Kane County Agriculture Committee met March 22.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
1. Call to Order
Chairman Smith called the meeting to order at 10:00 am.
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Margaret Auger Board Member Present
Theresa Barreiro Board Member Present
Don Ishmael Board Member Absent
Michael Kenyon Vice Chair Present
Myrna Molina Board Member Present
Jarett Sanchez Board Member Present
Thomas Smith Chairman Present
Also present: Co. Bd. staff Nagel; Development Dir. VanKerkhoff & staff Hill, Tansley; ITD staff Peters; Finance staff Dobersztyn; and members of the press and public including Steve Arnold with the Kane County Farm Bureau, Teresa Schryver of NIFB, and Tony and Sharon Pferschy of the Garlic Breath Farm.
2. Approval of Minutes: February 22, 2018
Result: Approved With Voice Vote [Unanimous]
Mover: Myrna Molina, Board Member
Seconder: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member
Ayes: Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Michael Kenyon, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Thomas Smith
Absent: Don Ishmael
3. Public Comment
None
4. Partners
A. Kane County Farm Bureau Updates - Steve Arnold, Manager
Mr. Arnold introduced Wyatt Williamson of the Illinois Farm Bureau Management Training program. Arnold discussed the Lunches to Legislators program and the Annual Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference in Springfield. He noted the 35th annual AG Days had 1,015 fourth graders attend. The Farm Bureau is planning a tour for the new US EPA Administrator. Arnold promoted the annual Touch-A-Tractor event on April 6-8. They hope to give out about 20 scholarships for next year. Arnold provided Quick View handouts and their newsletter Link. In response to a question, Mr. Williamson provided an update on the drought situation in Nebraska.
B. Northern Illinois Food Bank Updates - Teresa Schryver, Communications Specialist
Ms. Schryver provided an update a recent trip to Washington DC where her group met with 11 Congressmen. She discussed an upcoming conference in Springfield on May 8-9. Last Friday, NIFB held their Ace Conference. They had 180 attendees that packed the building. Schryver promoted the Coffee with Congressman Hultgren next Thursday and their third annual Follow the Bus Tour at the end of April.
C. Garlic Breath Farm - Tony & Sharon Pferschy
Referencing a presentation not included in the agenda packet, Tony and Sharon Pferschy shared an overview of their family run farm. They grow about 30,000 bulbs of garlic each year. Ms. Pferschy discussed the varieties of garlic they harvest and the health benefits. She shared information on where their products are available. Brief discussion followed. (Kenyon leaves @ 10:22 a.m.)
5. Presentations/Announcements
A. Fresh & Local Rx 2019 Funding Proposal - Matt Tansley, Land Use Planner
Referencing a PowerPoint presentation included in the agenda packet, staff Tansley provided an update on the Fresh and Local Rx 2019 program noting they recently submitted an application for the AstraZeneca Healthcare Foundation Grant. He discussed the grant parameters and timeline. The grant total is up to $150,000. Tansley shared an overview of proposed expansion ideas for the program. He provided background information on the healthcare partners and providers involved. Tansley concluded with a recap on farmer trainings.
B. Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA) Conference and Award - Janice Hill, Executive Planner
Referencing a presentation not included in the agenda packet, staff Hill discussed the ILFMA 2018 Annual Conference held on March 14. At the event, Chairman Smith received the 1028 Innovation Award. Hill shared photos from the event. She discussed the speakers, sessions, vendors and products sold. She discussed the ILFMA Farmer Fly-In to Washington D.C. Referencing a news clip; Hill discussed the Healthy Savings program where employers encourage employees to earn extra discounts when purchasing local and fresh products. Brief discussion followed.
6. New Business
Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff reported the USDA has announced their grants with a submission cutoff within the next 30 days. Hill and Tansley will be working with partners and their consultant on the applications. VanKerkhoff stated they will need to utilize leftover funds from a previous grant as a match to qualify for the USDA grants. He noted his appreciation of Hill and Tansley for their work on grant funding. Hill announced they just received a grant from the Illinois Master Gardner for the kids’ garden at the JJC. They have some funds leftover from the Fit for Kids that will be used for the raised beds. The Master Gardner grant will provide volunteers and funds for the plants and soil.
7. Reports Placed On File
Result: Place Written Reports On File [Unanimous]
Mover: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member
Seconder: Theresa Barreiro, Board Member
Ayes: Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Thomas Smith
Absent: Don Ishmael, Michael Kenyon
8. Executive Session (If Needed)
None
9. Adjournment
Result: Adjourned By Voice Vote [Unanimous]
Mover: Theresa Barreiro, Board Member
Seconder: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member
Ayes: Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Thomas Smith
Absent: Don Ishmael, Michael Kenyon
This meeting was adjourned at 11:02 am.
http://kanecountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=2065&Inline=True
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