Mountain Valleys
Resource Conservation and Development Council
Minutes
Old Hickory House - Brevard, NC (Transylvania County)
Council Members Present: |
Council Members Absent: |
| Jim Boggs | Bill Booth |
| Drew Brannon | C.A Buckner |
| Jim Coman | Marla Cilley |
| Maurice McAlister | Jonalyn Crite |
| Hubert McEntyre | Carl DeBrew |
| Kenneth Reeves | Mike Haire |
| Bill McCarter | Rick Lasater |
| Richard Smith | Barbara Meliski |
| Danny McConnell | |
| Staff Personnel Present : | J.B. Osteen |
Russell Blevins |
Betty Reeves |
Rachel Cannon |
Glenn Rhodes |
Bob Carter |
Michael Rouse |
Gerald Harbinson |
Dan Servideo |
Loring McIntyre |
Robert Watts |
Albert Moore |
|
Sally Stokes |
|
Bob Twomey |
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Hubert McEntyre at 6:59 p.m.
MINUTES : The February 20, 2003, RC&D Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed. Kenneth Reeves made a motion to approve the February minutes as presented and there was a second; motion was approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT : In the Treasurer and Secretary’s absence, Rachel Cannon reported as of August 26, 2003 the Balance Sheet shows $156,855.80 in the Council’s checking account with Wachovia. The Profit and Loss sheet for July 1- August 26, 2003 , shows a total income of $27,842.88; total expenses of $39,120.57; interest income of $13.64 and $0 in other income; for a net income of ($11,264.05). Drew Brannon made a motion and there was a second to accept the Treasurer’s Report; motion was approved.
FY2004 RC&D COUNCIL BUDGET : Sally Stokes explained the proposed FY04 Council budget to members present (attached). It has already been discussed to keep the SWCD dues the same as in FY03. The budget had to be adjusted due to other increases. There were no questions or comments on the budget. Jim Boggs made a motion to approve the FY04 RC&D budget as presented and there was a second; motion was approved.
Rachel Cannon noted that the FY04 dues had been received from each county and thanked those who facilitated the speedy replies.
COMPETITIVE OUTSOURCING: Sally Stokes explained to the Council the current situation with competitive outsourcing of Administrative Assistants within NRCS. (Rachel Cannon is under a cooperative agreement between the Council and NRCS). For the past several months the Administrative Assistant positions were being studied to be placed in the private sector and the NRCS positions done away with. Because of certain clauses in the requirements given in Washington , the RC&D Coordinators in NC have been informed that these positions will be left as federal positions and will not be studied again for 5 years. Sally also informed the Council that the Coordinators positions will be studied in the same way within a year or two to see if they could be outsourced as well.
HIRING NEW RC&D SECRETARY: Sally Stokes explained to the Council that Rachel Cannon will be getting married at the end of October and moving to Atlanta , so a replacement for her position is being sought. An ad has been placed in the Citizen-Times. (Ad attached) Rachel explained that the ad ran in the New Arrivals section of the Saturday paper, in Sunday’s edition, it will be online from Sunday through Saturday, in Monday’s insert of WNC Business, Wednesday’s insert Career Builder and on Wednesday’s Good News Paper. The job has also been listed with the Employee Security Commission and with the placement office at South College . As of today the Council has received 8 resumes. Rachel also said that she would be talking with Charlie Jackson at ASAP and asking him to run it through their list serve. Sally explained that the position would be under a cooperative agreement as Rachel’s position has been.
Sally asked the Council if anyone would like to sit on a committee to review the resumes and/or on a committee to interview the applicants. Jim Coman and Drew Brannon both said they would review and interview if their schedules would allow. Kenneth Reeves said he would be happy to review the applications. Hubert McEntyre said he would review and interview. It was asked when the cut-off date for the job would be. Rachel explained that the ad in the Citizen-Times had only been run for one week to determine the amount of response before paying for a second week. The job would also remain on file at the Employee Security Commission and at South College until she informed them that it was no longer available. If it needed to be run another week in the Citizen-Times, Rachel would have to inform the paper by 5 p.m. on Friday. Kenneth Reeves suggested that the applicants be narrowed down to 3 or 4 for actual interview. He asked Rachel and Sally to draft a score sheet for those reviewing the resumes.
Sally explained that the Council was hoping to keep the position full time. The second half of the salary is now being paid from current grant administrative costs. Hubert McEntyre suggested finding a foundation or fund that the Council could apply for a grant from to pay this half of the position.
NATIONAL RC&D MEETING: Drew Brannon reported that it was a very good meeting. About 1,600 people attended. He was able to meet Joe Cantu, the National President and the NACD Chief. There was a very good Sunday afternoon tour and Texas seems to have the same problems as everywhere; overdevelopment. Sunday night there was a great banquet with authentic Mexican food. The meetings were good and very informative. Drew thought the Southeastern Meeting was the highlight of the week for him. There were about 150 people in attendance, with 25 of those being from North Carolina . Jeanette Jamieson spoke and informed them that the National RC&D program had a budget increase of 2 million dollars this year while most federal program’s budgets were cut. Outsourcing was a very hot topic. Seven new RC&D areas were approved but none from North Carolina . They were also told that next year’s Southeastern Meeting would be held in September in Savannah , GA. The original 10 RC&D Areas with honored with a plaque at the Banquet. Drew said he enjoyed himself and enjoyed meeting different people from across the US . The next National Meeting will also be held in Savannah , GA in 2006.
