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MOTION: <br />VOTE: <br />14 <br />farm to have an agricultural district designation. <br />Collins responded that he felt the Crutchfield Heirs are <br />more interested in the waiver of sewer assessments and <br />insuring long term use of the property for tree farm <br />purposes. This is part of the site of the proposed Seven <br />Mile Creek Reservoir and borders lands owned by orange <br />County which was purchased in the 1970's with the intent <br />of providing a reservoir. <br />Discussion followed regarding the kinds of trees and <br />Walker responded mostly hardwoods. It was also noted by <br />Collins that the property would not be protected from <br />condemnation for a reservoir. But, if the property was <br />condemned for a reservoir, there would have to be a public <br />hearing and the owners would have to be paid a fair market <br />price for the property. <br />Strayhorn moved approval as recommended by the Planning <br />Staff. Seconded by Nutter. <br />Unanimous. <br />Collins stated that these recommendations will be <br />presented to the Board of Commissioners on August 3, 1992. <br />c. Minimum Farm Size - Voluntary Agricultural Districts <br />Presentation by Marvin Collins. <br />This item is to consider changing the minimum farm size <br />required for participation in the voluntary agricultural <br />districts program. <br />The abstract and relevant materials are included as an <br />attachment to these minutes on pages <br />The Planning Staff recommends that Section V.C.I.a and b. <br />be amended to reduce the minimum required acreage from 155 <br />to 80 acres. The change would recognize the role that <br />smaller farms play in the agricultural economy, and, by <br />permitting two or more contiguous farms to join together, <br />allow farms as small as 40 acres to participate. If the <br />Advisory Board recommends the change for public hearing, <br />it can be included on the August 25, 1992 agenda. <br />An important point to remember is that under the current <br />standard or any revision thereof, all applications must be <br />processed and, if eligible, certified as qualifying <br />farmland by the Advisory Board. The applicant(s) would <br />not be eligible for designation as an agricultural <br />district, however, unless the threshold standards were <br />met. <br />