Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAAC 2016-04-28 minutes.pdf_j City of Maple Ridge AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Agricultural Ad visory Committee, held in the Blaney Room, at Maple Ridge Municipal Hall on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 7:00 pm. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Margaret Daskis, Chair Jennifer Zickerman Bill Hardy Al Kozak Candace Gordon Ian Brooks Stephanie Jam es, Vice-Chai r Lorraine Bates Coun cillor Speirs STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Siobhan Murphy Sunny Schiller Lisa Grant REGRETS/ABSENTS Kimberley Lauzon Tony Pellet Chris Zabek 1. CALL TO ORDER Community at Large Agricultural Sector Member at Large Agricultural Sector Haney Farmers Market Society Member at Large Equestrian Agricultu ral Sector Agricultural Fair Board City of Maple Ridge Staff Liaison / Planner 2 Committee Clerk Planning Member at Large Agricultural Land Commission Regional Agrologist, Ministry of Agriculture & Lands There being a quorum present the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. Ms. Daskis introduced Lisa Grant, who recently joined the Planning Department and will be transitioning into the Staff Liaison role over the next few months. 2. AGENDA ADOPTION R16-009 It was moved and seconded That the Agenda be amended to add Item 4.6 Agriculture Award for Local Governments and be adopted as amended. CARRIED ~AC Minutes April 28, 2016 Page 2 of 5 3. MINUTE ADOPTION R16-010 It was moved and seconded That the Minutes of March 24, 2016 be adopted. 4. NEW BUSINESS 4.1 True North Fraser website CARRIED The Staff Liaison reported she had contacted the design firm that originally created the True North Fraser website. Copies of the logo and other materials have been obtained and filed. R16-011 It was moved and seconded That the AAC administer the True North Fraser program on an interim basis until the branding process is complete. DEFEATED Margaret Daskis, Jennifer Zickerman, Bill Hardy, Al Kozak, Lorraine Bates, Ian Brooks, Stephanie James, Candace Gordon -OPPOSED \ J R16-012 It was moved and seconded That a subcommittee be struck to review the work of the True North Fraser brand and program and move it forward. CARRIED Bill Hardy, Jennifer Zickerman, Stephanie James, and Margaret Daskis volunteered to serve on the True North Fraser subcommittee. It was suggested the subcommittee liaise with Lino Siracusa, Economic Development Manager. 4.2 Draft Funding Requests Application Form A draft application was provided by the Staff Liaison and was reviewed by the Committee. 4.3 Invitation to Pitt Meadows AAC -Joint Meeting It was decided to setup a joint PM MR AAC meeting in late June. Bill Hardy offered to host a barbeque. The Staff Liaison will contact the PM AAC to schedule. AAC Minutes April 28, 2016 Page 3 of 5 4.4 Potential Fall Speakers The Chair suggested inviting Mike Manion as a delegation to a fall meeting. Mr. Manion is involved in agriculture technology. Suggestions for future speakers were discussed. 4.5 Exploring using Municipal Lots for Community Gardens The Staff Liaison provided information on the setup of community gardens on municipal property. It was suggested that Dave Speers, Recreation Coordinator, be invited to speak at a future meeting to provide information on the setup of the existing the Intergenerational Garden and to communicate the support of MC for the establishment of more gardens. 4.6 Agriculture Award for Local Governments Information was provided on a newly announced provincial award for local governments that support growing local. The Staff Liaison will investigate the criteria required for the award and report to a future meeting. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1 Report to Council -Wonky Produce Advocacy Request Stephanie James provided information on her recent discussion with a local farmer regarding getting less than perfect, "wonky" produce accepted for sale by major grocery stores. After discussion it was decided MC will focus on educating the public about using wonky produce. 5.2 Metro Vancouver MC Update The Chair reported on the latest Metro Vancouver MC. A Water Forum is planned for November. Ms. Daskis will bring back a report from Metro Vancouver MC in regards to municipal water pricing to the next meeting. 5.3 Food Garden Contest Plans for the 2016 Food Garden Contest were discussed, including the suggestion of finding an outside judge. Judging is done in August. The Staff Liaison will request an updated poster from Communications. 5.4 Kwantlen Project Update The Staff Liaison reported Kwantlen will have update available in September. 6. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS 6.1 Golden Harvest 2016 Subcommittee Update October 16th has been set as the date for Golden Harvest 2016. The coordinator job description is ready to be advertised. Subcommittee membership was confirmed as Candace Gordon, Lorraine Bates and the Staff Liaison. 6.2 Education Subcommittee Al Kozak provided an update on the upcoming agriculture education event planned for June 9th. Confirmed speakers for the event include Chris Zabek, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands and Al Kozak. AAC Minutes "' April 28, 2016 Page 4 of 5 7. CORRESPONDENCE 8. ROUNDTABLE Committee members introduced themselves to Ms. Grant and provided roundtable updates. The Staff Liaison reported the Albion Flats Area Plan is being updated for Council's review. 9. QUESTION PERIOD 10. ADJOURNMENT It was moved and seconded That the meeting be adjourned at 9:31 pm. Chair /ss