Kane County Agriculture Committee met Sept. 21.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call To Order
Chairman Kenyon called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM.
2. Roll Call
PRESENT Board Member Michael Kenyon
Board Member Bill Roth
Board Member Leslie Juby
Board Member Jarett Sanchez
Board Member Rick Williams
Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog
Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Vern Tepe
REMOTE Board Member Deborah Allan
ABSENT Board Member Bill Lenert
Also present: Co. Bd. members Bates*, Daugherty*, Kious*, Lewis, Molina*, Strathmann*; Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff & staff Tansley, Hill*, Thavong; Environ. & Water Res. Dir. Wollnik; Spec. ASA Shepro*; ITD staff Peters; and members of the press and public including KCFB Manager Arnold & NIFB Advocacy Specialist Incandela.
3. Remote Attendance Requests
Chairman Kenyon announced the remote attendance requests for today's meeting. He asked the Committee if there were any objections to Committee Member Allan attending today's meeting remotely. There were no objections.
4. Approval of Minutes: August 17, 2023
RESULT: APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
MOVER: Bill Roth
5. Public Comment (Agenda Items)
None.
6. Partners
A. Kane County Farm Bureau Updates (Steve Arnold, Manager)
Committee Chair Kenyon spoke on the success of the success of the recent fundraising gala at Goebert's Farm where $90K was raised for scholarships. Steve Arnold, Kane County Farm Bureau, announced the kick off their Harvest Sale which begins September 22. He touched on the gala event which was very successful. They gave away a vintage 1965 International Harvester pick-up truck and the winner was a Batavia resident. Arnold mentioned that the harvest season has begun and the yield reports look good. This is also the beginning of what is referred to as the policy season. The Farm Bureau's annual meeting will be held in Chicago during the month of December. Arnold added that the farm bureau participated with the Chicago Wilderness Alliance in a series of farm tours in Kane County. The focus was on ornamental horticulture particularly at the flower farms. (County Board Vice Chair Tepe left at 10:13 a.m.) Arnold addressed questions and comments from the Committee.
B. Northern Illinois Food Bank Updates (Corey Incandela, Advocacy Specialist)
NIFB Advocacy Specialist Corey Incandela provided and update on their 2023 fiscal year final numbers. In 2023, an average of 66K neighbors were served per month compared to 2022 when 47K were served per month. The 2024 fiscal year began July 1. In July 61K neighbors were served and in August 64K were served which shows there is still a great need. Over 10K meals were served in the 2023 fiscal year, which is up from 84M meals in the 2023 fiscal year. He indicated that NIFB has been advocating for a strong farm bill that would include SNAP, Emergency Food Assistance Program, and additional funding for local food banks. Incandela mentioned that if the Federal Government shut down were to take place, SNAP benefits would be affected if it lasted into November. Internal reimbursements for the food bank could be delayed as well. Incandela addressed questions and comments from the Committee.
7. Presentations/Announcements
A. Growing for Kane Updates (Matt Tansley, Planner)
Dev. staff Matt Tansley reported that they have met with the American Farm Trust at Steve Ruh's farm in Kaneville. This was one of the first farms to be added to the Farmland Protection Program. Tansley then provided a report on the Livestock Market Assessment. There was a livestock survey that was taken where 16 farmers responded. Five livestock farmers were then interviewed. These interviewees operated farms in western Kane County and represent over 10,700 acres of production. The most common production categories were beef and eggs. The average farm size is approximately 215 acres but most farms are smaller. It was determined that access to meat processors are needed in the area. Many of the farmers have to travel to other counties for this service. Farmers in Kane County also expressed the need for more land. Half of those interviewed have their animals in multiple locations. Sometimes, their animals are located an hour away. Processing, sales, and project timelines were also discussed. Tansley addressed questions and comments from the Committee. B. Water Resources Updates (Jodie Wollnik, Director)
Environ. & Water Res. Dir. Wollnik indicated that her department is working on a demonstration project for the watershed benefit measures, which is an alternative to Stormwater detention. They are hoping to provide pollinator resources to farms. By spreading these areas with pollinator vegetation throughout the county, this will help support the bee population. Wollnik then reported the Climate Action Implantation Plan. The consultant, Pale Blue Dot, has provided over 500 action items relative to farms and local foods. The team has gone thru and rated the 500 options. They will be meeting to continue these efforts and provide options for farmers to reduce operational costs and improve the environment. Next Wollnik stated that their nutrient strategy team at the state level will be meeting on November 2, 2023. She will provide an update on nutrient strategies and how they relate to farming in Kane County, after they meet. Lastly, Wollnik mentioned that they are working with several drainage districts throughout the county to help with improvement. She is hoping to do some cost-sharing using ARPA funding. Wollnik responded to questions and comments.
8. New Business
A. Development & Community Services Department Budget Presentation (Mark VanKerkhoff, Director)
Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff provided the Development and Community Services Department FY24 Budget presentation. He indicated that his department has a number of programs that it supports. He currently has two key positions that are vacant: GIS Specialist and Planner. Because of the new budget policy, these two positions are not automatically rolled into their 2024 budget. They do show up, however, in their supplemental request. These are not new positions. These are positions that have not been filled since the previous two employees have departed. His focus is to request the reinstatement of these two positions who support the administration of almost $16M in grant funds. He indicated that the job descriptions have been revised. The GIS Specialist will also have more of a Planner role to support the grand administration and to apply for grants. The Planner position will be revamped to a Farmland Preservation Administrator. He explained the funding sources for both of these positions. VanKerkhoff then went through the different grants and funds that support his department. Questions and comments from the committee were addressed. Discussion ensued.
9. Reports Placed On File
RESULT: APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
MOVER: Bill Roth
10. Executive Session (if needed)
None.
11. Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)
None.
12. Adjournment
RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE
MOVER: Bill Roth
SECONDER: Jarett Sanchez
This meeting was adjourned at 10:59 AM.
https://www.countyofkane.org/MeetingMinutes/6704/23-09-21.pdf
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