Orange County NC Website
2 <br /> very constructive way to inform them and at the same time answer their questions. We are <br /> being told that the details and content will be hammered out this winter and into the spring <br /> of 2025. It's likely that the best time for the APB to appear at a work session will be during <br /> the winter, prior to the onset of the budget cycle. Thus, a future step will be to get the APB <br /> on the agenda for a BOCC work session. Hughes walked members through the four scenario <br /> maps provided by the consultants. Discussion followed about the implications of each of the <br /> proposals on farmland preservation. Staff will share a link to the video of the last <br /> presentation the consultants made to the BOCC in May. <br /> b) Farmland Preservation Subcommittee: The group is looking at the feasibility of forming a <br /> task force to focus on the concept of "planning for agriculture." That group could include a <br /> couple of APB members, along with some from Planning and Whole Orange to help get folks <br /> on the same page. The objective will be to figure out what planning for agriculture really <br /> needs to look like, as opposed to planning around it or as an afterthought, as has been the <br /> case up to now. The group will drill down into the four proposed scenarios and then decide <br /> what to recommend. And finally, the subcommittee is working on a new updated Farmland <br /> Protection Plan, and this task force could be a sounding board for the concepts and drafts. <br /> The subcommittee is working on shaping ideas for the big goals for this process. We're <br /> trying to decide what are we hoping to share with the BOCC, hopefully to get their approval, <br /> and then map out the implementation steps. Discussion followed. There was general <br /> agreement that this is going to be the critical phase of our effort. <br /> c) Membership: There's only one vacant at-large position, thanks to the addition of Totten <br /> and Miller, as per the updated roster. Our next cycle will be in September or October. <br /> d) Update on VAD projects and the VAD breakfast: Perrin provided a brief update about the <br /> four applications she's currently working on, to be considered in September. In mid- <br /> September, she'll be attending her annual conservation employee training for all the Soil <br /> and Water Districts across the state, so will miss our September meeting. Sandbeck will <br /> cover the VAD presentations. She hopes to find a new venue for the breakfast, in a different <br /> part of the county this year. They are working on updating their website which will include <br /> the VAD program. She hopes to get signage installed soon and will also have to replace <br /> some that have gone missing. Guest Alex Kissinger provided an overview of his role with <br /> Extension, including livestock, animal waste and ponds. <br /> 7. Informational Items/Future Agenda Items: <br /> a. Extension and Ag Economic Development Activities: None <br /> b. Update on activities of Whole Orange group: Hughes already provided details earlier. <br /> 8. Time for Information Sharing: None. <br /> 9. Adjournment: Saiers moved to adjourn, seconded by Sykes. Meeting adjourned at 7:51 pm. <br />