Agenda Item Name:
Title
Joint City/County Food Systems Policy Board (JFSPB)
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Presenter:
Sean Mclendon 352-548-3765, Stephen Hofstetter 352-264-6811
Description:
This item requests the City Commission and County Commission to discuss next steps for the Joint City / County Food Systems Policy Board (JFSPB) which sunset on November 30, 2022. A brief history of the JFSPB will be provided by staff, as well as a recap of the discussion that occurred at the final meeting of the JFSPB on October 26, 2022.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
The City Commission and County Commission discuss direction for the Joint Food System Policy Board and provide direction to staff to take the appropriate actions to implement preferred approach.
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Prior Board Motions:
N/A
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
N/A
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Strategic Guide:
Strategic Guide
This item is connected to Goal 1 “Equitable Community”.
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Background:
On June 1, 2021 an INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT CREATING THE JOINT FOOD SYSTEM POLICY BOARD was entered into by the City of Gainesville with Alachua County Board of County Commissioners to establish the JFSPB for an 18 month term. On November 4, 2021 the JFSPB approved an amendment to the INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT which increased the seats of the Board to include a total of nine (9) members representing different organizations and/or stakeholder groups, including two City Commissioners and two Alachua County Commissioners. The amendment also specified six (6) main projects that the Board would focus on during its 18 month term. These projects included (1) The development and opening of Community Groceries, (2) Development of a Foodshed map, (3) Promotion and enlistment of fellow public and private institutions to develop a Good Food Purchasing Program, (4) Creation of a Healthy Corner Store Initiative, (5) Community education being done by the City or the County with regards to food (i.e. Plant-of-the Month Program); and (6) Community gardens and land access for farms and gardens. Over the course of the 18 months of the JFSPB, City and County staff provided updates on these six projects of focus.
At the final meeting of the JFSPB on October 26, 2022 the members discussed the purpose of the Joint Board and worked to clarify the goals, as such a discussion was required in order for the City Commission to decide whether to approve an extension of the term of the Joint Board. All Board members acknowledged the importance of addressing issues within our local food systems and food access, and recognized that policy leaders need to be included in discussions around solutions to these issues, however, there was question regarding whether the current structure of the JFSPB was the most effective way to achieve this. Members present expressed their desire to clearly define the purpose of the JFSPB as a “clearinghouse for information sharing” rather than a Board aimed at directing staff to take action on specific projects. A modified structure was also discussed to ensure more community member and stakeholder participation in the meetings.
While the JFSPB officially sunset on November 30, 2022, staff is seeking direction regarding the future of the board. Potential ideas include, creating an alternative structure as was discussed at the last JFSPB meeting, incorporating topics of food systems planning into another existing joint board, or dissolving the JFSPB and address joint interest food issues as needed at the regular Joint City / County Commission Meetings.
If there is a decision to combine the JFSPB with the Joint Water and Climate Policy Board (JWCPB), here is some background on the JWCPB. On December 30, 2020, by INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioner and the City of Gainesville Commissioners expanded the role and responsibilities of the Joint Water Policy Committee to include climate change under a new name, the Joint Water and Climate Policy Board to further coordinate a County and City response to climate change and to address climate challenges as well as address water conservation and water quality issues. Through this INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT, ending on December 31, 2025, the County, the City, and other municipalities located within Alachua County desire to create a joint advisory board that will provide guidance regarding effective ways to mitigate, address, and prepare for climate change and its direct and indirect impacts within Alachua County.
The Joint Water and Climate Policy Board goal is to assist and advise the County, the City, and other municipalities within Alachua County on innovative climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, policies, and target goals, as well as water policy within Alachua County for purposes of preserving and protecting the water resources of Alachua County for the benefit of the natural environment and the residents of Alachua County. The Joint Water and Climate Policy Board advises the City Commission and the Board of County Commissioners but does not have final decision-making authority.