Kane County Agriculture Committee met April 18.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
Chairman Kenyon called the meeting to order at 10:11 a.m.
| Title | Status | |
| Michael Kenyon | Chairman | Present |
| Chris Kious | Board Member | Present |
| Tom Koppie | Board Member | Present |
| Myrna Molina | Board Member | Present |
| Jarett Sanchez | Board Member | Present |
| Susan Starrett | Board Member | Present |
| Penny Wegman | Board Member | Present |
2. Approval of Minutes: March 21, 2019
RESULT: APPROVED WITH VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Chris Kious, Board Member
SECONDER: Susan Starrett, Board Member
AYES: Michael Kenyon, Chris Kious, Tom Koppie, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Susan Starrett, Penny Wegman
3. Public Comment
None
4. Partners
A. Kane County Farm Bureau Updates - Steve Arnold, Manager
Referencing a handout not included in the agenda packet, Arnold provided an update on the 10,000- gallon Milk Challenge. The Luck-E Holsteins Farm in Hampshire donated $1,800 to the Milk Challenge. It was noted that exemption applications for the Storm Water Ordinance are available at the Kane County Farm Bureau. Arnold and Chair Kenyon met recently with State Representatives to discuss "The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement "(USMCA) the proposed replacement for the "North American Free Trade Agreement" (NAFTA). This trade supports 22,000 jobs in Illinois.
B. Northern Illinois Food Bank Updates - Teresa Schryver, Communications Specialist None
5. Presentations/Announcements
A. Kane County Health Ranking - Stacy Zeng, Health Planner
Referencing a PowerPoint presentation included in the agenda packet, Zeng noted Kane County was ranked the sixth healthiest County. Kane tied with Kendall and tied for number one in the Best Food Environment Index Score. Results from the 2018 Community Health Assessment suggested a decline in fruits and vegetables by children. The Kane County Fit for Kids program is selling plots for gardening in Aurora and surrounding areas. Brief conversation occurred.
B. Kane County Farmer Needs Assessment - Matt Tansley, Planner
Referencing a PowerPoint presentation included in the agenda packet, staff Tansley provided information on an Assessment Survey for Kane County’s Food Farmers. The Assessment will consist of phone interviews with farmers and an online survey. The information will be used to determine the needs of farmers in Kane County and to make recommendations to the Growing for Kane programs.
C. Review of 2017 Agriculture Census - Janice Hill, Executive Planner
Staff Hill reviewed a report not included in the agenda packet reviewing. The 2017 Agriculture Census, demonstrated a drop in the number of farms across the nation. The Census information will be studied to determine how it applies to Kane County farmers. Farm size in Kane County has decreased in correlation to the national trend. Research from the USDA showed the more financially successful farms tended to focus on single products such as meat, honey, mushrooms. A discussion of farm size and sale of farm products to the public ensued. Land Use Planning was highlighted.
6. New Business
None
7. Reports Placed On File
RESULT: PLACE WRITTEN REPORTS ON FILE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member
SECONDER: Susan Starrett, Board Member
AYES: Michael Kenyon, Chris Kious, Tom Koppie, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Susan Starrett, Penny Wegman
8. Executive Session (If Needed)
None
9. Adjournment
RESULT: ADJOURNED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Penny Wegman, Board Member
SECONDER: Chris Kious, Board Member
AYES: Michael Kenyon, Chris Kious, Tom Koppie, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Susan Starrett, Penny Wegman
This meeting adjourned at 11:14 a.m.
http://kanecountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=2365&Inline=True
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