Kane County Agriculture Committee met March 23.

By Philip Gonzales

May 9, 2017

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

1. Call to Order

Vice Chair Kenyon called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM.

Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Margaret Auger Board Member Present Theresa Barreiro Board Member Late 10:04 AM Don Ishmael Board Member Present Michael Kenyon Vice Chair Present Myrna Molina Board Member Present Jarett Sanchez Board Member Present Thomas Smith Chairman Absent

Also present: Co. Bd. member Lewis, Wojnicki & staff Nagel; Development staff Hill, Tansley; Env. staff Wollnik; Finance staff Dobersztyn; ITD staff Nardone; and members of the press and public including Steve Arnold with the Kane County Farm Bureau and Teresa Schryver with NIFB.

2. Approval of Minutes: February 23, 2017

Result: Approved with Voice Vote [Unanimous]

Mover: Don Ishmael, Board Member

Seconder: Myrna Molina, Board Member

Ayes: Margaret Auger, Don Ishmael, Michael Kenyon, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez

Absent: Theresa Barreiro, Thomas Smith

3. Public Comment

None

4. Partners

A change in the agenda followed.

A. Northern Illinois Food Bank (NIFB) Updates – Teresa Schryver

NIFB staff Schryver discussed the Illinois Farm Bureau Farm Bill work session. She noted the Hunger Summit will take place in May at Springfield. Referencing a handout, Schryver promoted NIFB’s three 5k races this summer. (Barreiro arrives @ 10:04 a.m.) Brief conversation followed.

B. Kane County Farm Bureau Updates - Steve Arnold, Manager

Mr. Arnold provided an update on programs and legislation they have been working on. He promoted Touch-A-Tractor on April 7-9, 2017 and their Paint and Sip Party on March 31, 2017. Brief conversation followed.

C. Lenkaitis Holsteins Dairy Farm - Sarah & Andy Lenkaitis Referencing a presentation not included in the agenda packet, Mr. & Mrs. Lenkaitis provided background on the history of their farm. Since 1983, it has grown from 5 animals to over 100. They are a conventional dairy farm, not organic. Their milk is distributed through Deans Foods in Huntley. A majority of their income comes from milk sales with the rest from Holstein breeding sales. The Lenkaitis’ shared the challenges and opportunities of running a farm in the area. Andy and Sarah took over the farm management in 2014, they currently have three generations of their family working there. They provided information on future expansion ideas and their next steps. Considerable discussion followed.

5. Presentations/Announcements

A. Stormwater Committee Updates - Jodie Wollnik, Assistant Director of Environmental and Water Resources Staff Wollnik reported the first Stormwater Committee meeting was held in February. At the meeting they elected the chair and vice chair, and updated the bylaws. In April, they will approve members of the technical advisory committee. This committee will look at various sections of the ordinance with a consultant and make recommendations. They are also looking to appoint members to an agricultural subcommittee in order to address stormwater issues relating to the agricultural community. Brief discussion followed.

B. Growing for Kane Updates - Janice Hill, Executive Planner & Matt Tansley, Land Use Planner Referencing a PowerPoint presentation included in the agenda packet, staff Hill provided an update on the Food Hub readiness projects currently underway. Staff Tansley shared information on the site search results noting they have also been uploaded to the project website. He discussed the grant program funds pursued and shared a timeline for the project activities. Tansley reported they have concluded the site and operator search. Their next step will be to organize a selection committee to review the operator position candidates. Brief discussion followed.

6. New Business

None

7. Reports Placed On File

Result: Place Written Reports On File [Unanimous]

Mover: Margaret Auger, Board Member

Seconder: Theresa Barreiro, Board Member

Ayes: Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Don Ishmael, Michael Kenyon, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez

Absent: Thomas Smith

8. Executive Session (If Needed)

None

9. Adjournment

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