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Agricultural Preservation Board Meeting MinutesThe regularly scheduled meeting of the Calhoun County Agricultural Preservation Board was held on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 8:30 am at Calhoun County Community Development, 13300 Fifteen Mile Road, Marshall, Michigan 49068. Chairman Lark called the meeting to order at 8:32 am. Roll call was made with the following members present: Greg Moore – Calhoun County Commissioner Judy Mackinder, Pennfield Township Supervisor – Elected Township Official Matt Davis, Rosemary Davis Realtors - Home Builder/Real Estate Interest Ben Lark – Conservation/Natural Resource Interest Ken Blight – Farming/Agricultural Interest Nancy Dietz – Farming/Agricultural Interest Wayne Cornell – Farming/Agricultural Interest Also present were: Jennifer Bomba, County Planner - Calhoun County Community Development Mary Jo Crumpton, Secretarial Clerk – Calhoun County Community Development Dan Kesselring, Calhoun County Resident MINUTES Motion made by Wayne Cornell to approve the May 26, 2004 Agricultural Preservation Board meeting minutes. Supported by Ken Blight. Motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS Jennifer explained that the following two articles were included in the agenda packet for information: “Easements Likely for Two Farms”, Springfield News & Sun, May 27, 2004 – Jennifer noted that these two farms are adjacent to the farm she grew up on in Ohio. They have been accepted into the state funded agricultural protection program. This is a statewide program that is funded by a State bond that was passed. “City Slicker Adopts-A-Farm near Marshall”, Marshall Ad-Visor, June 9, 2004 – This is one article of an ongoing series about “life on a farm” being written by Donna Daines, a former County Planning Commissioner. OLD BUSINESS Constitution and By-Laws: Jennifer explained that the Constitution and By-Laws included in the agenda packet was provided based on changes that were made at last month's meeting. NEW BUSINESS Goals & Objectives – Chairman Lark stated that defining goals and objectives for the APB is the primary focus of this meeting. Jennifer noted that one purpose of the APB shall be to establish countywide goals and objectives regarding farmland protection as stated in Article III: Purpose of the Constitution and By-Laws. It was the consensus of the APB at their last meeting to more specifically define the goals. Discussion took place on doing a community survey to determine the interest in protecting farmland. As this may be a costly undertaking, it was suggested that the APB work with other agencies (e.g., Farm Bureau) to get the information out to the public. An initial survey could provide a baseline and a follow-up survey could be done several years later to determine the impact of farmland preservation in the county. The APB could provide specific information on Calhoun County from 2002 agriculture data. Also, public education is necessary on the dynamics of the program as well as the process to apply for farmland protection. Jennifer noted that the APB could develop a brochure on agricultural preservation in Calhoun County; however, funding is limited for a brochure, survey and other educational materials. It was the general consensus of the APB that educating the public needs to happen before a survey is conducted. A clear-cut expectation of the purpose of a survey should be determined. Further discussion took place on educational materials. The following suggestions were made: • News release directing residents to a website to survey/poll • Partner with the County Planning Commission to develop a packet of information for each township in the county for education • Contact the local media to publish a series of articles to educate and promote farmland preservation • Convene a forum with economic development groups from Albion, Battle Creek and Marshall to promote agricultural preservation as an industry that promotes growth • Develop a one page fact sheet • Quarterly County Planning newsletter The following potential “partners” were identified by the Board:
It was the consensus of the APB to send an introductory letter with resolutions to the townships. Jennifer will develop APB letterhead and draft a letter to send under signature of the APB Chair. STAFF COMMENTS Community Survey Information: Jennifer explained that in May 2001 the Parks Department conducted a countywide survey. Hope College students designed and conducted the telephone survey with a sample of 400 residents. Jen has made inquiries with colleges and universities to ascertain interest and costs associated with a survey. She will report back at the July APB meeting. MEMBER COMMENTS Nancy Dietz reiterated the need to develop a brochure as an educational tool. Wayne Cornell suggested putting the application process through a “road test”. Matt Davis responded that we need to get prepared for the PDR process and funding, before we begin the application process. Greg Moore said he is excited about the possibilities discussed today and the opportunities to host educational forums. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 28th from 8:30-10:00 am. With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 10:03 am.
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