COUNCIL INSURANCE: Sally Stokes explained that the Council had received a fax from Beehive Insurance Agency. She believes they were present at the National Meeting. Three Councils in NC currently have Directors and Officers Liability Insurance through them; and they are giving the other councils the opportunity to be written into the RC&D policy which begins October 1, 2003 and to obtain a group rate of $750. Sally said the fax contained more information, and appears to be an application. Currently the Council has no insurance. Sally mentioned a situation in the Eastern part of the state where an RC&D was named in a suit involving one of their projects and had this insurance as coverage. The Council agreed that this is an important issue which had not been considered. Kenneth Reeves made a motion for more information to be obtained from Beehive and put before the Executive Board at the September meeting for a decision. There was a second; motion was approved.
NEW MEASURE PROPOSALS: Gerald Harbinson presented a new proposal for initiating a Polk Agricultural Economic Development Advisory Committee. This is needed because agriculture is declining in Polk County and politically agriculture is not important to the economics of the county. The group has met one time with the initial chore of an inventory of agricultural services in the county.
Drew Brannon made a motion to accept this proposal as a new measure and there was a second; motion was approved.
PROJECTS COMPLETED OR CANCELED: Bob Carter reported that the Mud Creek Restoration Project IPSI portion is complete. Its intention was to work with Mud Creek Restoration Council and TVA to have an IPSI study conducted. This has been completed and the report published.
Gerald Harbinson reported that the Polk County Farmers’ Market project is complete. Their intent was to initiate a tailgate market in Polk which started in April. A $950 Paul Culverson Grant was received from the Polk Community Foundation. It was used to buy signs, barricades, and a hanging scale. They are averaging about 15 vendors who sell produce and handmade crafts.
PROJECT UPDATES : Russell Blevins reported that Madison County has been funded on their 3 rd EPA Grant. Their 1 st EPA Grant will be complete 9/30/03 .
Bob Twomey reported that the French Broad River Confluence project would finally be raising their first house this month after 19 years.
Bob also reported that work on the Silverstein project is still on hold. They have jumped through all the hoops, and after 3 years, a $4000 project has cost around $7000. FEMA has been the hold up. The group has taken four cross sections on the creek to prove that they will not change anything in the channel. It has gone back before the City Development and Planning Department and now they have to wait again. At the last SWCD the Board decided to talk to the Mayor of Brevard about it.
Bob also reported that the Transylvania County Agriculture District has received the funds from Mountain Valleys . The Ag Advisory Board has identified three major areas and is working with DOT to make sure signs follow regulations. They are hoping that the project will be complete in the next few months.
OTHER BUSINESS: Hubert McEntyre asked Sally Stokes how soon the Employee Handbook could be completed. Sally asked the Council for a few new volunteers to review the handbook. Rachel Cannon explained that the handbook was already put together, having been adapted from the Pilot View RC&D and Riverlinks Employee handbooks. It just needs to be edited and approved. Hubert asked if the handbook could be sent to each Council member with a deadline for comments so that it can be approved at the next Executive Board Meeting on September 25, 2003 .
Sally Stokes informed everyone that they had the updated RC&D Calendar in their packets along with the Southeastern Association minutes.
Hubert McEntyre reported that the hosting of the State Association Meeting in May went well and that we had a good meeting. Madison County provided a great tour and project there. Everyone was able to see the new highway which is now open. Hubert said that he had quite a few comments from other RC&Ds and one of the Council Members working on next year’s meeting commented that this meeting would be hard to beat. Sally Stokes thanked everyone who helped in any way.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
Other information handed out at meeting and referenced:
MEETING MINUTES - November 18, 2003
RYAN’S STEAK HOUSE - Forest City , NC (Rutherford County)
Council Members Present: |
Council Members Absent : |
Drew Brannon |
Jim Coman |
Bill McCarter |
Carl DeBrew |
Hubert McEntyre |
Rick Lasater |
Richard Smith |
Elise Israel |
Barbara Meliski |
Jim Boggs |
Mike Haire |
J.B. Osteen |
Dan Servideo |
Maurice McAlister |
Kenneth Reeves |
Betty Reeves |
Danny McConnell |
C.A. Buckner |
|
Dan Smith |
Staff Personnel Present: |
Bill Booth |
Sally Stokes |
Marla Cilley |
Bob Carter |
Jonalyn Crite |
Pamela Pyles |
Robert C. Watts |
Russell Blevins |
|
Clint Calhoun |
Others Present : |
Gerald Harbinson |
Tom Haire |
Ben Robinson |
Jean Servideo |
Albert Moore |
|
Anna Davenport |
|
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Hubert McEntyre at 6:53 p.m. The following guests were welcomed to the meeting: Clint Calhoun , new Erosion Control Specialist on the UBRWP Project; Pamela Pyles, Former Erosion Control Specialist on the UBRWP Project; Tom Haire, Mike Haire’s son; and Jean Servideo, Dan Servideo’s wife.
MINUTES : The August 26, 2003 , RC&D Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed. Motion to receive was made by Mike Haire. Motion was seconded and approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT : Mike Haire presented the Treasurer’s Report. The Council currently has $138,123.23 on hand. Profit and Loss year-to-date is -$29,940.44. Motion to accept as presented was made by Drew Brannon. Motion was seconded and approved.
FY2005 RC&D COUNCIL BUDGET: Mike Haire presented the proposed FY2005 Council Budget. The only major change is the increase of dues for the counties to $800 per year. Sally Stokes explained that the budget is being completed earlier this year in order to help the counties in their budgeting process. She also noted that the highlighted items on the budget have very low amounts and that the Council has a tight budget. Richard Smith made a motion to accept the budget as presented. Motion was seconded and approved.
