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Home My WebLink AboutAgenda - 06-01-2023; 5 - Agricultural Preservation Board - Appointments Discussion 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: June 1, 2023 Action Agenda Item No. 5 SUBJECT: Agricultural Preservation Board — Appointments Discussion DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Recommendations Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125 Member and Applicant Summary Sheet Applications of Persons Recommended Applications of Other Applicants Membership Roster Applicant Interest List PURPOSE: To discuss appointments to the Agricultural Preservation Board. BACKGROUND: The Agricultural Preservation Board is charged to promote the economic and cultural importance of agriculture in the county, and to encourage voluntary preservation and protection of farmland for future production. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all 15 members, including eight (8) At-Large members, and one (1) member from each of the seven (7) Agricultural Districts in the county. The following individuals are presented for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Vaughn Cedar Grove First Full Term 06/30/2026 Compton Voluntary (Reappointment) Agricultural District Kim Woods Caldwell Voluntary Second Full Term 06/30/2026 Agricultural District Dr. Jane New Third Full Term 06/30/2025 Saiers Hope/Hillsborough Voluntary Agricultural District 2 If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE Schley/Eno 06/30/2024 Vacant since 02/24/2023 Voluntary Agricultural District At-Large 06/30/2025 Vacant since 01/17/2023 FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to this item: • GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impact associated with this item. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss appointments to the Agricultural Preservation Board. rALOrange County Agricultural Preservation Board 3 May 1911, 2023 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair Orange County Board of County Commissioners PO Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 Re: Agricultural Preservation Board Appointment Recommendations Dear Chair Bedford: The Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board (APB) discussed membership at its regular meeting on May 17th, 2023. The APB asks the Board of Commissioners to consider reappointing the following two current members to new three-year terms. Both will reach the end of their partial first terms on June 30, 2023 and wish to continue serving on the board: Reappoint Vaughn Compton to his first full term in the Cedar Grove district position (position 2). Reappoint Kim Woods to her first full term in the Caldwell district position (position 3) In addition to the above reappointments, the APB proposes reappointing member Jane Saiers (District position 4: New Hope/Hillsborough District) to serve an additional three- year term as allowed in subsection 48-5 (b)(1) of our Voluntary Farmland Protection Program ordinance, which permits Agricultural District representatives to be "appointed and re-appointed as necessary to insure that each Agricultural District is represented." The APB will continue to have one vacancy in the district position for the Schley/Eno Voluntary Agricultural District (position 5). This position requires that the applicant be the owner of a qualifying farm enrolled in the VAD farm located within the boundaries of this district. We expect to have a qualified farm owner/applicant in the near future to recommend for the BOCC's consideration. There is also one remaining at-large vacancy to be filled. The APB has initiated a special effort to reach out to the farm community to identify and recruit new applicants with strong backgrounds in farming and/or other aspects of food or timber production. Thank you on behalf of the APB. We are grateful to these individuals for being willing to share their experience and time to assist with Orange County's agricultural preservation program. Sincerely, David Stancil Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board cc: Portia McKnight, Chair NATURAL and CULTURAL RESOURCES DIVISION Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks &Recreation PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278 Phone: (919) 245-2510 Fax: (919) 644-3351 4 Agricultural Preservation Board Members and Applicants Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on Howard McAdams Jr Member Male White Cheeks Vaughn Compton Member Male White 60+ Cedar Grove Kim Woods Member Female White Cedar Grove Jane Saiers Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Michael McPherson Member Male White Bingham Portia McKnight Member Female White Chapel Hill Anjail Taylor Member Female African American 35-59 Cedar Grove Human Relations Commission Michael Wagger Member Male White 60+ Little River Elizabeth G.Hooten Member Female White 35-59 Bingham James Fickle Member Male White Chapel Hill Jeff Sykes Member Male White Bingham Beth Myers Member Female White Cedar Grove Michael Hughes Member Male White Bingham VACANT VACANT Lee M.Hethcox IAPPlicant Female lWhite 60+ IChapel Hill Fayaz Khazi jApplicant Male jAsian American 35-59 IChapel Hill 5 Page 1 of 2 Vaughn Compton Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Vaughn Compton Name Called: Home Address: 1002 Hurdle Mills Rd. Cedar Grove NC 27231 Phone: 919-428-4351 Email: vaughn@comptonfarming.com Year of OC Residence: 1954 Township of Residence: Cedar Grove Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Orange FFA,Cedar Ridge FFA, Hillsborough Exchange Club , Orange County Farm Bureau, Central Piedmont Livestock Show Co chair Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Orange Ag Grants, Orange APB Boards/Commissions applied for: Agricultural Preservation Board Background, education and experience relevant to this board: Farmer; Farmed all my life. