HomeMy WebLinkAboutAAC 2015-10-22 minutes.pdf)
City of Maple Ridge
AGR/CUL TURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, held in the Blaney Room,
at Maple Ridge Municipal Hall on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 7:00 pm.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Margaret Daskis, Chair
Stephanie James
Al Kozak
Ian Brooks
Chris Zabek
Kimberley Lauzon, Vice Chair
Councillor Speirs
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Siobhan Murphy
Sunny Schiller
REGRETS/ABSENTS
Bill Hardy
Lorraine Bates
Jennifer Zickerman
Candace Gordon
Councillor Duncan
Tony Pellet
Community at Large
Equestrian Agricultural Sector
Agricultural Sector
Member at Large
Regional Agrologist, Ministry of Agriculture & Lands
Member at Large
City of Maple Ridge
Staff Liaison / Planner 2
Committee Clerk
Member at Large
Agricultural Fair Board
Agricultural Sector
Haney Farmers Market
City of Maple Ridge
Agricultural Land Commission
As quorum was not achieved it was decided to begin with Item 5.1 Raising funds for
agricultural Initiatives. Al Kozak made a presentation entitled "Vision to Grow Agriculture in
Maple Ridge". The existing markets for farmers were explained. Mr. Kozak presented a
vision to increase markets and initiated a discussion on how funds could be raised to
advance the vision. Members discussed the ideas presented and agreed to revisit the item
at the next meeting.
Councillor Speirs entered at 7:45 pm. Quorum was achieved at this time.
1. CALL TO ORDER
There being a quorum present, the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:52 pm.
2. AGENDA ADOPTION
R15-016
It was moved and seconded
That the Agenda be adopted.
CARRIED
AAC Minutes
October 22, 2015
Page 2 of 3
3. MINUTE ADOPTION
R15-017
It was moved and seconded
That the Minutes of September 24, 2015 be approved.
4. DELEGATIONS -Nil
5. NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Raising Funds for Agricultural Initiatives
Previously dealt with prior to Item 1.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.1 Business Plan
CARRIED
The Staff Liaison presented the draft 2016 business plan. Many items were carried
over from the 2015 plan as a result of the lack of AAC meetings during this year.
Accomplishments from 2015 include member recruitment, the awarding of financial
grants, the review of the agricultural plan, Golden Harvest, and the food garden
contest. Planning for next year was discussed.
6.2
R15-018
Backyard Chickens
The Staff Liaison shared the information gathered from local municipalities regarding
their backyard chicken programs.
It was moved and seconded
That the development of a program and/or bylaw in regards to the keeping of backyard
chickens be recommended to Council.
CARRIED
7. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1 Food Garden Contest
Stephanie James reported on the Food Garden awards presentation at a recent
Council meeting. The presentation was well attended by the contest winners. The
contest was well received by the community and will be continued on in future years.
7 .2 Golden Harvest
Kim Lauzon reported on another successful Golden Harvest event. The contributions
of the volunteers were commended. Positive feedback has been received from
attendees and participating restaurants and schools. Ms. Lauzon shared
recommendations for next year. The final accounting will be presented at the next
meeting.
)
AAC Minutes
October 22, 2015
Page 3 of 3
7.3 Agricultural Plan -Table and Letter update
The information prepared will go to Council Workshop October 19, 2015.
7.4 Metro Vancouver Water Supply Forum Update
The Chair provided an update from Metro Vancouver. An agenda for a Water Supply
Forum is being developed for next year. The Chair reported that Dr. Kent Mullinix,
Director, Institute for Sustainable Food Systems with Kwantlen Polytechnic University
will provide a full update report by the end of the calendar year. It was suggested
that he be invited to the January AAC meeting.
The Chair shared a proposal for a lecture series for next year. Suggestions can be
forwarded to Candace Gordon.
Councillor Speirs left the meeting at 9:00 pm.
8. CORRESPONDENCE
9. ROUNDTABLE
Al Kozak reported that the "young farmers", Katie Robinson and Josh Baker, who presented
to AAC earlier this year have found a property in Maple Ridge. It was suggested that they be
invited back to share their experience locating a piece of agricultural land.
Chris Zabek left the meeting at 9:03 pm.
Ian Brooks requested that water availability and pricing be added to the November AAC
agenda.
The salination of fresh water was discussed.
10. QUESTION PERIOD
11. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:07 pm.
Chair
/ss