaks -"Stimulating Agriculture in Maple Ridge" Mr. Kozaks made a presentation which included a review of changing agricultural conditions in California and issues facing agriculture here in Maple Ridge. He outlined the steps involved in starting a small farm and recommended that the AAC focus on supporting small farms. He also provided ideas on how to improve farm profitability. The Committee discussed ideas and actions that would support local farms. 5. Public Questions and Answers -Nil 6. New & Unfinished Business 6.1 Business Plan Update The Staff Liaison advised the committee that the Business Plan had been submitted in October. The plan reflects the priorities from the business planning session in September. The Staff Liaison will email the plan to committee members. 6.2 November 25 AAC Presentation to Council The Staff Liaison shared highlights from the presentation made to Council on November 25. Councillors Ashlie and Masse were thanked for their service to the committee. 6.3 Committee Recruitment The status of committee recruitment was discussed. The Committee Clerk will communicate in writing with members whose terms are expiring to see if they are interested in serving another term. 7. Correspondence -Nil 8. Roundtable Bill Hardy -reported that the Grow and Gather Nursery had hosted the Farmers Market for five weekends. He feels it is a worthwhile project that they would like to continue to support. Al Kozak -encouraged committee members to bring specific proposals for programs to the next AAC meeting. Councillor Ashlie -suggested planning a presentation to MLAs in the next couple of months. Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes Page 2 of 3 Agricultural Advisory Committee Thursday, November 27, 2014 -Regular Meeting Minutes 9. 10. Chair /ss Chris Zabek -notified the committee about the upcoming Provincial Agricultural Advisory Workshop which is happening on Feb 18th, 2015 (probably in Langley). Invitations should be received in early January. Councillor Masse -reported he feels that the work of the committee should be better communicated to the public and to Council. Candace Gordon -shared that Golden Ears Feast had received a wonderful donation of seeds from Grow and Gather Nursery and these have been distributed to community groups. Suggestions of other groups that may be interested in seeds should be sent to Ms. Gordon. Ms. Gordon provided a handout listing programs that are raising funds for holiday meals. There are lots of opportunities to donate. Margaret Daskis -reported on the recent sale of a food company. Ms. Daskis participated in a recent BC Ministry of Agriculture project to develop learning modules on how to start a small food business. Next Meeting - Agenda Deadline - Location - Adjournment Thursday, January 22, 2015 Thursday, January 8, 2015 Blaney Room 8:59 pm Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes Page 3 of 3