CEA_08-27-09_Meeting_Minutes0
MEETING 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 August 27, 2009 at 8:00 a.m.
PRESENT: Diane Kearns, Chairman; Ritchie Wilkins, Vice - Chairman; Robert Solenberger; John
Gavitt; John Marker; Todd Lodge; Gene Fisher, Board of Supervisors Liaison; and Charles Triplett,
Planning Commission Liaison.
ABSENT: Jim Lawrence, Treasurer.
STAFF PRESENT: Eric R. Lawrence, Secretary; and Bev Dellinger, Secretary III.
PUBLIC MEETING:
1. Minutes.
On a motion made by Mr. Marker and seconded by Mr. Fisher, the minutes of the June 25, 2009
meeting and the July 23, 2009 meeting were approved.
2. PDR Program — Update.
Ms. Kearns told the members that the Wrights are willing to wait and see if the CEA or the
County can come up with matching funds for the federal match to purchase their easement.
Within the next year, we need to come up with $130,000 to purchase the Wright's easement;
otherwise, the federal money will no longer be available.
Mr. Lawrence stated that VDACS took back the County's grant money, but he is continuing to
monitor V DACS so that if anything changes, the County can apply for whatever monies may be
there.
Ms. Kearns believes that when the economy does get better, roll back taxes may be an
opportunity to receive funds for the PDR Program.
3. Annual Fundraising Event Discussion
Ms. Kearns discussed a fundraising idea. She stated that in Colorado, some businesses add on a
voluntary 1% donation of the cost of your meal or purchase for open space preservation. Ms.
Kearns checked with a local attorney and he said this would be legal in Virginia. Ms. Kearns
asked if the Conservation Easement Authority would be interested in establishing a program like
this; any legally -run business could participate. Mr. Gavin believes this is a wonderful idea and
that it will work; lie actually uses a program like this at his business in Hampshire County.
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Frederick County Conservation Easement Authority - 124-
Minutes of August 27, 2009
• As far as implementing this program, Ms. Kearns believes we should ask the Finance Committee
how this could work. Mr. Lawrence stated that staff can look into how to apply this concept
within Frederick County if the CEA Committee feels this will be beneficial.
Mr. Wilkins stated that grocery stores ask customers if they'd like to donate $1 for a specific
cause. Mr. Wilkins thinks that $1 may sound less like a tax than 1 %.
Mr. Gavitt suggested that when local businesses are approached about this, that we offer them
alternatives such as the I% or $1 option.
Ms. Kearns is going to check again with the attorney concerning the legality of this program and
come back to the Committee for a final decision.
Ms. Kearns said that on October 17, 2009, Bill Zartman and Marjorie Copenhaver, who both
have historic easements, will have their homes and the mill open to the public. There will be
activities such as quilt making, wool spinning, painting, music and pony rides. Ms. Kearns will
contact the local media so they can advertise this event.
4. Other
The next meeting is scheduled for September 24, 2009 at 8:00 am.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:50 a.m.
0 Respectfully submitted,
`.JgCe �'Q r�r e L.� n'1�...
Diane Kearns. Chairman
R. Lawrence, Secretary
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Frederick County Conservation Easement Authority - 125-
Minutes of August 27, 2009