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(Edited version for verbal presentation) <br />OCAS Board mtg., February 19, 2014, 6:30PM; Eubanks Rd., CH <br /> <br />Good evening! My name is Marilyn Kille. I’ve come here tonight to ask for your help. <br />I own Peppermint Spring Farm, the southern-most of the historic farms that remain <br />along Carrboro’s west side. Some may recall how, for nearly two decades, PSF was a <br />resource for OCAS -- using its truck/trailer to transport and our barn to stable injured or <br />stray livestock; assisting with outreach clinics and fund-raising; and rehabilitating <br />hunting-bred dogs deemed salvageable but which, otherwise, do poorly when <br />confined. In fact, at age 12 my daughter became OCAS’ youngest volunteer during <br />which she’d regularly promoted OCAS programs at area malls and events. <br />Sadly, we ceased doing such about seven years ago when some terrible things began <br />to regularly impact our farm, livestock, pets, my family, and me personally. And, <br />because I continue to feel helpless to resolve these matters, tonight I’m turning to you <br />for help. Or at least, for your understanding! <br />[Note: Illustration of OWASA GIS map] <br />Since 2007 my farm and its animals have regularly been targeted by vandals in many <br />ways. For example, road front board fences have been broken when neighboring <br />children climb them or cars driven through them. Some instances are opportunistic or <br />circumstantial; but in most they are quite deliberate-- and, largely, serve development <br />interests. <br />[Note: Photo of Christmas week damage to board fence] <br />Electric fence wires have been cut; electronic gate controllers and other equipment <br />damaged as well as stolen; gates, barn doors and stall doors have been opened; <br />hunters have driven deer through our rearward fencing; beer bashes and fireworks in <br />our pastures have terrorized our herd causing panic and thousands of dollars in <br />injuries; vehicles have been driven across fields; and our animals poisoned. <br />I can’t summarize all that’s happened in the 3 minutes allowed me, so I’m asking that <br />you each read the details in the hand-outs given you. But much of what continues to <br />occur has to do with my and my neighbors’ farms having been targeted for urban <br />development purposes. In effect, the owners of all 20 remaining farms are expected to <br />face loss of their homes and land beginning next year. Of this there is no doubt! <br />What solution exists I haven’t a clue.