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: See farmland preserved; Keep Orange County Rural land in farming. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: Listen to everyone and then participate. Conflict of Interest: Boards/Commissions appointments: Agricultural Preservation Board Application Date: 4/2/2014 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I have lived in Orange County my entire life. My grandfather and father were both farmers therefore I continued on the tradition of farming. I have been farming since 1975. My family farms tobacco and chickens. With my experience in my farming background Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: 6 Page 2 of 2 Vaughn Compton I would like to serve on this board so the farmers of my county will be properly represented now and in the future. With farming being such a big supplier in the world our voices need to be heard and protected for now and future farmers. By serving on thi Conflict of Interest: Other Comments: This application was current on: 11/1/2022 8:54:24 PM Date Printed: 11/7/2022 7 Page 1 of 2 Kim Woods Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Kim Woods Name Called: Home Address: 2915 Pearson Rd. Hurdle Mills NC 27541 Phone (Day): 336-599-1195 Phone (Evening): 919-732-9973 Phone (Cell): 919-624-8035 Email: kim_woods@ncsu.edu Place of Employment: N.C. Cooperative Extension - Person County Cente Job Title: Agricultural Agent Year of OC Residence: 1969 Township of Residence: Cedar Grove Zone of Residence: County Sex: Female Ethnic Background: white Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Orange Durham Cattleman s Association NC Cattleman s Association NC Forage and Grassland Council Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board Boards/Commissions applied for: Agricultural Preservation Board Background, education and experience relevant to this board: Grew up on dairy farm in Orange County Graduated from NC State with an agriculture-related degree Currently farm in Orange County Work with farmers in Person and Granville Counties Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I am passionate about agriculture. I want to preserve the land and see more agricultural opportunities develop in the county. Conflict of Interest: Supplemental Questions: Boards/Commissions appointments: Work Experience: I have worked with Cooperative Extension since October, 2003. For 11 years prior to that, I worked for a small animal veterinarian in Hillsborough. 8 Page 2 of 2 Kim Woods Additionally, my family has a small farm where we raise hay. Volunteer Experience: I serve as an Elder at my church. Education: I have a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degre from North Carolina State University. Other Comments: I have always been involved in agriculture and feel it is crucial to the overall well-being of the county. I look forward to serving on the Agricultural Preservation Board to promote the importance of farming and farm land in Orange County. STAFF COMMENTS: Originally (05/18/2011) applied for Agricultural Preservation Board. ADDRESS VERIFICATION: 2915 Pearson Road is Orange County Jurisdiction and Cedar Grove Township. This application was current on: 9/24/2018 Date Printed: 9/24/2018 9 Page 1 of 2 Jane Saiers Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Dr. Jane Saiers Name Called: Home Address: 5407 Spring House Ln Chapel Hill NC 27516 Phone: 919-618-6067 Email: Jane@RambleRillFarm.com Year of OC Residence: 1992 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board member, Orange County Agricultural Economic Development grant review committee, Treasurer of Meadow Ridge Homeowners Association Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board, Orange County Agricultural Economic Development grant review committee Boards/Commissions applied for: Economic Development Advisory Board (REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT) Background, education and experience relevant to this board: In my time as an Orange County resident, I have worked in large companies (Glaxo, GlaxoWellcome, GlaxoSmithKline), started and run two small businesses (The WriteMedine, Inc. and RambleRill Farm, Inc.), and served on the boards of nonprofits. These experiences have provided me with an understanding of diverse business operations and economic development efforts as they impact the community. Having spent many years in academia--- first as a PhD scientist and later in life as a beginning farmer---I have a deep appreciation of the value of education, training, and re-training in providing opportunities for economic development. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board I wish to support initiatives that promote small businesses and foster their cooperative and integrated activities and thereby enhance local resilience in Orange County. I wish to support economic development initiatives that enhance quality of life and build community in Orange County while enabling businesses to thrive. