Agricultural Advisory Committee

Town of Mills River Minutes of the Agricultural Advisory Committee Friday, March 19, 2021 The Mills River Agricultural Advisory Committee held its regular meeting on Friday, March 19, 2021, at 9:00 AM at the Mills River Town Hall. Committee members present were Bert Lemkes, Jason Davis, Kirby Johnson, Bradley Johnston, Dave Shaffer, James Cantrell, and Mike Corn. Town Manager Daniel Cobb and Tax Collector/Deputy Town Clerk Aurelie Taylor were also present. There are no seats open on the Committee. Chairman Bert Lemkes called the meeting to order. Bradley Johnston made a motion to approve the minutes from February 19, 2021. James Cantrell seconded the motion and the motion passed by unanimous verbal assent. Old Business A. Comprehensive Plan Update – Town Manager Daniel Cobb Town Manager Daniel Cobb updated the Ag Committee about the developments with the Comprehensive Plan. He passed out the land use map with a floodplain overlay as the Committee requested at the last meeting. The newest version of the plan has all comments noted on it; public input will be accepted until next Thursday (March 25). The plan will be reviewed by the Steering Committee on April 7, then Planning Board, who will make a recommendation to Town Council, hopefully in May. There have been no major changes. New Business: A. Letter to Madison Cawthorn Chairman Bert Lemkes explained that this letter is virtually identical to a letter sent in support of legislation proposed in 2019. That bill passed in the House, but never got to the Senate. The same bill (numbered differently), was voted on in the House yesterday, where it passed (Representative Cawthorn voted against the bill). It now goes to the Senate, where changes may be made, and either voted on or brought back to the House. This letter is still relevant as it shows Representative Cawthorn where the Ag Committee stands on the legislation specifically and immigration reform generally. Communication with Senator Thom Tillis showed that Senator Tillis understands the challenges facing the agricultural community and that the Ag Committee supports the bill. 1  As there was no further business discussed, Bert Lemkes made a motion to adjourn. Kirby Johnson seconded the motion and the motion passed by unanimous verbal assent. Respectfully submitted, Aurelie Taylor, CTC Tax Collector Deputy Town Clerk 2