CEA_04-24-08_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 April 24, 2008 at 8:00 a.m.
PRESENT: Ritchie Wilkins, Vice - Chairman; Jim Lawrence, Treasurer; Cordell Watt;
and John Marker
ABSENT: John Gavitt; Robert Solenberger; Phil Glaize; Todd Lodge; Diane Kearns,
Chairman; Gene Fisher, Board of Supervisors Liaison
STAFF PRESENT: Amber Powers, Planning Technician
OTHERS PRESENT: Bill Funk of Conservation Partners
PUBLIC MEETING:
1. Lack of Quorum
It was noted that a quorum was not present at the meeting. The Members present
continued the meeting in the form of a discussion, but made no decisions.
2. Minutes and Agenda
The minutes of the March 20, 2008 meeting will need to be approved at the
meeting on May 22, 2008.
3. CEA contribution to the 2008 Comprehensive Plan
Member's present expressed their overall satisfaction with the most recent draft.
Mr. Lawrence offered a small addition to the goals section. Ms] Powers will
include the addition in the final draft for review and possible vote at the May
meeting.
4. Snapp Property Application and the PDR Program Appropriation Approval.
Ms. Powers noted that an application had been received by Diane, and that she
was not yet sure of the details or exact location. She also reminded the group that
reviewing application at this phase may be premature, and that the group must
publicize the availability of PDR funds publicly. Mr. Wilkins reminded members
that the group had in fact received approval of the PDR program by the Board the
night before (April 23, 2008). He also shared with the group some information
about the discussions at the Finance Committee which recommended approval of
the program appropriation to the Board of Supervisors. The Red Bud Proffers, he
explained, may be one source of funding for the County's contribution, (currently
$55,000, or half of the total Open space and historic proffer funds already
collected).
Frederick County Conservation Easement Authority —62—
Minutes of April 24, 2008
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It was noted that the group must write up a press release for the PDR funding
award and also come up with a schedule for local information meeting and
landowner outreach. With the tax bills already sent out, the group will not be able
to wait until the December bills go out to include a PDR information letter. The
group may need to pay for the postage to mail out the letters.
5. Guest Speaker: Mr. Bill Funk of Conservation Partners LLC
Mr. Funk offered the group information about his company's services which
included a range of support services for the landowner throughout Ithe easement
process as well as marketers of the tax credits received by the landowner
following an easement's establishment. (He said that the company general got 80
to 85 cents on the dollar for the credits.)
For local governments, the company offers consultation services Ito help local
officials with ordinance language, program creation, and ongoing program
management. Mr. Funk provided the group with informational booklets and a
large binder full of information and templates. (Ms. Powers will have these
materials on hand at the May meeting for review by members who were unable to
attend.)
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6. Selecting Date(s) for Summer Event(s) and Pick Event Idea(s)
Without quorum, this decision was deferred to the May meeting.
7. Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on May 22, 2008 at 8:00 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:30
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Kerns, Chairman
Eric R. Lawrence, Secretary
C
Frederick County Conservation Easement Authority
Minutes of April 24, 2008
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