Kane County Agriculture Committee met September 20.
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 Absent
Myrna Molina Board Member Present
Jarett Sanchez Board Member Present
Thomas Smith Chairman Present
Also present: Co. Bd. staff Nagel; Development staff Hill, Tansley; Health Dept.; Water Resources Dir. Wollnik; ITD staff Peters; Finance staff Dobersztyn; and members of the public including Steve Arnold with the Kane County Farm Bureau, Teresa Schryver of NIFB, and Ricki Chaidez, Project Manager for the Fresh and Local Rx Program.
2. Approval of Minutes: August 23, 2018
Result: Approved With 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
3. Public Comment
None
4. Partners
A. Kane County Farm Bureau Updates – Steve Arnold, Manager
Mr. Arnold shared a brief update on the first-ever livestock report in Illinois, noting the report highlighted the true environmental performance of livestock farms in the state. He promoted upcoming events including the Victory Mixer and the Ingredion Farm Tour. Arnold discussed the 10,000 gallon "Milk Challenge" which promotes and supports milk consumption in order to increase hunger awareness.
Referencing a PowerPoint presentation, Dir. Wollnik provided an overview of the Woodchip Bioreactor installation and shared pictures of the Field Day event in September. Brief discussion followed.
B. Northern Illinois Food Bank Updates - Teresa Schryver, Communications Specialist
Ms. Schryver shared a brief update noting September is Hunger Awareness month. She provided information on the 2018 Elgin Hunger Summit on September 20, an upcoming Round Table discussion, and the Food Bank tour on September 24.
5. Presentations/Announcements
A. Fresh & Local Rx Program Status Report - Ricki Chaidez, Project Manager
Referencing a PowerPoint presentation not included in the agenda packet, Ricki Chaidez provided background information on the Fresh & Local Rx program. She reviewed the goals of the project, funding, implementation, and the partnerships involved. The comprehensive pilot program was designed to gather data and increase the fruit and vegetable consumption in the community. Considerable discussion followed.
B. USDA Farm to School Grantee Gathering Recap - Matt Tansley, Land Use Planner
Referencing a PowerPoint presentation not included in the agenda packet, staff Tansley discussed the USDA Farm to School Grantee Gathering event. He covered the objectives, strategies, and budget report obligations. The event included a visit to a teaching farm in Detroit, Michigan. Brief discussion occurred.
C. Preliminary Research Findings on Farmland Protection Funding - Janice Hill, Executive Planner
Referencing a PowerPoint presentation not included in the agenda packet, staff Hill reported they have been looking into other funding sources for Farmland Protection. West Virginia recently imposed a Real Estate Transfer Tax with funding exclusively set aside for farmland preservation. Hill mentioned other states, such as New York and Maryland that are imposing similar taxes. She felt that collaborating with Water Resources could potentially boost funding as well. (Barreiro leaves @ 10:47 a.m.) Considerable discussion followed.
6. New Business
None
7. Reports Placed On File
Result: Place Written Reports On File [Unanimous]
Mover: Myrna Molina, Board Member
Seconder: Jarett Sanchez, 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: Margaret Auger, 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 11:06 am.
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