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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 02-15-24; 3 - Agricultural Preservation Board – Appointments Discussion 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: February 15, 2024 Action Agenda Item No. 3 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 with promoting 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 Dr. Noah At-Large Partial Term 06/30/2025 Ranells Manley Palmer At-Large Partial Term 06/30/2024 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 2 White Cross 09/30/2026 Vacant since 09/30/2026 Voluntary Agricultural District 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 February 2, 2024 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 recommendations to fill vacant positions at its regular meeting on January 17th, 2024. The APB asks the Board of Commissioners to consider appointing the following two applicants. They bring strong backgrounds in various aspects of agriculture and will help the APB continue to carry out its important mission: Appoint new applicant Noah Ranells to the vacant at-large position number 9. Now serving as a regional director of NCSU's NC Farmlink program, Mr. Ranells has worked for many years to help address the viability of farming and ensure that farmland is available for future farmers. He also owns a farm that is enrolled in our VAD program, so he is very familiar with the program and its benefits. Appoint new applicant Manley Palmer to the vacant at-large position number 12. Mr. Palmer has a long history of involvement with the Future Farmers of America organization, as a coach and mentor at the county and state levels. His farm is presently enrolled in our VAD program, so he is also very familiar with the program and its benefits. The APB will continue to have two vacancies in the district positions for the Schley-Eno and White Cross Voluntary Agricultural Districts. These positions require that the applicant be the owner of a qualifying VAD farm located within the boundaries of each district. There are several interested farmers now considering applying for this position. We expect to have two qualified farm owners/applicants in the near future to recommend for the BOCC's consideration. Thank you on behalf of the APB. We are grateful to these individuals for being willing to share their experience and time so generously to assist with Orange County's agricultural preservation program. Sincerely, David Stancil Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board cc: Howard McAdams, 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 Anjail Taylor Member Female African American 35-59 Cedar Grove Michael Wagger Applicant Male White 60+ Little River Elizabeth G.Hooten Member Female White 35-59 Bingham Jeff Sykes Member Male White Bingham Beth Myers Member Female White Cedar Grove Michael Hughes Member Male White Bingham VACANT VACANT VACANT VACANT Fayaz Khazi jApplicant Male jAsian American 35-59 IChapel Hill Craig Meisner Applicant Male White 60+ Chapel Hill Manely Palmer Applicant Male White 35-59 Little River Noah Ranells Applicant Male Other 60+ Bingham 5 Page 1 of 2 Noah Ranells Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Dr. Noah Ranells Name Called: Home Address: 211 Fickle Creek Crossing Efland NC 27243 Phone: 919-619-9180 Email: nranells@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 1999 Township of Residence: Bingham Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: Other Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association Member NC Farml-ink Director, Eastern NC Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Ag Preservation Board (Prior service) Planning Board (Prior service) Boards/Commissions applied for: Orange County Planning Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have worked in public service for the past 25+ years, including universities, as well as state, county, and town governments. My experience in environmental and agricultural positions includes water quality, environmental management, erosion control, agribusiness &farming, and planning &economic development. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I have served in the past and wish to serve again to help provide input to planning processes in Orange County. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? As an agricultural professional and farmer, I seek to complement other perspectives on the OCPB. 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? Agricultural Preservation Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have worked in public service for the past 25+ years, including universities, as well as state, county, and town governments. My experience in environmental and agricultural positions includes water quality, environmental management, erosion control, agribusiness &farming, and planning &economic development. 6 Page 2 of 2 Noah Ranells Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I seek to offer perspectives from a direct to consumer farming enterprise. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I seek objective analysis of issues facing farming and the ag community in Orange County 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? I am a farmer. Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: STAFF NOTES: First apptd. to OCPB 10/2/02 to At-Large, unexpired term. Reappointed to At-Large 3/24/2003. Moved by BOCC action 5/18/04 to Bingham upon resig. of M.Tadd from that position, same day. Renewed application on 5/11/04 for Ag. Pres. Board. Nominated to serve on CPLUC, 5/8/02. Renewed app. for Orange County Planning Board on 3/11/02. 10/8/01 Interest letter update-no reply-made app inactive. Orig.app. 12/8/99 for Ag.Distr.Adv.Bd; Comm for the Envir.; O/C Planning Bd. UPDATED APPLICATION 10/08/2013: Applied for Agricultural Preservation Board. This application was current on: 5/24/2023 11:28:35 AM Date Printed: 5/30/2023 7 Page 1 of 2 Manley Palmer Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Manley Palmer Name Called: Home Address: 5118 NC Hwy 57 Hurdle Mills NC 27541 Phone: 984-710-4384 Email: Manley.palmer69@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 1969 Township of Residence: Little River Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: I have been involved in youth agriculture for the last 15 years through 4-H heading up teams in 4-H being involved in the orange high school FFA, the state of North Carolina FFA program and the State Fair livestock team. My family is showing livestock and been involved in small grain crops for years. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Agriculture Wallace preservation Boards/Commissions applied for: Agricultural Preservation Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board Educated in Orange County schools grew up in the FFA program from the eighth grade to the 12th grade. Actively involved in the Orange County 4-H program had been for 15 years Have been involved with the Orange County FFA, and the state of North Carolina FFA program as a judge for different competitions and have been a mentor for state FFA members Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Being from Orange County, always being involved in agriculture, growing up, I have seen the importance of agriculture in this county, and how it has brought industry into this county and education into this county. My desire is to continue to see agriculture be something that is respected and continuing to grow in Orange county. I have always been one to help others by listening to what they have to say finding solutions. I feel one of my assets is listening and respecting others, opinions and ideas and incorporating those into my life and new proposals for other things la€TMm involved in. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? 8 Page 2 of 2 Manley Palmer Respecting other peoples ideas and opinions, I feel as an asset of mine, listening to others, and finding solutions is an asset of mine, caring about how others are moving forward, and dealing with current situation is an asset of mine. I feel I could contribute by listening, objectively and gathering information to make a Decision that benefits all 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? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 1/2/2024 8:58:07 AM Date Printed: 1/2/2024 9 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: 10 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 11 Page 1 of 2 Craig Meisner Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Dr. Craig Meisner Name Called: Home Address: 904 Emory Dr. Chapel Hill NC 27517 Phone: 252-263-9551 Email: craigameisner@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2000 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: I bought a home in Chapel Hill 20 years ago, but mostly lived and worked abroad as an ag researcher. I am active with Binkley Baptist church and as such work with IFC, BLM vigils, among others Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Agricultural Preservation Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have MS in Agriculture from NCSU, PhD from University of Georgia. I have worked with 7 of the 13 Consultative Group of International Agriculture Research Institutes, dealing with various crop commodities: wheat maize rice lentils tropical ag economics. Also work with FAO. I strive to serve my NC community as I have done abroad for 39 years. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I return to NC and would love to serve this community of growers. I am retired and have time to serve . How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I have an international perspective on ag, ag commodities. Not many have international experiences as I do. But not many yearn to learn more about NC and its current ag practices. 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? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: 12 Page 2 of 2 Craig Wisner This application was current on: 8/1/2023 11:10:43 AM Date Printed: 8/4/2023 13 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 Sandbeck&Abby Mattingly 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: 06/20/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Vol.Ag.District Expiration: 06/30/2026 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Cedar Grove Vol.Ag.Dist. Number of Terms: 1 Kim Woods 3 First Appointed: 11/13/2018 Gender Identity: Female Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 06/20/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Vol.Ag.District Expiration: 06/30/2026 Age Range: Special Repr: Caldwell Vol.Ag.Dist. Number of Terms: 2 Dr. Jane Saiers 4 First Appointed: 10/20/2015 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 06/20/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Vol.Ag.District Expiration: 06/30/2025 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,February 5,2024 Page 1 14 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 Sandbeck&Abby Mattingly 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/Buckhorn Vol.Ag.Dist. Number of Terms: 2 VACANT 7 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Vol.Ag.District Expiration: 09/30/2026 Age Range: Special Repr: White Cross Vol.Ag.Dist. Number of Terms: 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,February 5,2024 Page 2 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 Sandbeck&Abby Mattingly Meeting Place: Bonnie B.Davis Environment&Agricultural Center Contact Phone: 919-245-2510 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 VACANT 12 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: 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,February 5,2024 Page 3 16 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Peter Sandbeck&Abby Mattingl Agricultural Preservation Board Contact Phone: 919-245-2510 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: Dr. Craig Meisner Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 08/01/2023 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits Also Serves On: Mr. Manley Palmer Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 01/02/2024 Ethnic Background: White Township: Little River Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Dr. Noah Ranells Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 05/24/2023 Ethnic Background: Other Township: Bingham Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Efland-Mebane SAP Implementation Focus Group(BOARD NOT CURRENTLY MEETING) Monday,February 5,2024 Page 1 of 1