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Adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 2.2-60 of the Solano County Code relating to the Agricultural Grievance Committee
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Published Notice Required? Yes __ _ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures recommends that the Board adopt the ordinance to amend Chapter 2.2-60 of the Solano County Code relating to the Agricultural Grievance Committee.
SUMMARY:
At its meeting on June 23, 2015, the Board of Supervisors introduced an ordinance amending Chapter 2.2-60 of the Solano County Code relating to the Agricultural Grievance Committee, including changes in membership. If adopted, the ordinance will become effective on August 28, 2015.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost of preparing this report is borne by the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures. There are no additional costs anticipated to the County associated with the changes in Committee membership.
DISCUSSION:
As the regional economy recovers, economic activity is resuming throughout Solano County with potential build outs within the spheres of influence of Solano County cities. Additionally, new agricultural enterprises are moving to Solano County, and existing farms and nurseries are expanding production in response to more favorable markets. The Agricultural Grievance Committee (AGC) may be convened to handle issues arising from the rural residential interface and also issues related to farming practices in rural areas. The ability to mediate and arbitrate in such situations is to the benefit of both the producers and to the public. The continued existence of the AGC provides a tool for leveraging cooperation with the mediation process as well as an endpoint for exhaustion of administrative remedies. The Board has already acknowledged the need for such a committee and made findings in support of the establishment of such a committee. The Department seeks to reestablish the committee, changing the committee makeup for the purpose of facilitating continuity of represented interests, and allowing the committee to convene rapidly when needed.
To meet the stated goal, membership would be changed to three appointed positions with two additional positions when a dispute is within an incorporated city of Solano County. Committee membership would consist of; one member from the Solano County Farm Bureau, one member from the Solano County Agricultural Advisory Committee, the third appointment, of a subject matter expert, would be selected by the Director of the University of California Cooperative Extension Service (UCCES), Solano County. The additional positions would consist of the city manager of the affected city, or his/her designated city employee, and the Solano County Administrative Officer, or his/her designated county employee. The Department also seeks to mandate an annual consultation with the participating groups for the purpose of review of regulatory changes that may affect future committee business.
If adopted, the ordinance will become effective on August 28, 2015.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors can choose not to amend the ordinance; however, this is not recommended by the Department. The ordinance amendment is part of Solano County’s commitment to maintaining viable agriculture in the county by providing a forum for mediation and arbitration to resolve agricultural interface disputes at the lowest level.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Resource Management, County Counsel, Director of University of California Cooperative Extension Service (Solano County), the Solano County Administrative Officer, the Solano County Farm Bureau and Agricultural Advisory Committee were consulted.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION