HomeMy WebLinkAboutOC Soil & Water minutes 040914SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD
MEETING
Environment & Ag Center, Hillsborough
April 9, 2014
Board Members Present: Chris Hogan, Morris Shambley and Roger Tate
Employees in Attendance: Brent Bogue, Gail Hughes, Lisa Pope, Kenny Ray, Todd
Roberts and Division Representative, Ralston James
Chairman, Chris Hogan, called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
February 12, 2014 minutes were approved as submitted. Morris moved for approval,
Roger seconded.
Education Update
Area III Envirothon was held on March 25 at Elon University. All Orange district staff
members participated and assisted with this large educational event. Gail reported on the
number of Orange County teams that participated in this year's Middle School /High
School event.
Lisa expressed her appreciation to Chris, Karen and Morris for their participation in this
year's "The Living Soil" Poster and Essay Reception which took place on April Stn. 55
students, student's families, teachers and staff were in attendance for the event.
Upcoming State Envirothon event is April 24 -26 at Cedar Rock Park in Alamance
County. All district staff members will assist with this program during the 3 day event.
Orange County Government's first annual Expo took place on Friday, April 4 at
University Mall, Chapel Hill. Gail and Lisa met with local residents discussing Soil and
Water programs offered by the office and DEAPR.
Earth Walk at Gravelly Hill Middle School will be held on April 170h. Gail and Lisa will
present educational programs to all Gravelly Hill 7 t graders.
Lisa will present "Dig It!" presentations to six 1St grade classes at New Hope Elementary
on April 281n
Lisa has been asked by Sandra Weitzel, Division State Ed Coordinator, to participate in
the Environmental Educators of NC which is being hosting at /by the Southeastern
Environmental Education Association's annual conference in Asheboro on September 19,
20, and 21. The Board agreed for Lisa to deliver FLP presentations on one of these dates,
provided that it doesn't conflict with DEAPR's Farm to Table event.
Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA — NRCS)
District Conservationist, Brent Bogue, updated the Board on the following:
➢ On June 10�', a Piedmont Warm Season Grasses Workshop will be held at Frank
Hollowell's farm. For more info, contact the Orange /Person County Cattleman's
Association. The Board agreed to contribute $100 to sponsor a portion of the
meal for this event. Roger agreed that this donation would come from the
Matching Grant fund; Morris seconded.
➢ EEO Audit: Brent reported that N.C. NRCS field offices have been chosen this
year for a Civil Rights/EEO Audit. This will take place the week of May 19 -23. ,
Brent discussed the Memorandum of Understanding with NRCS and the County;
each party agrees to follow and support federally related programs and policies
related to EEO /Civil Rights. Any programs administered through NRCS must
follow EEO guide lines. Brent discussed Civil Rights responsibilities for partners
and reviewed check list with board members present. He also discussed Section
1619 Compliance. OSWCD Chairman, Chris Hogan, agreed to be present for the
audit.
➢ Brent discussed with the Board the Farm Bill and what new things it holds for
NRCS.
Agriculture Cost Share Program (N.C. ACSP)
Todd and Kenny submitted the following ACSP Contracts:
68- 2014 -004 Bill Lee: 16.52 acres 5 year long term no till totaling $2,479.
Roger moved to approve, Morris seconded.
• 68- 2014 -402 Milton Durham: Stream Protection totaling $7,596. (Priority
Ranking: 565). Roger moved to approve, Morris seconded.
Application Approval Request:
68- 2014 -006: Tom Wilson - 32.125 acres 5 year long term no till totaling
$4,819.00. Morris moved to approve, Roger seconded.
Annual Ag Cost Share Spot Check has been set for May 14. Chris offered to
work the morning shift. Morris suggested a breakfast board meeting with spot
check immediately following. More info is forthcoming on this event.
Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) New Applications /Contracts
Gail submitted the following CCAP contracts and requests for payments:
•.� 68 -14 -501— Chapel Hill High School: Critical area seeding totaling $2,232.
(Ranking: 120 pts.) Roger moved to approve, Morris seconded.
68 -14 -502 — Orange County Schools /Orange High: Rain Garden and critical
area seeding totaling $1,153 (Ranking: 110 pts.) Roger moved to approve, Morris
seconded.
❖ 68 -14- 503 - Orange County Schools/Efland Cheeks Community Center: Rain
Garden and critical area seeding totaling $1,096. (Ranking: 110 pts.) Morris
moved to approve, Roger seconded.
Extension Request
❖ 68- 2013 -003 — Billy Rogers: Due to poor weather conditions, Gail requested a
six month extension on behalf of Mr. Rogers. Roger moved to approve extension,
Morris seconded.
Falls Lake — Horse 319 Program
➢ 050 — Crooked Creek Farm — David Brooks: Livestock exclusion fencing,
water tanks, water line totaling $12,859. Morris moved to approve, Roger
seconded.
NCDA/Division of Soil & Water Update
Regional Coordinator, Ralston James, updated the Board on the following details:
➢ Legislative Day is slated for May 22"d
➢ The NCASWCD Commission meeting will also be held on May 22
➢ June 2nd is the deadline for Ad Hoc Survey (regarding District Alignment) to be
completed. This survey is forthcoming. Ralston encouraged all supervisors to
take a moment to complete this important survey.
➢ State Envirothon will be held on April 25 -26 at Cedar Rock Park, Burlington.
Ralston encouraged supervisors to attend and volunteer if possible.
Miscellaneous Discussion
Lisa reviewed with the Board current account balances and expenditures.
Chris discuss with the staff and board on his meeting today with DEAPR Director, Dave
Stancil. Dave updated Morris and Chris on the newest "space issues" regarding
renovations to our current office space and building, etc.
Gail reported that she and Dave have requested that Orange County pay $2,500 PCC
(Piedmont Conservation Council) Dues again for PY 2014 -15.
Gail updated and reviewed with the Board the recent Orange County Ag Preservation
Board Farm Applications for Voluntary Ag District (VAD) and EVAD (Enhanced VAD)
applications.
Randolph County received a grant several years ago for a Quilt Trail, placing painted
quilt designs on local barns as to promote tourism and historic /agriculture significance.
PCC has inquired to see if other counties might be interested in pursuing a similar grant
to continue the quilt "trail" to other NC counties. Gail requested the Board's input.
Roger made a motion for Gail to pursue this grant; Morris seconded.
With no further discussion, meeting was adjourned.
By: Morris Shambley, Secretary