CEA_06-28-07_Meeting_MinutesMEETING MINUTES
OF THE
FREDERICK COUNTY CONSERVATION EASEMENT AUTHORITY
Held in the Executive Session Room of the Frederick County Administration Building at
107 North Kent Street in Winchester, Virginia on June 28, 2007 at 8:00 a.m.
PRESENT: Diane Kearns, Vice - Chairman; John Gavitt; and Jim Lawrence, Treasurer.
ABSENT: Richie Wilkins, Chairman; Robert Solenberger; Todd Lodge; Barbara Van
Osten; John Light; and Phil Glaize.
STAFF PRESENT: Eric Lawrence, Director; and Susan Eddy, Principal Planner.
PUBLIC MEETING:
Item I - Minutes
The minutes of the June 14, 2007 meeting could not be approved because there was not a
quorum present.
Item 2 — Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Funding
• Planner Eddy briefed the Members on the status of the PDR funding initiative. Vice -
Chairman Kearns represented the Easement Authority at the Finance Committee meeting
on June 20, 2007. The Finance Committee recommended that $265,000 be reserved for
PDR finding to serve as a local match for the state funding. The Finance Committee also
recommended that a line item be added to the general fund to allow the accumulation of
private donations for the purchase of development rights and the conservation easement
program. On June 27, 2007, the Board of Supervisors also voted to reserve $265,000 for
PDR funding and add a line item to the general fund to allow the accumulation of private
donations for the purchase of development rights and the conservation easement program.
Vice - Chairman Kearns discussed the need for serious fundraising. She will hold a press
conference soon to spread word of the PDR program and the need for donations. She
will coordinate with Finance Director Cheryl Shiffler on the tax implications of
donations. Members were in favor of one fund for all easement related donations.
Vice - Chairman Kearns mentioned a $20,000 grant that may be available from the Valley
Conservation Council (VCC). She will liaise with the VCC.
Members Van Osten and Kearns are working with the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
on a possible joint event in October to be held at Glenn Burnie. A local produce fair with
food and entertainment was suggested. Vice - Chairman Kearns will take the lead on this
event.
•
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Minutes of lure 28, 2007
Item 3 — Other
Member Gavitt requested that future correspondence from the Authority be sent to all by
email. Member Gavitt will forward a conflict of interest statement to all for future
consideration.
Vice - Chairman Kearns updated Members of the Comprehensive Policy Plan update.
Members wanted to be involved. Staff was directed to email already written language on
this topic. Deputy Planning Director Mike Ruddy, who is leading the Comp Plan effort,
will be invited to attend a future Authority meeting.
Member Lawrence suggested establishing an advisory committee of realtors, accountants,
etc. to advise the Authority on an as needed basis.
Planning Director Eric Lawrence advised the Members of the staff shortage in the
Planning Department and the need for active participation by Authority Members.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 a.m.
0 Respectfully submitted,
Ames R. Wilkins III, Chairman
Susan K. Eddy, Secretary
•
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Minutes ofJune 28, 2007