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Agricultural Preservation Board Meeting MinutesAGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION BOARD Minutes October 27, 2004 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Calhoun County Agricultural Preservation Board was held on Wednesday, October 27, 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 8:38 am. Roll call was made with the following members present: Greg Moore – Calhoun County Commissioner Judy Mackinder, Pennfield Township Supervisor – Elected Township Official Ben Lark – Conservation/Natural Resource Interest (entered at 9:30 am) Members absent: Wayne Cornell (entered the meeting at 8:50 am) Matt Davis (entered the meeting at 9:03 am) Ken Blight Nancy Dietz Chairman Lark noted that there was no quorum at this time. 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 – Retiree, USDA-NRCS and CCMPC member PUBLIC COMMENTS Dan Kesselring referred to the “Michigan Farmland Connection” publication that was included in last month's packet. Mr. Kesselring pointed out that on page three of this publication, an Ann Arbor Township farmer was quoted as follows: “Many in agriculture think that developing value-added agricultural products will help to keep land in farming. Frankly, I've found that it doesn't matter how high the value of a crop is, it still isn't enough to compete with development dollars.” Mr. Kesselring added that we hear this in Calhoun County. COMMUNICATIONS Jennifer explained that the following article was included in the agenda packet for information: “At Stake: Farmland”, Traverse City Record Eagle, September 26, 2004 Jennifer explained that Grand Traverse and Antrim Counties are seeking millages to fund a Purchase of Development Rights program. Discussion continued. Jennifer provided members with a copy of an article from “The Battle Creek Enquirer” entitled “Millage would save farmland, open spaces”, October 27, 2004. The article discusses Barry County's attempt to win votes for a farmland preservation millage. Jennifer noted that it also refers to a state law that enables farmers who enter the program to get out. As she is unaware of any such law, she assured APB members that she would look into it. Discussion took place on what, if any, certification is required in order to be eligible for funding. MINUTES Motion made by Greg Moore to approve the September 22, 2004 Agricultural Preservation Board meeting minutes. Wayne Cornell noted that under Public Comments, Dan Kesselring provided information on the Gorsline Farm property that was being sold off. The minutes reflected the property was being sold off in 2 ½ acre lots and should have stated “various sized lots”. Chairman Lark asked that APB members who are absent be included in the minutes under Roll Call. Supported by Wayne Cornell. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS Township Resolutions/Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund: Jennifer explained that townships are required to pass a resolution in order for landowners of that township to apply to the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program. Upon further review of the State rules, it was found that farmland preservation must also be included in the township Land Use Plan as part of the township master plan. Jennifer noted that she is somewhat concerned about this requirement, as most of our townships do not have that much detail on farmland preservation included in their master plan. Discussion took place on sponsoring an educational forum with the townships on this requirement and providing the boilerplate language to include in the master plan. Townships would need to include agricultural preservation elements in their master plan through an amendment. Jennifer explained that funding allocations for farmland preservation are determined by the number of townships that participate. Many townships are currently in the process of updating their master plans. It was suggested that the educational forum include the township resolution, as well as, the master plan amendment requirement. Jennifer noted that the Farmland Preservation Program map could be provided to each township with sections that would include or define the areas for preservation. Once one township has gone through the process and certification, they can be used as a model for other townships. Discussion continued. NEW BUSINESS Program Component Review – Selection Criteria: Jennifer noted that included in the packet was the ranking system for prioritizing landowner applications. She would like the Board to review and approve each section. Discussion continued. Matt Davis referenced B., under Preliminary Information and asked if a tree farm is different than management of a woodlot? Jennifer responded that yes, it is different and a tree lot would be eligible. Discussion took place on other agricultural uses. It was suggested that more examples be included, State definitions be referenced or a Definitions Section be included. The consensus of the Board was to include a Definitions Section. Discussion took place on the inclusion of italicized language in the document. Board members agreed that it should remain as it is consistent with the format of the State language and may be helpful to landowners. Jennifer explained that C., under Preliminary Information gives townships the authority to approve or deny an application. Judy Mackinder inquired if the township is required to give a reason for a denial. Jennifer replied that currently a reason for denial is not required. Board members agreed that a procedure should be developed for the townships to use when reviewing applications. Also, change the italicized language from “Allows” to “Requires”. It was the consensus of the Board to add “Township's” to Section D., regarding the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Matt Davis asked if we have a schedule of when townships will be updating their master plans. Jennifer replied that time frames are staggered throughout the communities. Discussion continued regarding the development of a map that compiles local plans countywide. Jennifer explained that Section G. deals with the USDA-NRCS conservation plan. The State has set up a ranking system for a percentage of land in the conservation plan; however, there are a number of different levels within the plan that cover different segments. Dan Kesselring mentioned that he has emailed the State for clarification on the conservation plan requirements. Greg Moore stated that he is concerned with the approval by USDA-NRCS and inquired if townships and/or the County will be responsible for monitoring the conservation plan. The Board agreed that acronyms should be spelled out throughout the document and that the TOTAL MAXIMUM POINTS section should be moved. Summary of Changes to Program Component Review – Preliminary Information A-G • B., Include a “Definitions” section to further explain agricultural uses. • Keep the italicized language in the document as it is consistent with the State language and may be helpful to landowners. • C., Include a procedure with the application packet and a form for approval or denial. • C., Change the italicized language from “Allows” to “Requires”. • D., Add “Township's” to include with “County's” regarding the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. • Develop a map that compiles local plans countywide. • G., Clarify the role of the USDA-NRCS conservation plan. • G., Spell out acronyms. • Move the TOTAL MAXIMUM POINTS section. Due to time constraints, Chairman Lark requested that we hold comments on the Agricultural Characteristics section until the November meeting. NOVEMBER MEETING Jennifer explained that she has a conflict with the November meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 18 th . The consensus of the Board was to reschedule the November meeting to FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 th at 8:30 am. MEMBER COMMENTS Wayne Cornell informed Board members that he attended the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin and stated that there is interest from many states for dairy farmers. Matt Davis stated that he would be attending the National Association of Realtors Conference in Orlando, Florida beginning November 4 th . He also informed the Board that Marshall Township and the City of Marshall have been meeting on a regular basis and are exploring the development of a joint planning committee. Ben Lark mentioned that he attended the I-69 Heritage Recreational Route designation recently and reinforced the need to have a farmland preservation program in place to preserve this beautiful area. With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 10:04 a.m.
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