Agenda - 05-18-2021; 8-a - Minutes

Browse Search

8 1 Peter Sandbeck said the board is part of the food council project, and has a dedicated 2 seat. He said this has been a very informative partnership. He said the board continues to help 3 farms with the Century Farm program, having added four more farms this year, totaling 32. 4 Peter Sandbeck said grant money has been distributed by economic development to 5 support farming, which has been wonderful. 6 Peter Sandbeck said the board hopes to create an Agricultural Trust Fund, under the 7 auspices of the county, which would promote farm land production to support local food 8 economy. He said this is in the exploratory stage, and would supplement the lands legacy 9 program through a dedicated funding source. 10 Peter Sandbeck said the board wants the county to become a leader in dairy production, 11 which is a large part of the county's history, and looking at ways to achieve this goal. 12 Chair Price thanked farmers for all they do, and looks forward to the board's future 13 plans. 14 15 Christian Hirni presented for the Commission for the Environment (CfE). He said many 16 CfE members are involved in Earth Day activities, and he is presenting on their behalf. 17 Christian Hirni noted accomplishments for 2020. He said the CfE reviewed the 18 submitted rankings for applicants for the Climate Action Tax Fund Grants; participated in 19 reviewing the lands legacy action plans, and submitting priority recommendations based on 20 environmental concerns. He said the CfE held discussions around Orange County land 21 holdings, and received presentations from the Eno New Hope land conservation group. He said 22 the CfE worked with the Planning Department to review and comment on several county 23 development proposals. 24 Christian Hirni said the CfE would like to draft and submit a proposed tree management 25 plan to manage the tree canopy on Orange County lands. He said the CfE has concerns 26 around food scarcity and availability in the county, and is interested in reviewing opportunities to 27 preserve farmlands. 28 Commissioner Bedford asked if there is a timeline for the next round of proposals for 29 climate tax funds. 30 Brennan Bouma, Sustainability Coordinator, said this process will begin in early May, 31 and be open throughout summer. He said the CfE and the Human Relations Commission will 32 review and score the applications, and come to the BOCC in the early fall. 33 34 Melissa McCullough presented for the Climate Council, and gave an overview of the 35 council's history. She said this year the council created a database of 200 actions taken by 36 local climate organizations, and brainstormed actions that could be taken by local governments. 37 She said these actions were categorized. She said the council is part of the second round of 38 LEED's beta testing system for cities and communities. She said the Council also held its first 39 annual community update meeting, where actions and goals were presented to 80 local 40 participants 41 Melissa McCullough said goals for this year include a work plan for effective joint actions 42 based on previous evaluations. She said there is not only low hanging fruit, but over ripe fruit 43 that can be accomplished. She said the council will also develop by-laws and member laws for 44 increased collaboration. 45 Commissioner Fowler asked if an example of an over ripe fruit item could be identified. 46 Melissa McCullough said community solar, building codes to promote green building, 47 school curriculum, resilient land use, low carbon, biogas to energy co-digestion, etc. She said 48 the desire is to multiply effects, and there may be some federal money coming to address 49 climate and infrastructure. 50 Melissa McCullough said all the information is available for the BOCC to review. 51 Chair Price asked if that information could please be provided.