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board I would bring the perspective of a small business owner (currently of RambleRill Farm and formerly of my medical communications company, The WriteMedicine, Inc). I would also bring the perspectives of a small-scale farmer selling directly to customers and a female business 10 Page 2 of 2 Jane Saiers owner. Conflict of Interest: Boards/Commissions appointments: Agricultural Preservation Board Application Date: 8/4/2015 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I have been operating a small farm in Hillsborough, North Carolina, since 2009/2010. We grow fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms year round. The farm has been certified organic since 2013. We sell our produce at local farmers markets, including the Hillsbor Reasons for wanting to serve on this board As a farmer and sustainable agriculture advocate, I am motivated to help work at the county level to preserve farmland, to build and enhance farm-based communities, and to assist growers in farming endeavors that are both economically viable and environme Conflict of Interest: Other Comments: This application was current on: 3/18/2021 Date Printed: 3/18/2021 11 Page 1 of 2 Lee M. Hethcox Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Lee M. Hethcox Name Called: Home Address: 1707 Seminole Rd. Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 540-466-6698 Email: hethcox9@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Boards/Commissions applied for: Agricultural Preservation Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I had a small poultry farm in VA for many years. I lived in an area where agriculture was being overtaken by development, and this area seems to have a similar dynamic. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I feel agriculture is vital and needs to be protected. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? not sure what you want here? Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? none Boards/Commissions appointments: Animal Services Advisory Board Application Date: 11/7/2021 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I have raised a variety of farm animals, and I also have always had cats and dogs. I have assisted in cat rescue and wildlife rescue situations. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: 12 Page 2 of 2 Lee M. Hethcox Animal Services needs to have a balanced, common sense approach. No animal should be mistreated, but animals aren't people or fluffy toys either Conflict of Interest: none Other Comments: This application was current on: 11/7/2021 Date Printed: 5/22/2023 13 Page 1 of 2 Fayaz Khazi Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Dr Fayaz Khazi Name Called: Home Address: 206 Whirlaway Lane Chapel Hill NC 27516 Phone: 301-580-8363 Email: fayazkhazi@icloud.com Year of OC Residence: 2017 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: Asian American Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: None. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Durham Technical Community College Board of Trustees Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I have a doctoral degree in Molecular Genetics and over 15+ years of experience working within or running research driven companies. Such responsibilities have necessitated me to develop a network of academic collaborators across the world. I hope to bring not only my academic training, but also the hands-on experience in future workforce training, university and industry engagement, grants and funding resources. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I previously collaborated with and mentored Montgomery College in Germantown MD to build their programs to nurture students for a career in life sciences. I have worked with the University of MD along similar lines. In NC, I am currently engaged in multiple activities with NCSU. I believe I have ideas and the necessary experience to help DTCC thrive as it continues to serve its residents. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: I bring a global perspective to identify local opportunities. As a leader in the technology industry, I am well aware of the trends and have the ability to guide DTCC in the right direction. Conflict of Interest: 14 Page 2 of 2 Fayaz Khazi Agricultural Preservation Board Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I am an scientist-entreprenuer in the area of agriculture and food and have served this industry for over 15yrs. Over the years, I have developed the expertise, insight and a practical appreciation for the farm, farmer, the community and the environment. If chosen, I look forward to bringing my expertise and network in this area to assess, analyze and resolve issues and explore opportunities for the benefit of the citizens of Orange County. I have a BS in Agriculture and a PhD in Plant Biology. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: As a member of the community, I have always wanted to participate and contribute, but never could make the time. Recently, I made a decision to consciously make changes to my life and not let work take over. Importantly though, I do have the relevant education and the life experience that this Board could benefit from. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: I hope to bring viewpoints based on facts, science and real world business experience to the board. Conflict of Interest: Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 9/10/2022 2:36:38 PM Date Printed: 9/12/2022 15 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Agricultural Preservation Board Meeting Times: 6:30 pm(winter)7:30 pm(spring,summer,fall)Third Wednesday of ev Contact Person:Peter Sandbeek&Kalani Allen Meeting Place: Bonnie B.Davis Environment&Agricultural Center Contact Phone: 919-245-2510 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Description: Members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners. The primary purpose of the Agricultural Preservation Board(APB) is to promote the economic and cultural importance of agriculture in the county,and to encourage voluntary preservation and protection of farmland for future production. The Agricultural Preservation Board is a body comprised of up to seven(7)at-large members,plus one(1)member from each of the seven(7)Agricultural Districts in the county. Howard McAdams Jr 1 First Appointed: 03/06/2008 Gender Identity: Male Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 06/15/2021 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Vol.Ag.District Expiration: 06/30/2024 Age Range: Special Repr: High Rock/Efland Vol.Ag.Dist. Number of Terms: 2 Vaughn Compton 2 First Appointed: 12/05/2022 Gender Identity: Male Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 12/05/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Vol.Ag.District Expiration: 06/30/2023 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Cedar Grove Vol.Ag.Dist. Number of Terms: Kim Woods 3 First Appointed: 11/13/2018 Gender Identity: Female Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 12/05/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Vol.Ag.District Expiration: 06/30/2023 Age Range: Special Repr: Caldwell Vol.Ag.Dist. Number of Terms: Dr. Jane Saiers 4 First Appointed: 10/20/2015 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 12/05/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Vol.Ag.District Expiration: 06/30/2023 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: New Hope/Hills.Vol.Ag.Dist. Number of Terms: 3 VACANT 5 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Vol.Ag.District Expiration: 06/30/2024 Age Range: Special Repr: Schley/Eno Vol.Ag.Dist. Number of Terms: Monday,May 22,2023 Page 1 16 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Agricultural Preservation Board Meeting Times: 6:30 pm(winter)7:30 pm(spring,summer,fall)Third Wednesday of ev Contact Person:Peter Sandbeek&Kalani Allen Meeting Place: Bonnie B.Davis Environment&Agricultural Center Contact Phone: 919-245-2510 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Mr. Michael McPherson 6 First Appointed: 12/02/2019 Gender Identity: Male Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 05/24/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Enhanced VolAgDist Expiration: 06/30/2025 Age Range: Special Repr: Cane Creek/Buckhom Vol.Ag.Dist. Number of Terms: 2 Portia McKnight 7 Chair First Appointed: 02/06/2018 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 10/20/2020 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Vol.Ag.District Expiration: 09/30/2023 Age Range: Special Repr: White Cross Vol.Ag.Dist. Number of Terms: 2 Anj ail Taylor 8 First Appointed: 02/17/2022 Gender Identity: Female Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 02/17/2022 Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2024 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 VACANT 9 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2025 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: Michael Wagger 10 First Appointed: 12/05/2022 Gender Identity: Male Township: Little River Current Appointment: 12/05/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2025 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Elizabeth G. Hooten 11 First Appointed: 02/17/2022 Gender Identity: Female Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 02/17/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2024 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Monday,May 22,2023 Page 2 17 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Agricultural Preservation Board Meeting Times: 6:30 pm(winter)7:30 pm(spring,summer,fall)Third Wednesday of ev Contact Person:Peter Sandbeek&Kalani Allen Meeting Place: Bonnie B.Davis Environment&Agricultural Center Contact Phone: 919-245-2510 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Dr James Fickle 12 First Appointed: 12/05/2022 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 12/05/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2024 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: Jeff Sykes 13 First Appointed: 12/02/2019 Gender Identity: Male Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 05/24/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2025 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Beth Myers 14 First Appointed: 12/02/2019 Gender Identity: Female Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 05/24/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2025 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Michael Hughes 15 First Appointed: 02/17/2022 Gender Identity: Male Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 02/17/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2024 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Monday,May 22,2023 Page 3 18 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Peter Sandbeck&Kalani Allen Agricultural Preservation Board Contact Phone: 919-245-2510 Lee M. Hethcox Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 11/07/2021 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Dr Fayaz Khazi Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 09/10/2022 Ethnic Background: Asian American Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Monday,May 22,2023 Page 1 of 1