PAYMENT FOR FORM 990 PREPARATION: Hubert McEntyre presented an invoice from Stephen Corliss, the CPA who completes our Form 990. The Council had approved payment of $350 to him in the FY2003 budget. However, the invoice was for $375. Approval was needed to pay the extra $25. Mike Haire presented a motion to pay the invoice in full. Motion was seconded and approved.
COMPETITIVE OUTSOURCING: Sally Stokes explained that five of the ten councils have Federal employees as administrative assistants. Starting in FY2003, each year the Government looks at a certain number of positions to see if they can be done cheaper by outsourcing. The federal RC&D Administrative Assistant positions were studied in FY2003. It has been determined that it is cheaper for the Government to keep these positions Federal. This decision will not affect Mountain Valleys RC&D, as our administrative assistant is paid through a cooperative agreement with NRCS. The position of administrative assistant will not come up for review for another five years. The RC&D Coordinator position will be studied in the future.
COUNCIL INSURANCE: Sally Stokes informed the Council that we have purchased the Director’s and Officer’s Liability Insurance. This policy is provided by Beehive Insurance as a joint policy with all the NC RC&Ds who chose to participate. There is a $1,000 deductible and coverage of $1,000,000 per liability. Hubert McEntyre pointed out that we do not need to advertise that we have this insurance. It is just a stop gap measure to protect the Council.
COUNCIL OFFICER ELECTIONS: In Jim Coman’s absence, Hubert McEntyre presented the proposed slate of officers for next year. Richard Smith ( Polk County ) was added as 4 th Vice-Chairman. It was also noted that the hand-out had a typographical error and that Maurice McAlister should be Fourth Vice-Chairman. Barbara Meliski motioned to accept the proposed slate of officers as amended. Motion was seconded and approved.
NEW MEASURE PROPOSALS:
Kenneth Reeves motioned to accept these three proposals. Motion was seconded and approved.
PROJECTS COMPLETED OR CANCELED:
Drew motioned that these projects be approved as complete. Motion was seconded and approved.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC) Contract: Sally Stokes spoke concerning a contract with CMLC. She presented a draft contract and some correspondence relating to it. The last time Mountain Valleys RC&D worked with CMLC, there was no formal contract. Kieran Roe of CMLC would like to have one this time.
Barbara Meliski said that she and Clint Calhoun had met with Kieran to discuss the contract. Kieran assured them they understood funds were limited. He proposed CMLC’s part of the easements be limited to $200,000, and that the stewardship portion be $5,000 for each conservation easement. They have spoken with CWMTF, who said that the moneys could be moved from one line item to another. CWMTF suggested taking money out of the Project Management or Land Treatment. Barbara said that there is one person ready to move on an easement and they would like to get this done as soon as possible. The original budget has only $14,000 for project management, which will not cover costs, and $190,000 for land treatment. This does not allow much to move around to cover the additional cost of the easements being required by CMLC. Barbara and Clint said that Kieran and Tom Massie, WNC representative with CWMTF, had said to go ahead with the project.
Sally raised the question as to whether CWMTF will hold us to the seven easements listed in the grant contract. Barbara assured us that Francine Durso, Deputy Director of CWMTF, recognizes that not all seven might want to participate. We are just to let CWMTF know if that is the case. Sally asked if it were possible to get this in writing from CWMTF, because basically the grant contract signed by the Council says they will complete the stated acreage of easements for the seven landowners listed for the amount budgeted in the line item of the grant.
Bob Carter suggested signing the contract with CMLC and sending a letter to CWMTF stating our intent in making the contract, but pointing out that we might not be able to get all the easements that they have listed in the contract. The letter would state that entering into the contract with CMLC was a good faith effort to complete our contract with CWMTF.
Barbara Meliski motioned that we do as Bob had suggested. The motion was seconded and approved.
Upper Broad River Watershed: The video “Protecting the Upper Broad River Watershed” was shown. Clint Calhoun , new Erosion Control Specialist for UBRWP project, also handed out copies of “The Upper Broad River Watershed Protector’s Handbook” .
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Other information handed out at the meeting and referenced:
MEETING MINUTES - February 19, 2004
CAMPFIRE STEAKHOUSE - Black Mountain , NC (Buncombe County)
Council Members Present: |
Council Members Absent: |
Drew Brannon |
Jim Coman |
Jim Boggs |
Carl DeBrew |
Rick Lasater |
Hubert McEntyre |
Richard Smith |
Elise Israel |
Barbara Meliski |
Bill McCarter |
Robert C. Watts |
J.B. Osteen |
Dan Servideo |
Dan Smith |
Kenneth Reeves |
Betty Reeves |
Danny McConnell |
C.A. Buckner |
Maurice McAlister |
Bill Booth |
|
Marla Cilley |
Staff Personnel Present: |
Steve Hartington |
Jacob Crandall |
Mike Haire |
Sally Stokes |
|
Bob Carter |
Others Present: |
Russell Blevins |
None |
Oshen Sands |
|
Gerald Harbinson |
|
Loring McIntyre |
|
Anna Davenport |
|
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Drew Brannon at 6:47 p.m. Jacob Crandall, Assistant State Conservationist for Water Resources with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), was welcomed to the meeting. Jacob informed the group that there should be adequate funding for RC&D this year. He feels that North Carolina is a leader in the RC&D program. He is going to the National Leadership Forum in DC next week. He is hoping to attend a seminar about RC&Ds purchasing land. Jacob Crandall also said that allocated moneys will go to existing RC&D Councils, but efforts will continue on getting new RC&D Councils approved. North Carolina now has three new RC&D Council Area Application on file in Washington , DC .
