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HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2000-006WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO. 2000 -085 CLEARANCES Initial Date Dam Receired in Councif Office Agenda Date Assignedm: Originator. Krug Omson, PM t/_ 4 l 1 -27 -00 �� FEB 01 2000 WHATCOM COUN COUNCIL 2 -08 -00 Planing & Development Committee & Council Division Head: Sylvia Goodwin Dept Head.-J.E. Ryan e.a.o pyZ, )(311oo Prosecutor (� Purchas;ng/Rudget: Z a "•cvdse: .a SUBJECT: Establishment of an Agricultural Advisory Committee for Whatcom County. ATTACHMENTS: Resolution establishing the Agricultural Advisory Committee. SEPA review required? ( ) Yes ( x ) NO SEPA review completed? ( ) Yes ( ) NO Should Clerk schedule a hearing ? ( ) Yes (x ) NO Requested Dale: SUMMARYSTATEMENT: This resolution provides for the establishmentopthe Agricultural Advisory ^ommittee. The Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 8 -. Resource Lands, Action an item #1 under the Agricultural Lands section, Page 8 -32, calls for the establishment of the Committee to assist the County in a variety of agricultural related land use issues. The Famt Futures Task Force, established. by County Executive request, to provide input on agricultural needs includes the establishment of the Agricultural Advisory Committee in its proposed Action Plan. The Action Plan was endorsed by County Council via Resolution #99 -059 on November 9, 1999. The Committee as established by the attached resolution would report directly to the County Council and would provide comments and recommendations to the. Planning Commission on land use related matters. Initial facilitation of the Committee would be provided by the County, and staff from the Planning and Development Services Department would be included as an ex- officio member of the committee. Specifics relating to the on -going tasks and scope and focus for the committee will be developed and included in an ordinance for future County Council review. Distribution Request Indicate those who should receive a copy after Council action. ADS Facilities Management ADS Finance ADSHaman Resources AM fo SeMv Assessor Auehor Cooperative Extension Craig MacConnell District toad E cudve Health Hearing Examine, Michael Bobbink dal COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: 2000 -85 2/8/2000: Approved G0, Hoag absent, Res. #2004006 slated County Contract #: Parke Planning Kraig O[ason Prosecutor Public Works Sheriff Superior Court Treasurer Omer Related File Numbers: Ordinance or Resolution (this item): am Number *ILMLOOM SPONSORED BY: Planning PROPOSED BY: Plannine INTRODUCTION DATE: 2/8/2000 RESOLUTION NO. 2000 -006 CREATING THE AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR WHATCOM COUNTY WHEREAS, Whatcom County government recognizes agriculture as a major contributorto the local economy and a high quality of life for Whatcom County citizens; and WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan recommends the establishment of an Agricultural Advisory Committee to assist in the implementation of numerous policies and tasks relating to the protection and enhancing the long -term viability of agriculture; and WHEREAS, the County Council declared its support in Resolution No. 99-059 of the action plan developed by the Farm Futures Task Force which included the establishment of the Agricultural Advisory Committee; and WHEREAS, many County decisions can affect agricultural production and viability, and WHEREAS, the County desires the input of agricultural producers and others associated with agriculture on land use proposals, land use policies, economic strategies and other county, regional, state and/orfederal programs that directly or indirectly affect agriculture in Whatcom County, and WHEREAS, the County desires agriculture to continue and supports the establishment of both public and private efforts to that end; and WHEREAS, the County desires the development of a definitive purpose and scope for the Agricultural Advisory Committee; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Whatcom County Council that an Agricultural Advisory Committee be established for a period of eighteen (18) months, during which time the committee is to establish a definitive scope and purpose, develop a short and long -term work plan which identifies the projects/programs anticipated and the responsible parties for implementing those programs; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Agricultural Advisory Committee will assist the Department of Planning and Development Services, upon request of its Director, by providing review and comment on Comprehensive Planning'and zoning related issues in or adjacent to the Agricultural District or the Agricultural Protection Overlay District; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the County Executive directs the Agricultural Advisory Committee to incorporate the following functions into their scope and program proposal: 1. Provide review and recommendations on zoning, Comprehensive Plan and annexation issues which directly affect lands or agricultural activities in or adjacent to the Agricultural District or the Agricultural Protection Overlay District; 2. Establish, promote and implement a comprehensive agricultural protection/preservation program; 3. Analyze and develop recommendations that will assist the County in addressing, other issues which affect agriculture at the county, regional, state and federal levels, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the committee will have no more than 13 voting memberswittrmembers appointed by nomination of the County Executive and confirmation by the County Council to terms of eighteen months (18) each. The committee membership shall include representation of the following: Whatcom County Soil Conservation District, Whatcom County Agricultural Preservation Committee, agricultural processor, the balance to be made up of agricultural producers representing both large and small scale producers of the various agricultural commodities produced in Whatcom County. In addition to the thirteen voting members, a representative of Cooperative Extension, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Whatcom County Conservation District and Whatcom County Department of Planning and Development Services will serve on the committee in an ex- officio capacity. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the committee will report directly to County Executive and facilitation and staff assistance will be provided by the Department of Planning and Development Services, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT as a subagency created the legislative act, the meetings of the Committee will be subject to the Open Meetings Act (RCW 42.30.020(1)(c)). APPROVED this 8th day of February 2000 ATTEST: Dana Brown -Davis APPROVED as to form: Civil 6Lputy Pros. Atty. WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON /II f 11 i il►._ ►.. ��► Dana Brown -Davis APPROVED as to form: Civil 6Lputy Pros. Atty. WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON /II f 11 Whatcom Conservation District lr . 6975 Hannegan Road, Lynden, WA 98264 Phone: (360) 354 -2035 Fax: (360) 354 -4678 e -mail: wcd@whalcomcd -org January 11, 2000 Whatcom County Council rrya 31 f Grand Avenue lb Bellingham, WA 98225 ✓,4y° .t.,, Z b �LygrCO o?000 RE: Implementing recommendations of Farm Futures Task Force Qo Dear County Council Chair: On November 9' of 1999 the Council unanimously endorsed the action plan adopted by the Farm Futures Task Force. A copy of the Action Plan is attached. You may note that Goal R of this plan calls for the formation of an Ag Advisory Committee. The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Resource Lands Action Plan (Ag section) calls for numerous actions designed to preserve our agricultural heritage. WCD, WCAPC, and the County have initiated- discussions on how we might best accomplish the goals in the Comprehensive Plan. A clear first step is the formation of the Ag Advisory Committee outlined below. Create an Advisory Committee comprised of members of the Whatcom County Planning Commission, and representatives of agricultuml interest such as the Whatcom County Soil District, the Whatcom County Agricultural Preservation Committee, the Whatcom County Farm Bureau, the Whatcom County Dairy Fedemtion, the Whatcom County Cooperative Extension Service and other agriculture- related interests, including the firmer, the consumer, and the processor. The task of the committee will be to work with the County and others involved implementing the remaining action items for the agricultural section. The Comprehensive Plan Action Plan also outlines several tasks for the Ag Advisory Committee. Farmers are ready and willing to get to work on these and other related tasks so that we can insure the long -range susminability of the ag industry in Whatcom County. The Whatcom Conservation District has made farmland and fanner protection one of its high priority tasks in 2000. We are willing to assist the County in facilitating the Ag Advisory Committee. Towards that end we have cooperated with the Ag Preservation Committee and other farm groups to identify a list of volunteer committee members who are willing to serve on this committee. The following list reflects our efforts: Debbie De Jong — Whatcom Conservation District, dairy Steve Groen — Whatcom Conservation District, dairy Marty Maberry — berry, Ag Preservation rep, processor Mike Boxx — fresh fruit and vegetable Boaraor Suamson: BASTIANSCHOLTEN VERONICA WISNIEISKI STEVE GROEN KEN TOIIMAS DEBBIE DLIONG Terri Nolehoom — dairy, Farm Service Agency Board, Farm Bureau rep. Chuck Antholt — chemical free truck farm, Grange Sherm Polinder — dairy, Dairy Federation rep., Ag Preservation Committee Tom Thornton — apple, nursery, Ag Preservation Committee Jeff Bedlington — seed potato John Steensma —dairy, Whatcom County Planning Commission Craig MacConnell — WSU Cooperative Extension, County Ag Land Division review committee John Gillies - NRCS, County Ag Land Division review committee To be determined — cattle To be determined — organic To be determined — consumer An application for many of these individuals is enclosed. We expect the others to be forthcoming. In addition we are pursuing 2 -3 others that we believe would make good additions to the committee by providing perspectives not currently represented. We are hopeful that an efficient work group will be formed that does not number over 15 individuals. ' The Whatcom County Council recently reaffirmed the goals of the Comprehensive Plan by adopting the suggestions of the Farm Futures Task Force. Two key suggestions of this task force were the creation of the Ag Advisory Committee and the request to have dedicated planning staff time to oversee this project. Sylvia Goodwin has assured us that she is committed to providing part -time county staff to work on this project. WCD will assist as well. We are eager to move this process along. We request you consider the proposed list of Ag Advisory Committee members and formalize an Ag Advisory Committee in the very near future. We appreciate your continued support as we engage on this critical task. Sincerely, Henry Bierliak WCD Technician cc: Executive Pete Kremen Sylvia Goodwin, Planning & Development Services Farm Futures Task Force Members Jim Ashby — Community Food Coop Carl Batchelor — Whatcom Land Trust Henry Bierlihk — Agriculture Preservation Committee George Boggs — Conservation District Dave Finet — Opportunity Council Mike Finger — Farmer Steve Jilk — City of Lynden Craig MacConnell - WSU/Whatcom County Cooperative Extension Joy Monjure — Everson City Council Holly O'Neir" *Facilitator Bonnie Rice — Sustainable Food and Farming Network Paul Schissler —Paul Schissler & Assoc. Nancy VanDeHey — Fanner. Fenton Wilkinson — Sustainable Options ACTION PLAN Farm Futures Task Force 10/18/99 MISSION: To increase the economic viability of farming in Whatcom County VISION: A thriving agricultural industry, rich in diversity of size and type of farms. GOAL 1: To euhance.and assist elected official's understanding of the contribution of agriculture to the health of the local community, and the tools they have available to support it's viability as an industry. • Obiectives: . 