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Consider introducing an ordinance repealing section 2.2-60 and amending section 10-15 of the Solano County Code, dissolving the Agricultural Grievance Committee and clarifying the enforcement process related to agricultural grievances as a public nuisance
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Agricultural Commissioner recommends the Board of Supervisors:
1. Read the proposed ordinance by title only and waive further reading by majority vote;
2. Consider Introducing an ordinance repealing section 2.2-60 and amending section 10-15 of the Solano County Code, dissolving the Agricultural Grievance Committee and clarifying the enforcement process related to agricultural grievances as a public nuisance.
SUMMARY/ DISCUSSION:
County Code section 2.2-60 currently provides an informal process for the airing and mediation of grievances before the Agricultural Commissioner and if requested before an ad hoc Agricultural Grievance Committee. This committee has rarely been utilized by the County or agricultural producers because agricultural operations are protected from nuisance complaints under right to farm provisions of County Code section 2.2-30. Additionally, the formal record shows that the grievance committee has only convened once since establishment of this provision.
On April 16, 2021, the Board adopted an ordinance adding Chapter 10 to the County Code establishing new procedures relating to the abatement of public nuisances. The new procedures maintained the Agricultural Grievance Committee for public nuisances related to agricultural operations.
Per section 2.2-60, the Agricultural Grievance Committee is to be comprised of an appointee of the Solano County farm bureau; a subject matter expert appointed by the director of the University of California Cooperative Extension Service, Solano County; and an appointee of the chair of the Solano County Agricul...
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