Drew Brannon reported that he attended the 58 th Annual Meeting of the National Association of Conservation Districts. He said that North Carolina was fourth in the top ten quota states for 2004. National Supervisor of the Year was James Ferguson from Haywood County , NC .
Jacob Crandall also reported that Mary Combs, State Conservationist with NRCS, has gone to Washington , DC in order tow work on getting approval for a new RC&D Area in North Carolina , the Four Rivers RC&D Area.
Drew Brannon introduced Oshen Sands, Soil Conservationist with NRCS working in Henderson County , and Anna Davenport, the new Administrative Assistant for Mountain Valleys RC&D Council.
Drew Brannon listed the 2004 Executive Board (the new Executive Board’s term began on January 1, 2004 ) as follows:
| Drew Brannon – Chairman ( Henderson County ) |
| Jim Coman – First Vice-Chairman ( Buncombe County ) |
| Mike Haire – Second Vice-Chairman ( Rutherford County ) |
| Maurice McAlister – Third Vice-Chairman ( Madison County ) |
| Richard Smith – Fourth Vice-Chairman ( Polk County ) |
| Hubert McEntyre – Immediate Past Chairman ( Polk County ) |
| Jim Boggs – Secretary ( Cleveland County ) |
| Kenneth Reeves – Treasurer ( Buncombe County ) |
A plaque was presented to Richard Smith for Hubert McEntyre. The award was in appreciation for Hubert’s leadership as Chairman over the past two years. Since Hubert was unable to be present, Richard Smith will present the award to him at a later date. (Hubert’s wife had recently fallen, so he was not able to attend tonight’s meeting.)
MINUTES : The November 18, 2003, RC&D Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed. Motion to receive was made by Jim Boggs. Motion was seconded and approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT : Anna Davenport presented the Treasurer’s Report. Income for FY 2004 to date has been $131,172.59. Expenses have been $146,017.31. This leaves a net income of (14,762.02). Current assets amount to $151,008.95. The only current liability is $549.64 in payroll liability. Opening equity is $9,391.12, retained earnings are $156,929.49. The net loss of ($14,762.02) brings equity to $151,558.59.
Kenneth said that he had spoken with Sally Stokes and Anna Davenport concerning financial reports that can be produced. He would like to have a more detailed report that gives a better understanding of where the Council stands, and is perhaps broken out according to project. He and the Executive Board will be working on this, with the hopes of having a new report at the next Council meeting.
Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented was made by Maurice McAlister. Motion was seconded and approved.
SE RC&D ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE DOOR PRIZE : Anna Davenport presented a letter from the Southeastern RC&D Association asking for donation of door prizes. The prize is to be valued at $100. Barbara Meliski will check with Chimney Rock Park on getting a pair of tickets. Sally Stokes asked if anyone else knew a business that could donate. Drew said that nice prizes help draw and keep people at the meetings. Anyone else who has a contact should let Sally Stokes or Anna Davenport know.
PAYMENT FOR FY2003 AUDIT: We have received a bill from Steve Corliss, our CPA for 75% of the cost of our FY2003 audit. It is $1,612.50. Sally Stokes said that in the past such costs were charged to operating funds on grants. She would like to know how the Council would like to pay the audit fees this year. Sally suggested that operating funds from the larger grants we have be used again this year to pay for the audit. Bob Watts motioned to take the money from grant operating funds. Motion was seconded and approved.
REGISTRATION FOR STATE MEETING: Anna Davenport reported that the hotel where the State Meeting is to be held is being remodeled. They will reopen around the first of March. Nan Laughton, Administrative Assistant for the host area, Albemarle RC&D Area, said they will release the registration forms during that week. Jacob Crandall said it would be a very worthwhile experience for those who could go. Those who have been there before recommended going to Hatteras and catching the ferry, which leaves there every 30 minutes. The other two ferries only run twice a day, and you have to have reservations for them. Drew Brannon, Kenneth Reeves, and Bob Watt expressed interest in attending. Sally Stokes also said that Jim Coman might be attending.
NC ASSOCIATION OF RC&D COUNCILS TELECONFERENCE: Drew Brannon announced that the next North Carolina Association of RC&D Councils teleconference will be March 17, 2004 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Mountain Valleys RC&D location will be at UNCA, Robinson Hall, Room 129. Sally Stokes asked if anyone would be able to attend. Drew Brannon said he would go. Kenneth Reeves asked what topics would be covered. Sally said that it is the Executive Board of the State Association and they usually discuss current business like the upcoming State Meeting, strategy for getting new RC&Ds approved, and funding from state and national legislatures.
NATIONAL RC&D LEADERSHIP FORUM: Drew Brannon reminded everyone of the RC&D Leadership Forum in Washington , DC , on February 23 and 24, 2004. There is also a National RC&D Forum against Poverty there on the 25 th. Jacob Crandall said that two Council Members from Cape Fear RC&D Council and two from Pilot View RC&D Council are planning on attending, as is he and Mary Combs. Mary Combs and the others will be meeting with Senators before the forums to talk about the new Four Rivers RC&D Area Application.
NEW MEASURE PROPOSALS:
Bob Watts motioned to accept these three proposals. Motion was seconded and approved.
PROJECTS COMPLETED OR CANCELED : None
REPORTS ON PROJECTS :
Rick Lasater reported that the Brevard Planning Department has finally approved the Silverstein Project, a stream stabilization project. A local contractor is going to donate the needed machinery, they are looking for a local store to donate the material, and the Bethel Baptist Church will donate the labor. The project will begin after the 15 th of April.
