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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-13* Subject to Advisory Committee Approval * Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting Minutes Date: Thursday, June 13, 2024 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Microsoft Teams or Meeting Room 1 C, Municipal Administrative Centre 40 Temperance St., Bowmanville, Ontario Members Present: Henry Zekveld (Chair), Tom Barrie, Eric Bowman, Brenda Metcalf, Richard Rekker, Jennifer Knox, John Cartwright, Craig Rickard, Jordan McKay, Mitch Morawetz (DRFA) Regrets: Councillor Zwart, Ryan Cullen Staff Present: Sylvia Jennings, Amanda Crompton, Tony Ricciardi — Planning and Infrastructure Services Guests: Allison De Vos — Invest Durham 1. Welcome and Introductions H. Zekveld welcomed all to the meeting, with introductions. 2. Land Acknowledgement Statement H. Zekveld recited Clarington's Land Acknowledgement Statement. 3. Declarations of Interest None 4. Approval of Minutes of March 14, 2024, and May 9, 2024 024-007 Moved by Richard Rekker, Seconded by Brenda Metcalf That the Minutes of the March 14, 2024, meeting by approved. Carried 024-008 Moved by Eric Bowman, Seconded by Craig Rickard That the Minutes of the May 9, 2024, meeting by approved. Carried 5. Presentations / Delegations 5a. Presentation on the Rural Capital Works Update T. Ricciardi shared a presentation on 2024 Capital Works projects. He noted that there are relatively fewer rural projects this year. He reviewed new and renovated parks that are being worked on this year including the Newcastle Neighbourhood Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington June 13, 2024 Park near Diane Hamre Recreation Complex, a new park on the former Bowmanville Zoo lands, the Northglen Neighbourhood Park, Rose Park in Newtonville, and upgrades at the South Courtice Arena. Work on culverts and structures was reviewed. Other projects were noted including roadside protection, soil management and a new site alteration by-law, road rehabilitation at Brown Street, and High and O'Dell Streets (one project). Streetscape, sidewalk and streetlighting improvements, and a grade separation at Cobbledick and Bennett Road. T. Ricciardi also passed on an update from Public Works that ditching and rural road surfacing and sealing was recently completed. T. Ricciardi answered questions from the Committee. The Environmental Assessment for the Longworth Avenue extension was discussed. The Committee noted challenges that farm equipment may have when roads are reconstructed and/or modified and suggested consultation with agricultural stakeholders could provide information that could improve safety and access. T. Ricciardi noted the Committee's concerns and will pass them along to Municipal Staff and the Region of Durham. 6. Business Arising from Previous Meeting 6a. Motion on Stormwater Management Fees S. Jennings reviewed the discussion regarding Stormwater Management Fees at the last meeting. The Committee discussed the matter and passed the following motion. 024-009 Moved by Tom Barrie, Seconded by Richard Rekker Whereas Stormwater Management fees are intended for urban infrastructure needs and flood prevention, the Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington believes that agricultural operations on agricultural properties should be exempt from paying Stormwater Management fees in the Municipality of Clarington, should these fees be considered for implementation by the Municipality. Carried 6b. Railway Maintenance Conflicts Motion S. Jennings reviewed the delegation and discussion that occurred at the previous meeting on May 9, 2024. The Committee determined that this matter shall be deferred until the next meeting when more information may be available as a result of discussions with CNR between Municipal Staff and Councillor Zwart. S. Jennings will relay any available information at the next meeting. 7. Correspondence, Council Items and Referrals S. Jennings shared the following for information: • North Durham Policv Review on Aariculture-Related and On -Farm Diversified Activities • Region of Durham Notice of asphalt sealing on Regional Roads • Proposed zoning by-law amendment to add definition of "farm building" • Report on Rodenticide Ban at Municipal Facilities • Notice of Class Environment Assessment for new Hvdro Transmission Line Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington June 13, 2024 Committee members discussed the North Durham Policy Review item. A. De Vos and S. Jennings answered questions related to the project and how it may affect Clarington. The scope of the current project is only the North Durham municipalities but may influence policies in other Durham local area municipalities. Committee members discussed the recommendations in the Rodenticide Ban in Municipal Facilities Staff Report and reiterated their concerns with expanding the program. Committee members discussed the new hydro transmission line item and noted that there did not appear to be early consultation with property owners. 8. Liaison Reports 8a. Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee — T. Barrie T. Barrie provided the update. The consultant working on the North Durham Policy Review Study presented to the Committee. The Hamilton -Oshawa Port Authority is expanding their fertilizer business to include urea and potash and is searching for a grain merchandizer. The DAAC Farm Tour is September 26. 8b. Durham Region Federation of Agriculture M. Morawetz provided the update. DRFA will be attending the Touch a Truck Event on August 23. The Region of Durham and Durham Farm Connections are currently looking to hire summer students. The next meeting is June 18 and will feature a presentation on the North Durham Policy Review Study. 8c. Durham Farm Connections — B. Metcalf B. Metcalf provided the update. Precision Agriculture Day was a success. 8d. Durham Agricultural Economic Development Update — A. De Vos A. De Vos provided an update. Precision Agriculture Day was held with help from Durham Farm Connections, Algoma Orchards, and the Barrie Farm. Approximately 100 high school students attended and were shown a wide variety of farming techniques and technologies. Conversations are ongoing with the Hamilton -Oshawa Port Authority, and grain infrastructure upgrades at the Oshawa Port are expected to be complete by the end of the fall. The Agri -food Gateway Program is kicking off on June 24. 9. New Business 9a. Suggestions for Future Speakers J. Cartwright raised that previously the local fire chief regularly presented to the Committee and suggested that the new fire chief would be a good future guest. E. Bowman suggested a presentation from Public Works. S. Jennings noted the suggestions and will follow up. She noted that suggestions for future speakers are always encouraged. 10. Date of Next Meeting August 8, 2024 Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington June 13, 2024 11. Adjournment 024-010 Moved by John Cartwright, Seconded by Eric Bowman That the meeting adjourn at 9:35 p.m. Carried Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington June 13, 2024