HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPB minutes 061610May 19, 2010 Draft Meeting Summary 1
DRAFT, MEETING SUMMARY
AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION BOARD
June 16, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: Roland Walters, Elizabeth Walters, Howard McAdams, Joe Thompson, Patrick
McGarry and Allan Green.
MEMBERS ABSENT/EXCUSED: Louise Tate, James & Patricia Wynn, Tony Kleese, Spence Dickinson.
GUESTS: Commissioner Bernadette Pelissier
STAFF: Dave Stancil, Director Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and
Recreation, Tina Moon, Natural and Cultural Division - DEAPR
ITEM #1: CALL TO ORDER
Chair Roland Walters called the meeting to order at 7:42 p.m.
ITEM #2: CHAIR COMMENTS (none)
ITEM #3: CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA (none)
ITEM #4: APPROVAL OF MINUTES May 19, 2010
McAdams motioned approval of the minutes from May 19, 2010 with one noted correction. E. Walters
seconded the motion. The APB voted unanimous approval of the May 19, 2010 minutes.
ITEM #5: ITEMS FOR DECISION
a. None
ITEM #6: ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
a. Existing Programs for Farmers – Farm Services Agency
The Farm Services Agency discussion on existing programs for farmers was postponed to the end of
summer.
b. Results from Ag Survey (materials at meeting)
Staff distributed the compiled results from the Agricultural Survey. The survey was mailed to more than 600
farmers using a combined address list from the various agricultural agencies—Cooperative Extension, Soil
and Water Conservation District, etc. Staff received approximately 55 completed surveys equally a response
rate of approximately 8 percent. While the relatively low response rate places some limitations on the use of
the survey results, the answers still offer consider insight into the lives of local farmers--their successes and
their failures. Moon shifted through the results highlighting various responses. APB members read through
the material and discussed some of the responses. Green asked about further analysis. APB members
noted areas where farmers indicated they could use more information such as conservation easements. At a
previous meeting DEAPR staff indicated that one area where the County could still help local residents even
during the economic recovery was through education and outreach. DEAPR staff is assembling a series of
evening seminars on different topics. APB members also discussed using the departmental website to share
information.
c. Animal Control Ordinance & the Farming Community
Stancil provided a brief update on his discussion with the Animal Services Director regarding the Animal
Control Ordinance, and shared a memo that he had just received from the Animal Services Board. APB
members read through the materials and discussed. Green explained that while the topic had emerged from
his interaction with an Animal Control officer over a loose cow, he believed that sections of the County’s
Animal Control Ordinance were inconsistent with similar ordinances from neighboring jurisdictions, and could
inadvertently have a negative impact on local farmers.
June 16, 2010 Draft Meeting Summary 2
E. Walters motioned for staff to prepare a memo for the Animal Services Board asking for an opportunity to
have a conversation to discuss the Animal Control Ordinance, and to consider amending the Ordinance to be
more consistent with the animal control ordinances of surrounding counties.
Green seconded the motion.
The APB voted unanimously for staff to draft memo, send to the APB Chair for review and forward to Animal
Services staff.
d. Updates & Information Sharing
Stancil provided a number of updates and announcements. Commissioner Pelissier provided an update of
the new policy with regard to advisory boards and BOCC liaisons. Green provided information on Senate Bill
510.
1. Moon alerted the APB to the items in the agenda packet pertaining the
Unified Development Ordinance process and encouraged members to participate, as their schedule would
permit.
2. Falls Lake Watershed Regulations
Staff shared information on the public comment period for the draft Falls Lake Watershed Regulations.
ITEM# 7: INFORMATIONAL ITEMS/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Handouts were provided at the meeting
ITEM #8: ADJOURNMENT
E. Walters made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Green seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned
at 9:23 p.m.
Next meeting scheduled for August 18, 2010, in the small Conference Room in the Environment and
Agriculture Center (formerly the Planning and Agriculture Center).