Russell Blevins reported that the CWMTF Grant and the EPA 319 Grant were both closed on December 31, 2003 . All funds on both were expended. The second EPA grant is approximately 50% depleted. The project started in March is approximately 25% depleted. They have restored six miles of stream, built 28 feed structures, and installed 50-60 water tanks to promote livestock exclusion.
Barbara Meliski reported that there are four new conservation plans in the works for the UBRWP. They are 50% finished with a 36 acre conservation easement and another easement is ready for appraisal.
Jim Boggs reported that the Town of Belwood Walking track is underway. It is being done by volunteer labor. He also reported that the Broad River Greenway in Cleveland will start soon. They are working on getting right of ways. They found a plant on the proposed course that is on the endangered species list. The state has bought 1,000 acres and will donate it to the Broad River Council and the County to be managed by the Greenway.
Sally Stokes reported that the TVA Integrated Pollutant Source Identification (IPSI) of Madison County Ivy River watershed is close to completion. In addition to the IPSI, they have done digitized soil maps. Buncombe County soil maps will be done later. They hope to have the photo interpretations for Buncombe soon and the reports by the end of September. TVA does inventories for counties in their own area at a reduced rate. They will also do other counties, but not at the reduced rate.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Sally Stokes asked Gerald Harbinson is they still wanted a native grass seeding drill. There is not one in WNC. Gerald asked if any other counties would be interested in sharing the cost, which is about $12,000 to $13,000. The use of the drill ensures better stands and benefits the wildlife. Bob Carter has tried planting blue stem in Henderson County using the broad cast method, and has not been able to get a good stand. Perhaps they need to use a drill. Kenneth Reeves said there are zip feeders that would work with blue stem. Gerald said that there is a special agitator needed to get the feather-like seeds out. Maurice McAlister said that Vermeer makes a good seeder. One will be sold at auction soon. Gerald observed that there needs to be more investigation and discussion. It needs to be determined who would maintain it and how far it can travel. Bob Carter suggested that there be a measure done to have Sally Stokes investigate where funding can be obtained and who might be interested. Quail Limit of Statesville has one, and might be able to help. Dan McConnell motioned that the no-till drill be studied. Motion was seconded and approved.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
Other information handed out at the meeting and referenced:
MEETING MINUTES - May 25, 2004
BINION’S ROADHOUSE - Hendersonville , NC (Henderson County)
Council Members Present: |
Council Members Absent: |
Drew Brannon |
Jim Coman |
Jim Boggs |
Carl DeBrew |
Rick Lasater |
Robert C. Watts |
Richard Smith |
Bill McCarter |
Barbara Meliski |
Kenneth Reeves |
Hubert McEntyre |
Dan Smith |
Elise Israel |
Betty Reeves |
J.B. Osteen |
C.A. Buckner |
|
Maurice McAlister |
Staff Personnel Present: |
Marla Cilley |
Gerald Harbinson |
Steve Hartington |
Bob Carter |
Mike Haire |
Albert Moore |
Danny McConnell |
Bob Twomey |
|
Sally Stokes |
|
Anna Davenport |
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Drew Brannon at 7:02 p.m. Drew Brannon introduced Elise Israel, new Council Member from Buncombe County .
MINUTES : The February 19, 2004, RC&D Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed. Jim Boggs noted that on page 4, the fourth paragraph under Reports on Projects, should say the Broad River Greenway Bypass around Shelby in Cleveland will start soon. Motion to receive was made by Jim Boggs. Motion was seconded and approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT : In Kenneth Reeves’ absence, Anna Davenport presented the Treasurer’s Report. Income for FY 2004 to date has been $216,645.37. Expenses have been $230,311.74. This leaves a net income of (13,549.62). Current assets amount to $152,483.49. The only current liability is $287.50 in payroll liability. Opening equity is $9,391.12, retained earnings are $156,929.49. The net loss of ($13,549.62) brings equity to $152,483.49.
Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented was made by Jim Boggs. Motion was seconded and approved.
SE RC&D ASSOCIATION MEETING REGISTRATION INFORMATION : Anna Davenport announced that we have received information/registration packets for the SE RC&D Association meeting. It will be held in Savannah , Georgia on September 22-25, 2004 . Registration packet contains information on Award Nominations, Silent Auction, the Riverfront Marriott Hotel, and the registration form. Sally Stokes said registration is $200 and the conference room rate is $149. Drew Brannon is interested in attending.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: Sally Stokes reminded the group that an anti-discrimination policy must be reviewed and adopted each year by the Council. Drew Brannon read the current anti-discrimination policy. Richard Smith moved that it be accepted as presented. Motion was seconded and approved.
NC RC&D STATE MEETING: Drew Brannon, Kenneth Reeves and Sally Stokes attended the State Meeting in Ocracoke , NC . There were approximately 100 people from all the RC&D districts there. It was hosted by Rodney Johnson’s ( Albemarle ) RC&D Council. Emphasis was place on canoe trails, which are popular projects down east. They have created approximately 3,000 miles of canoe trails. There was a slide presentation of projects that they were doing in that area. It showed canoe trails, bike trails and floating platforms. These platforms extended the canoe or hiking trail. They were flotation pads like a deck out in the swamp that people could use to camp or picnic. Tom Potter, Vice President of the Paddler’s Association, goes all over the state promoting canoeing. There was a tour of the Cape Fear lighthouse. It is 45’ tall, and one of the oldest in the US . It is currently being renovated. It is in the area where Blackbeard was caught. (It took 26 shots to get him.) They also toured a Regional Education Center similar to one they have in Western Carolina . It is currently being renovated. It will provide a place for teachers to go for retreats and to take classes. It was an old military base or coast guard facility.
