APB minutes 061610 - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 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.