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 Minutes Archive |
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Agricultural
Preservation Board Meeting Minutes
Calhoun County Agricultural Preservation Board
March 12, 2007
Meeting Minutes
The regular meeting of the Calhoun County Agricultural Preservation
Board (APB) was held on Monday, March 12, 2007, at 3:00 p.m., in the
Planning Department Conference Room, County Building, Marshall,
Michigan.
Chairman Ken Blight called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. Roll was
called with the following members present: Greg Moore, Matt Davis, Larry
Metzgar, Sue Ann Jessup, Dan Kesselring and Ken Blight.
Also present: Jennifer Bomba, County Planning Director
Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Greg Moore to approve the minutes of February 12,
2007 as presented. Support by Sue Ann Jessup. Motion carried.
Communications
Jennifer noted the following items as communication.
- Michigan Ag Preserve Board Report, Agricultural Preserve Boards of
Boards of Michigan, March 3, 2007
New Business
Regional Ag Preserve Boards of Michigan Meeting follow-up
Dan Kesselring shared information with the Board concerning the regional
meeting regarding the Agricultural Preserve Boards of Michigan. Scott
Everett, of American Farmland Trust, has been working to develop such an
organization to assist in keeping the topic of farmland preservation in
the forefront of communities and legislators. Dan provided members with
handouts including a scope of services for being a member of this
organization. A request for $2,500 has been made for annual membership
in the organization. Dan noted that Jim Coury, Potawatomi RC&D Council,
announced that he could assist with a portion of the membership fee.
Ken Blight noted that we definitely need an earmarked funding source.
It was discussed that other farm service agencies might be willing to
support with membership funds. It is important that all farm agencies
are on the same page. Greg Moore noted that we need to broaden the tool
box to include other techniques such as tax laws, zoning, etc. Monies
captured from ag renaissance zones could be used to fund the local PDR
program.
2007 PDR Program Application Status
Jennifer noted that she has mailed applications to those who
have expressed interest in the program over the past few years. She has
also handed out a few from interested landowners having read about the
program in the AdVisor. Ken suggested that the applications be numbered
when sent out to see how many of those distributed are returned.
Staff Comments
PDR Application Presentations/Media
Jen noted that the Enquirer has not been responsive to an
article regarding the topic. Dan suggested including something in the
FSA Newsletter. Jennifer will be making a presentation at the Calhoun
County chapter of the Farmers Union. The meeting is March 26th at 6:30
p.m., at the Te-kon truck stop in Tekonsha. Jennifer welcomed any
members to attend with her.
County Ag Economic Development Plan
Jennifer discussed the need for better ag statistics to assist
in promoting our program. Ken Blight recommended the National Ag
Statistics Service (NASS) website. Matt Davis discussed an incubator
project in Calhoun County where he has worked with a professor from U of
M. Statistical Analysis of economic development data could include
agriculture. Jennifer will seek assistance from MSU Extension on their
thoughts of economic analysis by faculty or students and the feasibility
of creating a brochure with this data.
New Members
Jennifer will get a new member packet to Dan, Sue Ann and Larry.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
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Several photos included in this 