No new RC&D areas were approved in North Carolina for this year. There was one approved in Alabama and two in Virginia . RC&D was one of the few programs that received an increase in the budget.
The Executive Director for the National RC&D Association spoke. He talked about legislative activities and things that the State association is doing. He also handed out new Council Member Board of Directors handbooks. Sally Stokes said we might try to get more copies in order to have one for each Council Member. State officers stayed the same. Bryant Shepherd is President, Dave Dudek is Treasurer and the rest are the same.
Ron Aycock, the Executive Director of the Association of County Commissioners, who was instrumental in obtaining state legislative funds in the past, also spoke. (JC Roundtree also worked on obtaining those funds.) Ron spoke on developing a strategy for getting more state funds.
Sally Stokes reminded the group that Mountain Valleys hosted the meeting last year, and commented that it was nice to go and not have to worry about things getting done. Drew Brannon said they did a good job of organizing and preparing and that the food was very good.
PRINTING OF ACCESS ROAD BOOKLET: Anna Davenport reported that there are two options for getting copies of the booklet. At the last Executive Board Meeting, Jim Coman had suggested that instead of paying for set up costs and printing, to get reduced copies of the booklet made at a local copy store. Anna has revised the format to an 8 ½” x 11” sheet folded in half. Office Depot was the least expensive place to get it copied. One hundred copies would be $82, 500 copies would be $345, and 1,000 copies would be $625.
The other option is to get copies of the booklet through the North Carolina Extension office. Rick Hamilton is in the process of getting the booklet reprinted. Anna gave him an initial estimate of 500 copies. Sally Stokes said that the NC Forestry Service has put this booklet on their website. Tim Garrett’s council also has some funds allocated toward getting copies of this booklet. Sally also said the funds we have allocated for this project must be spent by June 31, 2004 , or they will have to be returned to the State Association. There was discussion concerning the number of copies that would be needed and what size format would be best. Bob Twomey pointed out that the smaller size is better for carrying around, but others felt the larger print in the bigger booklet was easier to read. Since this is a very popular booklet, it was decided to get 500 copies for each county. Since the booklet is not copyrighted, it would also be possible to make copies in the office as needed. Barbara Meliski motioned that we get 4,000 copies of the booklet. Anna will contact Rick Hamilton and see if this amount can be purchased with the funds we have. If not, she will get 4,000 copies of the smaller version made at the Office Depot. She will also check where the price break will fall, as it might be cheaper to get 5,000 printed than 4,000.
ASSOCIATION DUES: Sally Stokes said that we have received an invoice for the National Association of Conservation District dues. Some RC&D Councils are members of NACD. The dues are $300 per year. These dues are not currently in the budget. Since we have not joined this organization in past years and there is no money allocated in the budget for the dues, we will not pay the invoice this year.
Sally Stokes told the group that the dues for the National Association of RC&D Councils has been $250 in the past. This year, they were raised to $350 without any prior notice. At that time, the Executive Board decided to send the $250 that we had budgeted, with an explanation that this was all we had in the budget. Bryant Shepherd mentioned to Sally at the State Meeting that our council had not paid the dues in full, but was $100 short. Sally asked the group what they would like to do about this situation. Drew Brannon noted that the letter sent with the dues stated that since there had been no notice of the increase and it was not in our budget, we were only sending the $250. Anna Davenport also noted that one of the benefits the increase in dues was supposed to provide was access to council insurance. However, we already have council insurance independent of the Association, so this would not be of benefit to us. It was decided to wait out this year, and add the new dues into next year’s budget.
LEGISLATIVE CONTACTS/STRATEGY: Sally Stokes reported that at the Ocracoke meeting they said that each council should make contact with the state legislator to try to get the state funds back that had been awarded in the past. Each council is to come up with a strategy for contacting their state legislator. Drew Brannon knows some of the legislators from Henderson County , and could speak to them. Bob Twomey mentioned the Pig Pickin’ in Raleigh on June 9 th that all the legislators are to attend. George Harbinson asked if there was any information written up that shows how much money the state provided in previous years and how that money was used. Sally Stokes said we have that information on the state level and the report that we gave each year showing how the funds were used. Barbara Meliski suggested emailing our representatives. Contacts can come from individuals or from organizations. Barbara asked if staff could provide a format for an email which could then be modified and forwarded on to the legislator.
Sally asked if any council members who were also Soil and Water District Supervisors would be attending the Pig Pickin’ in Raleigh . Richard Smith said he did not know if he would be going. George Alexander and Mike Whitmyer may be going. Drew Brannon will see if he can ride with them. This is an afternoon meeting, which they are hoping will become an annual event.
Sally asked if the districts are preparing anything to leave with the legislators. No one was sure if they were or not.
UPDATE AREA WIDE PLAN: A copy of the last Area Wide Plan (with some changes) was provided to each Council Member. Anna Davenport has updated the demographic information on page seven. Following the Area Wide Plan is a letter dated January 6, 2004 , which talks about Area Plans and gives a checklist. Through the years, they have revised what is required in an Area Wide Plan. It also gives some definitions of the checklist items. There is also a page which talks about vision, mission and goals. It is time for us to revise our Area Wide Plan. It needs to be done before the end of the year, preferably even the end of the fiscal year. What they would like us to do is to get as much public input as we can. Sally Stokes asked for ideas of ways to get public input and document it. She also said that the Vision and Mission statement probably will need to be condensed. The format of the report has changed since our last one. We need to make sure we cover four elements related to the communities’ needs. Sally explained that the Area Wide Plan is a long range plan for the Council and sets the direction of work that we want to do for the next five years. The four elements that need to be addressed or discussed are:
Sally Stokes requested input as to what groups we need to get public input from; and how is the best way to do that. She suggested several possibilities: the Council as a whole look at it, the Executive Board look at it, or set up a committee to look at it.
