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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-08-25 Minutes Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington August 25th, 2016 I:\^Department\LDO NEW FILING SYSTEM\Committees\AACC\Agricultural Committee Board\Draft Minutes_Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting_25'08'16.docx Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting Thursday, Aug 25th, 2016 Members Present: Elgin Greenham Brenda Metcalf Les Caswell Tim Sargent Don Rickard Jennifer Knox John Cartwright Henry Zekveld Ted Watson Regrets: Councillor Partner, Eric Bowman, Tom Barrie, MaryAnn Found Guests: Mike Porporo, Mark Lindquist, Terry-Lynn Wright, MPAC Staff: Faye Langmaid, Planning Services Brenda welcomed all to the meeting, with introductions. Adoption of Agenda 016-20 Moved by John Cartwright, seconded by Les Caswell “That the Agenda for August 25th 2016 be adopted” Carried Approval of Minutes 016-21 Moved by Ted Watson, seconded by Donald Rickard “That the minutes of the July 14th, 2016 meeting be approved” Carried Presentation: Mike, Mark and Terry-Lynn provided an overview of how property assessments and in particular how the farm assessments are calculated. MPAC investigates sales to ensure they are sales of lands to a farmer. In addition Ministry of Finance recommended that for farm sales, MPAC can use sales back to 2008 (6-8 years) unlike residential. Mike demonstrated the information that can be found at https://www.aboutmyproperty.ca/ it is highly recommended that when reviewing your assessments that you take advantage of the tools and comparators provided. There is a wealth of information that can be gleaned on the site and you can drill down on your individual properties using your roll number(s), you can log in using your home farm and then link the remainder of your assessments (if you are a multiple property owner). Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington August 25th, 2016 I:\^Department\LDO NEW FILING SYSTEM\Committees\AACC\Agricultural Committee Board\Draft Minutes_Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting_25'08'16.docx Business Arising Farmer’s Parade of Lights, Eric is working with DRPS and Region on alternate route. 407 Issues It was noted that we should have BBI back on a regular basis during the construction to address issues, a 10-15 minute update from them would suffice, just to address ongoing issue. CBOT has been involved in trying to work out signage for the Country Path (a group of rural businesses, B + B’s and farm gate sales as the detours have impacted their businesses. 016-22 Moved by Don Rickard, seconded by Henry Zekveld Whereas the Clarington Board of Trade and Office of Economic Development has been very supportive of the agricultural industry in Clarington; and Whereas agriculture is the #1 industry in Clarington and Durham; and Whereas agriculture is necessary for food security; and Whereas Clarington has some of the best agricultural land in Canada, particularly adjacent to the current urban boundaries, and in the "whitebelt" areas; and Whereas the Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington provides advice to Council; Therefore, the AACC commends the Clarington Board of Trade and Office of Economic Development support of the agricultural sector including the • development of the Clarington Farmer’s Market • development of the Barn Door Directory; • promotion of the agricultural sector in publications; • appointment of an agricultural advisor to the CBOT Board • having, to date , three successful agricultural summits for the agriculture and agrifood industries in Clarington • hosting a roundtable with the Minister of Agriculture It is, in part because of this support that the Clarington Board of Trade were the inaugural recipients of the Durham Farm Connections Spirit of Agriculture Award in 2014. Carried Correspondence and Committee Reports Durham Agriculture Advisory Committee – September 15th is the DAAC tour. There will be tile drain installation and drone demonstrations. The event will be at the new Loa- de-Mede (Werry) farm and new Schillings farm. Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington August 25th, 2016 I:\^Department\LDO NEW FILING SYSTEM\Committees\AACC\Agricultural Committee Board\Draft Minutes_Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington Meeting_25'08'16.docx Durham Region Federation of Agriculture –Trailer was unveiled on August 14th and is booked the remainder of the summer/fall at various fairs and events. Farm Credit Canada is providing additional funding for displays. Touch a Truck at GM Centre is August 19th showcased farm machinery. August 24th in Nestleton meeting with Kiersten Allore of Durham Region about farm severances, about 40 farmers in attendance. Very good discussion. DFRA will be submitting comments, no date has been scheduled for this item to go back to Regional Council. Upcoming DRFA events, October 19th is the Annual meeting; Brian Hancock is retiring by the end of year and an event will be organized to honour him. Celebrate Agriculture Gala is scheduled for October 27th at Royal Ashburn, get nominations in for the various awards. Clarington Board of Trade –Working on contract with Municipality for economic development. Mayor’s annual address to CBOT is October 6th. Erin O’Toole – Letter of appreciation for being able to attend last meeting and hear committee comments on draft Official Plan. New Business “did you know” – Faye will send pdf of MPAC presentation. The property locator information on the website that Mike demonstrated can be especially beneficial when sorting out how your assessment has been calculated. The committee will not be providing a display for Orono Fair. It was determined that with the changes that have occurred in the ag building that the static display is no longer necessary or the best way to communicate in that setting. Future Agendas Kim Rudd MP will attend future meetings, when her schedule can accommodate. Faye has requested tour of building and meeting with of the Police Building on bio- security, livestock issues, etc. November meeting will focus on Anaerobic Digester – next large project from the Region in the waste management masterplan. There may be some synergies with agriculture the use of biosolids (rather than spreading) and development of a Biogas Co-op. John Cartwright moved to Adjourn. Next Meeting, Tuesday, October 4th, 7:30 p.m. Room 1C at Municipal Administrative Office Chief Weir will be in attendance on emergency planning with a particular focus on preparedness for forest fires.