CEA_11-17-05_Meeting_Minutes• MEETING MINUTES
OF THE
FREDERICK COUNTY CONSERVATION EASEMENT AUTHORITY
Held in Planning Department Conference Room of the Frederick County Administration
Building at 107 North Kent Street in Winchester, Virginia on November 17, 2005.
PRESENT: Richie Wilkins, Chairman; Bud Good, Vice Chairman; Diane Kearns,
Treasurer; Todd Lodge; Robert Solenberger and Jim Lawrence
ABSENT: Phil Glaize; John Light and Barbara Van Osten
STAFF PRESENT: Susan Eddy, Senior Planner; Kevin Henry, Planning Technician
PUBLIC MEETING:
Members approved the minutes of the October 27, 2005 meeting.
Members discussed the draft brochure prepared by staff. Senior Planner Eddy explained
that Ellen Zimmerman, a local public relation consultant, had reviewed the brochure and
suggested some text changes to make it more understandable to the public. Members
discussed the text changes and directed staff to make some of the proposed changes.
Members wanted "2005 -2006 Members" on the brochure, along with their phone
numbers. Member Robert Solenberger stated that the photo in the brochure of the barn
was his, and he gave permission to use the photo.
Members discussed the distribution of the brochure. Planner Eddy gave the numbers of
properties zoned RA (Rural Areas District) over 50 acres (1,114) and over 100 acres
(509). Members agreed to send to all properties over 50 acres. Members discussed other
mailing lists and organizations, including the Farm Bureau, the Fruit Growers
Association, the Conservation Club, property owners with designated historic sites and
those involved in the USDA's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). It
was suggested that local lawyers and accountants be sent copies as well.
Members did not want staff to wait until July to print the brochures. They directed staff
to seek a supplemental appropriation from the Finance Committee. Member Jim
Lawrence noted that the RC&D had matching funds that could be sought.
Members agreed that they wanted a letter, signed by all, sent with the brochure. Some
letters may go out from an individual member, to personalize them even more.
Members reviewed the draft website. The website will go live next week. It was
suggested that in the future the financial advantages of easements to the County be put on
the website.
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Frederick County Conservation Easement Authority -5-
Minutes of November 17, 2005
• Members agreed that publicity was important. It was suggested that a significant public
relations effort be timed to the acceptance of the County's first easement. Staff was
directed to prepare a powerpoint presentation that members could take to other
organizations.
Planner Eddy noted that Heather Richards of the Potomac Conservancy had volunteered
to give a presentation on easements and ethics. Planner Eddy was directed to facilitate
that presentation.
Member Bud Good discussed his own conservation easement efforts. Member Good
would like the County to co -hold the easement. Deputy County Administrator Kris
Tierney will contact Fay Cooper with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) to
address co- holding the easement. Staff was directed to develop an application based on
the County's easement criteria. Member Good will pursue a County easement concurrent
with a VOF easement.
Planning Technician Kevin Henry was asked to prepare a meeting summary from an
RC &D work session he attended on financing the purchase of development rights.
Due to the Christmas holiday, members agreed to meet on Thursday, December 15 th .
ADJOURNMENT
• There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
l
ichie Wilkins, Chairman
Susan K. Eddy, Secretary
•
Frederick County Conservation Easement Authority -6-
Minutes ofNovember 17, 2005