[Adopted by Bill No. 99-6]
[Amended by Bill No. 07-25]
A.
The Economic Development Agricultural Advisory Board
is hereby established and shall consist of 21 members. Members of
the Economic Development Agricultural Advisory Board shall be appointed
by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council in accordance
with the Charter of Harford County. Board membership shall be, insofar
as possible, representative of the County's population with respect
to race, gender, geography and political affiliation. Members shall
be selected because of their known experience and interest in the
protection, enhancement and economic development of the agricultural
industry in Harford County.
B.
The purpose of the Board shall be to advise or inform
the County Executive, the County Council and the County Delegation
to the General Assembly on agricultural issues of concern to Harford
County's agricultural community and to protect and enhance the profitability
of agriculture.
C.
Seventeen of the Board members shall represent each
of the following farm practices or agricultural industries:
(1)
Retail;
(2)
Service;
(3)
Equine;
(4)
Nursery;
(5)
Livestock;
(6)
Dairy;
(7)
Vegetable/fruit;
(8)
Grain;
(9)
Cooperative extension;
(10)
Agricultural Education Foundation;
(11)
Deer Creek Watershed Association;
(12)
Harford County Farm Bureau;
(13)
Division of Agricultural Affairs;
(14)
Agricultural Land Preservation Program;
(15)
Soil Conservation District;
(16)
Future Farmers of America; and
(17)
Harford County Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee.
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The remaining 4 members shall consist of a County
Council representative or designee and three members at large.
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A.
A member may be removed only for cause by the County
Executive, subject to the approval of the County Council.
[Amended by Bill No. 07-25]
B.
The County Executive shall select from the membership
a Chair. The membership of the Board shall elect a Vice Chair and
a Secretary.
[Amended by Bill No. 07-25]
C.
Upon the death, disability, resignation or removal
of any member of the Board, the County Executive shall appoint a person
representing the same categoric interest to serve for the unexpired
term.
D.
All members shall serve a term contemporaneous with
that of the County Executive. At the end of the term, however, a member
continues to serve until a successor is appointed.
A.
The Board shall meet regularly and may hold special
meetings at the call of the Chair or of any four members of the Board.
B.
The Board shall adopt such rules and regulations as
it may deem necessary to govern its procedure and business.
C.
Eleven members shall constitute a quorum.
[Amended by Bill No. 07-25]
D.
Any member missing three consecutive meetings shall
be deemed to have terminated his or her membership on the Board unless
the Board shall, by majority vote, excuse one or more of the absences.
[Amended by Bill No. 07-25]
The members of the Board shall serve without
compensation but may be reimbursed by the County for reasonable and
necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties.
The Economic Development Agricultural Advisory
Board shall:
A.
Review the budget of the Division of Agricultural
Affairs on an annual basis and make recommendations.
[Amended by Bill No. 07-25]
B.
Support and encourage the goals, objects and tasks
identified in the Agricultural Economic Development Initiative.
C.
Review legislation and policy decisions in order to
identify the impact they have on agriculture in Harford County.
D.
Form committees for special projects such as research,
data collection and analysis, educational projects, legislative issues,
etc.
E.
Advise the Department of Planning and Zoning in matters
regarding permitted uses within the Agricultural Zone District and
other related issues.
F.
Submit a yearly report to the County Council and the
County Executive.
