HomeMy WebLinkAboutAAC 2019-09-26 minutes.pdfCity of Maple Ridge
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, held in the Blaney Room,
at Maple Ridge Municipal Hall on September 26, 2019 at 7:02 pm.
____________________________________________________________________________________
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Councillor Gordy Robson City of Maple Ridge
Councillor Ryan Svendsen City of Maple Ridge
Bill Hardy, Chair Member at Large
Al Kozak, Vice Chair Agricultural Sector
Andrew Pozsar Member at Large
Carla Schiller Agricultural Sector
Chris Zabek Ministry of Agriculture
Ian Brooks Member at Large
Michelle Franklin Member at Large
Pascale Shaw Agricultural Sector
Ryan Murphy Agricultural Sector
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Amanda Grochowich Staff Liaison / Planning Department
Erin Mark Committee Clerk
ABSENT
Candace Gordon Haney Farmers Market Society
James Zelinski Economic Development Committee Rep
Lorraine Bates Agricultural Fair Board
Shannon Lambie Agriculture Land Commission
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
R/2019-029
It was moved and seconded
That the September 26, 2019 Agricultural Advisory Committee agenda be approved as
circulated.
CARRIED
3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
R/2019-030
It was moved and seconded
That the minutes of the Maple Ridge Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting dated June 27,
2019 be amended as follows:
the last sentence under item 7.3 should be moved to item 7.2
and adopted as amended.
CARRIED
Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes
September 26, 2019
Page 2 of 3
4. DELEGATIONS - Nil
5. QUESTION PERIOD - Nil
6. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.1. 2020 Business Plan
The staff liaison presented the AAC Business Planning 2020-2024 document for discussion.
Pascale Shaw inquired about the Backyard Hens program. The staff liaison confirmed this
item was presented to Council on June 18, 2019 and the Council resolution was that no
further exploration of keeping backyard hens in Maple Ridge take place at this time.
R/2019-031
That the Agricultural Advisory Committee direct the staff liaison to amend the 2020 Business
Plan to include the following new deliverables:
1. Improve awareness and preparedness of Maple Ridge Agriculture with regard to climate
change
2. Develop recommendations for reductions in taxation to make Maple Ridge more
hospitable for farmers
3. Develop recommendations for reductions in water metering rates to make Maple Ridge
more hospitable for farmers
4. Develop recommendations regarding land use and site coverage for agricultural zoned
properties
CARRIED
7. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1. Food Garden Contest
Carla Schiller shared some highlights about the judging of the nominations. Ms. Schiller was
pleased with the entries and suggested additional promotions next year to get more people
involved. A presentation by the subcommittee will be made to Council in the near future.
7.2 Education
Al Kozak provided an update on the Education subcommittee, the subcommittee will be
meeting with City Communications & IT staff this fall.
7.3 Promotion of Agriculture
The staff liaison confirmed that the Metro Vancouver Agriculture Awareness Grant for the
Booth in the Box has been received and they intend to have the Booth ready to use at an
upcoming community event.
8. CORRESPONDENCE - Nil
Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes
September 26, 2019
Page 3 of 3
9. ROUNDTABLE
Members provided verbal reports on local agricultural topics and activities.
10. ADJOURNMENT – 8:35 pm.
“original signed by B. Hardy”
Bill Hardy, Chair
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