Input from the pubic could be collected using some sort of survey sent to local conservation organizations asking for input or if there are things that we are missing. Drew Brannon asked how this had been accomplished in the past. Sally Stokes said that in previous years, there had not been an emphasis on public input, and the plan was developed among the Council Members. It was decided to send out surveys to such people as city/county managers, economic development planners, planning boards, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Trout Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, Forestry Service, and County Extension Offices. Bob Carter stated that they send out a SWCD newsletter once a quarter, and the survey could be included in that. It was decided to contact other organizations and see if we can get a survey in their newsletters also.
Sally Stokes asked how the Council wanted to address the Vision and Mission statements. Most of the Council seemed to think that what was in the current version was okay. It was decided that Sally would pick three or four Council Members to email these statements to and ask for their input. Barbara Meliski volunteered to be one of those Council Members.
Sally Stokes said that there is a new requirement that there be a letter from the Governor endorsing the Area Wide Plan. Sally asked if anyone knew the Governor and could possibly expedite this process. It was suggested to check with Jim Ferguson from Haywood County .
OFFICE SPACE LEASE: Sally Stokes reported that we have received a packet from the State Office which has been forwarded on to the County. We are waiting for the County to respond back with a lease rate. Hubert McEntyre asked who from the County would sign the lease. Sally said the County Manager will sign it, but it also has to be reviewed by the County Attorney .
NEW MEASURE PROPOSALS: None
PROJECTS COMPLETED OR CANCELED:
Bob Carter of Henderson County stated that he had received a print out from Anna Davenport showing some older projects that have been completed. They are:
He also said that the Stream Restoration – Mt. Horticulture Crops Research Stations Project (37-6006-89-321) should be cancelled.
REPORTS ON PROJECTS:
Bob Twomey reported that the Silversteen Park project is underway. They are just waiting for the contractor.
Bob Twomey reported that the Farmland Preservation Districts $500 grant from RC&D has been matched 50%. They have bought the signs and will start setting up the Farmland Preservation Districts in the county.
Bob Twomey also reported that for the first time in the southeast, the PL 566 project has raised a house. The ribbon cutting ceremony at the Rosman Parsonage will be held on June 21. The supervisors are to meet with Taylor on the 21 st at Rosman in the hopes of obtaining more funds for this project.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Sally Stokes announced that the State RC&D Association Executive Board will have a videoconference on June 23, from 10:00 am until 12:00 p.m. Our location is at UNCA, Robinson Hall, Room 129.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Other information handed out at the meeting and referenced:
MEETING MINUTES - August 24, 2004 (DRAFT)
WAGON WHEEL - Mars Hill , NC ( Madison County )
Council Members Present: |
Council Members Absent: |
Jim Coman |
Drew Brannon |
Maurice McAlister |
Carl DeBrew |
Hubert McEntyre |
Robert C. Watts |
Richard Smith |
Bill McCarter |
Barbara Meliski |
Kenneth Reeves |
Dan Smith |
J.B. Osteen |
Meredith Galloway |
Betty Reeves |
|
C.A. Buckner |
Staff Personnel Present: |
Elise Israel |
Russell Belvins |
Marla Cilley |
Gerald Harbinson |
Steve Hartington |
Bob Carter |
Mike Haire |
Albert Moore |
Danny McConnell |
Bob Twomey |
Jim Boggs |
| Loring McIntyre | Rick Lasater |
| Gail Page | |
| Ben Robinson | |
Sally Stokes |
|
Anna Davenport |
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Jim Coman at 7:05 p.m. Sally Stokes introduced Meredith Galloway of Henderson County and Dan Smith of McDowell County , both new Council members. All other attendees introduced themselves.
MINUTES : The May 25, 2004, RC&D Council Meeting Minutes were presented. Motion to approve was made by Richard Smith. Motion was seconded and approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT : In Kenneth Reeves’ absence, Anna Davenport presented the Treasurer’s Report. Income for FY 2004 to date has been $156,012.71. Expenses have been $168,310.20. This leaves a net income of (12,286.73). Current assets amount to $124,785.86. The only current liability is $221.32 in payroll liability. Opening equity is $9,391.12, retained earnings are $127,902.79. The net loss of ($12,286.73) brings equity to $124,785.86.
Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented was made by Maurice McAlister. Motion was seconded and approved.
SE RC&D ASSOCIATION MEETING REGISTRATION INFORMATION : Sally Stokes reminded everyone that we have registration information if anyone else is planning on attending. Drew Brannon and Meredith Galloway will be going. It will be September 22-25, 2004 in Savannah , Georgia.
BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD FOUNDATION SEMINAR : This training seminar will be held in Charlotte on September 28 and 29, 2004. This training is for executives and board members of non-profit organizations. Registration requires a bond, which is returned after the training is complete, but the training is said to be valued at $1,500. Anyone interested in attending should contact Sally Stokes.
UPDATE AREA WIDE PLAN : Anna Davenport reported that she had sent out the survey requesting input for the plan. A spreadsheet of the survey results was provided. The two items given top priority by respondents were control of sedimentation and conservation, use and quality of water, both receiving 81% support. There were 378 surveys sent out and 16 responses received. The information will be used in updating the Area Wide Plan.
