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2 <br /> group. The APB comments are advisory in nature. This is the first time that Planning has <br /> encountered a major project that will utilize the ASE process. After this was created in 2014, <br /> the state adjusted the rules for bona fide farms, and in doing so, has largely eliminated the <br /> need for applicants to use the ASE process. The applicant operates a commercial tree care <br /> operation in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area. Adjacent property owners are Orange County <br /> and Duke Forest. This land was formerly part of the Eugene and Julia Blackwood farm. This <br /> parcel already has a 180' monopole cell tower at one corner. The site plans for the project <br /> depicted the location of the access road, parking areas and related aspects of the <br /> development. Any APB comments or observations will be noted and conveyed to the <br /> Planning Board. Ms. Moncado is the lead planner on this project and will be able to answer <br /> any subsequent questions. Discussion followed to address APB questions. There will be <br /> about 60 employees and 15 employee crew trucks; the employees will drive into the facility <br /> and leave at the end of the day. The crew trucks will exit and return, creating on the order <br /> of 100 trips per day. The property will be fully fenced. The by-product of wood chips might <br /> be another aspect of an ag-oriented use if mulch is created. This operation is considered an <br /> allowable use under the ASE, as a forestry-related operation and is considered to be <br /> consistent with the overall character of the surrounding area. The APB can consider this <br /> information and provide comments/questions back to staff. We have 30 days to consider <br /> this proposal and provide written comments back to Planning. <br /> b) VAD Breakfast: proposal for the 2023: staff shared an overview of the proposed event, <br /> noting that there are two options for the date: either November 14 or 30. Members <br /> preferred the 14th. The Lashley's have agreed to cater again. It will be held at the Ruritan <br /> Club in Cedar Grove. Members endorsed the catering and location choices. The cost last <br /> year was about $1,400. Discussion followed about topics. It might be helpful if there could <br /> be a presentation about the progress on updating the county's land use plan. <br /> c) VAD report/update: Perrin's written report noted that there are a couple of VAD farms now <br /> going through the application process and that she is working on conservation plans. These <br /> might be ready for November or January. She's also working on the annual VAD report for <br /> the state. <br /> d) Farmland Preservation Subcommittee: Saiers provided an update and thanked members <br /> for completing the draft of the farmer/landowner survey to help us test it and for providing <br /> their feedback. In August, this was shared with the County Manager to get a green light to <br /> send it out to our full emailing list. Stancil reported that it should be OK to send it out now, <br /> with Ortosky handling the actual emailing process. There is a newly-formed Orange County <br /> Rural/Urban Coalition, started by our County Commissioner Sally Green and Carrboro <br /> Mayor Damon Seils—both acting as concerned citizens and not in their official capacities. <br /> This is a new group being formed to encourage smart development within the towns and <br /> cities. APB member Michael Hughes is current serving as our liaison with this group. Reach <br /> out to him if you have questions or would like to participate in some way. Our GIS database <br /> work is moving forward now that Brian Carson has cross-linked the USDA cropland data <br />