1. Encourage elected and appointed officials of the county and rural cities to be aware of the level of community support for agriculture and encourage them to fully implement the 1997 %atcom County Comprehensive Plan as it relates to: . • preservation and protection of agriculture and agricultural land; • creating and enhancing local businesses by supporting the local agricultural industry; • amend the WhatcomCounty Zoning Ordinance to reduce the frequency of zoning variances which result in the loss of agricultural lands. 2. Make Whatcom County's agricultural industry a significant focus of the Economic Development Council and Port of Bellingham's economic development activities. • Action: Encourage and coordinate agriculture producers and supporters to remain actively involved in the political process communicating the importance of a thriving agricultural industry, and the immediate need for the two objectives listed above. • Timeline: October 1999 - June 2000 • Responsibility: Agriculture Preservation Committee • 'Assessment: . 1. Track passage of new laws that protect farmland and farmers. 2. Track assistance for start -up and growth of local agriculture related businesses. GOAL ll: To protect currently productive and potentially productive agricultural land from development and make it affordable and available for farming. a Objective: Bring County governmental regulations and practices into alignment with the goals and policies relating to agriculture and agricultural lands currently contained in the Comprehensive Plan. • Actions: - 1. Form the Advisory Committee described in action plan #1 of the County Comprehensive Plan; 2. Explore legal boundaries for strengthening the cuvent "Right to Farm" ordinance; 3- Explore policies - designed to discourage continued and baseless neighbor harassment of farmers; 4. Review Whatcom County land use and taxation policies to ensure that there are incentives for landowners to pursue agriculture open space designations which implement the Open Space section of the plan. Specifically we hope to: • Ensure agriculture open space reduction applies only to farmers; Reexamine use of "retiring farmer" provision for agricultural land divisions; • Request the County dedicate staff time and allocate resources to develop an ongoing program for the transfer and/or purchase of development rights for the preservation of farmland. • Timeline: October 1999 - June 2000 • proponents: - 1. Whatcom County Agriculture Preservation Committee 2. Whatcom Land Trust 3. WSU Cooperative Extension - 4. Whatcom Conservation District • Responsbilirv: Whatcom Conservation District • Assessmrnt: 1. There is an increase in the implementation of agriculture related objectives in Comprehensive Plan. 2. There is a reduction in the number of exceptions to minimum parcel size in the agriculture mne. 3. There is an increase in incentives for farmland preservation. 4. There is an increase in support from farmers for farmland preservation. GOAL III: To increase consumer awareness of the connection between the food they eat and the farms that produce it, thereby building a sense of value for the agricultural producers in Whatcom County. • Obiective: To engage the community in a series of coordinated events to increase awareness and appreciation of local agriculture and its value to the community. • Actions: Local household consumer education and involvement program that includes: I. Whatcom Fawn Map & Guide; - 2.. Harvest Festival — a series of events in fall highlighting local agriculture and foods; 3. local labeling; 4. farm tours; 5. local produce in school lunch program; 6. destination demonstration sites including retail and u -pick outlets, observation and hands -on opportunities. .. • Timeline: October, 1999 forward_ • Responsibility: 1. Farm Friends; 2. - Bellingham Farmers' Market; 3. WSU Extension; 4. Sustainable Options • Assessment: 1. Pre and post county-wide survey . to determine awareness of the importance of agriculture in our community and the reliance of the local community on locally produced food. 2. An increase in the number of fanners. GOAL IV: To assist local producers in differentiating their products and linking those products with economically viable.markets. Jective: To create a program providing farmers with information, technical assistance and infrastructure, not readily available to them, which will assist in long -term economic success of their agriculture businesses. Potential aspects of this program include: L Market development services for local farms including: • Identifying high value niche and year -round market opportunities; . • Helping farmers increase their personal marketing skills; • Connecting farmers with local consumers; and • Accessing regional wholesale and institutional markets. 2. Facilities in which to pack, light process, and cold store produce grown by local farms. 3. Facilities to make and market value -added food products. 4. Assisting individual farmers in developing farm management plans, integrating all components of farm operations and/or a business plan increasing farm profitability. 5. Information and resource sharing programs for farmers, as well as, mentorship programs such as Farm Link. • Action: Feasibility and Scoping Study • Timeline: October 1999 to January, 2000 secure funding' — October, 2000 conduct - Study • Responsibility: - - 1. City of Everson — fiscal agent for grant funding - - 2. Sustainable Options —manage feasibility study and final report 3. Paul Schissler & Assoc. —assist in funding strategies and grant applications 4. WSU Cooperative Extension— project advisor /technical assistance • Assessment 1. Preparation of work plan and funding proposal 2. Obtaining funding _ 3. Number of fanners participating in the feasibility and seeping study 4. Number of community agencies/institutions engaged as active supporters 5. Preparation of a final report which identifies alternatives which are both feasible (farmer supported and economically feasible) and those which are not feasible.