OFFICE SPACE LEASE : Sally Stokes reported that the lease for the office space has been signed. It will be a short-term lease, with the hope of joining our lease with the other federal agencies in the building when it expires. We are still waiting to receive a final copy.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RC&D AWARD NOMINATIONS : Sally Stokes presented the information received from the National Association of RC&D concerning award nominations. Categories include Outstanding Performance by a Council, Outstanding Performance by a Council Member, Outstanding Performance by a Coordinator, Outstanding Supporting Organization, Outstanding Youth Involvement Award, and Outstanding Program Assistant Award. Members should think of anyone they would like to nominate for an award. Nominations will be made in North Carolina and winners recognized at the August 2005 meeting. Those winners will be sent on to the National Association. Mountain Valleys RC&D is responsible for the award process this year.
PERSONNEL HANDBOOK : Jim Coman informed the group that the Executive Board had made some revisions to the personnel handbook to provide more clarity. If anyone wants to know the exact items that were changed, they can see Jim, Sally or Anna. Anna also noted that there were copies available for anyone who would like to have one.
DONATION FOR THE ENVIROTHON : Sally Stokes said that Drew Brannon had received a request for a donation for the Envirothon. The Envirothon will be October 16 th. Donation amounts for $500, $1,000 and $2,000 were suggested by those making the request. In the past we have given to this from our legislative funds, which we do not have this year. Jim Coman asked if there were any moneys in the budget for this item. There are not, so in order to support it this year, we would have to take money from some other line item. Russell Blevins noted that most districts pay for their own employees. It was decided to send our regrets this year.
NEW MEASURE PROPOSALS:
Gerald Harbinson presented a measure to support the Over Mountain Victory National Historic Trail in Polk County . It was designated about 20 years ago, but the National Park Service just recently began to develop it. It comes down from West Virginia , through Rutherford and Polk Counties , into South Carolina and ends at Kings Mountain . There are approximately 20 miles of the trail in Polk County . Polk County wants to create a walking trail close to the designated route of the historic trail. The Polk SWCD will be assisting with the project. Next year will be the 225 th anniversary of the march and it is also the 105 th anniversary of Polk County. It was motioned that the measure be accepted. It was second and approved.
Bob Carter presented a measure to support new EQIP practices in Henderson County . This measure provides four new practices for use by apple farmers to reduce the use of pesticides. The first is a cost-share program for the use of reduced risk pesticides. These pesticides are more expensive than those normally used, and this program would reimburse farmers for the difference in the cost if they use the reduced risk pesticides. The second and third practices involve the use of pheromone mediated mating disruption devices. These are put into the apple trees and release pheromones which keep the insects from mating. The last practice is the use of smart sprayers. This is different from the other smart sprayer measure in that it is a cost share program for the farmers who use the sprayers. The farmer would use one of the County’s two smart sprayers at a reduce cost. It was motioned that the measure be accepted. It was second and approved.
PROJECTS COMPLETED OR CANCELED :
Gerald Harbinson reported that the Agricultural Economic Development Committee for Polk County is up and running, and the measure is complete.
Anna Davenport noted that there must be an actual vote to complete a measure. She noted that Bob Carter listed several project during last meeting which were complete, but had not been voted on. She said that the following projects were also complete:
Non-Point Source Plan for Broad River Basin (37-6006-999-279)
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project - SAIP (37-6006-999-334)
State Office Tour for Desk Bound Employees (37-6006-999-370)
Note: The following are the projects mentioned by Bob Carter at the last meeting:
Agricultural Districting (37-6006-89-143)
GIS Enhancement (37-6006-89-144)
Henderson County River Access Park (37-6006-89-155)
Installation of Mills River CWMTF Grant (37-6006-89-300)
AmeriCorp Position for Mills River Project (37-6006-89-317)
Mud Creek Restoration (37-6006-89-350)
He also said that the Stream Restoration – Mt. Horticulture Crops Research Stations Project (37-6006-89-321) should be cancelled.
Bob Twomey reported that the Farmland District Signs measure is completed. The signs have been purchased and the first ones will be put up next week.
Richard Smith made a motion that all the mentioned projects be marked as completed. Motion was second and approved.
REPORTS ON PROJECTS :
Jim Coman and Sally Stokes met with Jacob Crandall and Tim Garrett at Southwestern RC&D and toured several BMPs that were sponsored by Southwestern RC&D.
Dan Smith reported on the Muddy Creek project. They have received an EPA 319 grant for $141,000 and a CWMTF grant for $183,000. They have completed a lot of projects that have impacted the water quality. These include livestock exclusion and streambank restorations. These new grants will be administered through Mountain Valleys RC&D. Sally Stokes said that she had participated in a tour of some of the work sites with supporters from Duke Power.
Barbara Meliski reminded everyone that the next UPRWP meeting would be September 8 at 9:00 a.m. The easement on 36 acres on the Trammel property was closed last Wednesday. Albert Moore also noted that the Town of Lake Lure is now paying 25% of Clint Calhoun ’s salary. It is hoped that this will encourage other municipalities to take a greater role in erosion control.
OTHER BUSINESS :
Sally Stokes informed everything that the National Association of RC&Ds has put together a package on disaster assistance. It contains fact sheets on community involvement, fire and water issues, emergency preparedness and other information. Copies are available for anyone who would like one.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Information handed out at the meeting and referenced:
Area Plan Survey Results
BlueCross BlueShield Seminar Information
National Association of RC&D Award Process Summary
Mountain Valleys RC&D Personnel Handbook
NARC&D Disaster Planning Information